Renesas X9251TS24T1

Overview

X9251TS24T1 from Renesas Electronics is a quad digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) IC integrating four independent 256-tap, 50kΩ end-to-end resistance DCPs on a single CMOS die. It operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, features SPI serial interface, nonvolatile data registers with 100-year retention, and supports three-terminal potentiometer or two-terminal variable resistor configurations in precision analog control circuits.

For engineers reviewing the X9251TS24T1 datasheet, X9251TS24T1 pinout, X9251TS24T1 application, or X9251TS24T1 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated SPI timing, confirmed TSSOP-24 package mapping, real-world circuit-level use cases, and two rigorously cross-checked alternative parts for gain trimming, offset calibration, and programmable biasing tasks.

Technical Context

The X9251TS24T1 implements each of its four DCPs using resistor ladders and CMOS switches, with wiper position controlled by an 8-bit volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR). At power-up, each WCR loads the value from its associated default Data Register (DR00–DR30), ensuring repeatable startup behavior without host intervention.

Its SPI interface complies with standard mode-0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) timing, supports up to 2MHz clock frequency, and includes hardware write protection (WP), device address pins (A0/A1), and HOLD functionality for pausing ongoing transfers. All nonvolatile writes require high-voltage internal cycles completing in 5–10ms.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 24-lead TSSOP (4.4mm width), RoHS-compliant, Pb-free, moisture sensitivity level per MSL3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digitally controlled potentiometer applications.

Compared with AD5242BRUZ10 and MCP42050-I/ST, the X9251TS24T1 uniquely provides four independent 50kΩ DCPs with full nonvolatile register sets, SPI HOLD/WP support, and device addressing-making it optimal for complex multi-parameter analog calibration where channel density and data persistence are essential.

Availability

X9251TS24T1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio volume control, op-amp gain trimming, LED bias regulation, ADC reference trimming, and sensor offset calibration requiring stable component supply across industrial, medical, and test equipment programs.

Supply support for X9251TS24T1 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Renesas Electronics is a global semiconductor leader specializing in microcontrollers, analog, and power management solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

The X9251 series was designed specifically for high-reliability analog parameter adjustment in embedded systems-replacing mechanical potentiometers with digitally programmable, nonvolatile, and space-efficient alternatives.

FAQ

What is the function of the HOLD pin on the X9251TS24T1?

The HOLD pin on the X9251TS24T1 pauses ongoing SPI communication without resetting the instruction sequence. When asserted low while SCK is low, it suspends data transfer; returning HOLD high resumes operation from the exact point of interruption. This feature allows microcontrollers to service higher-priority interrupts mid-transfer while preserving DCP configuration integrity in the X9251TS24T1.

Does the X9251TS24T1 retain wiper positions after power cycling?

Yes - the X9251TS24T1 automatically loads the contents of its default Data Registers (DR00–DR30) into the corresponding volatile Wiper Counter Registers (WCR0–WCR3) at power-up. Since DR00–DR30 are nonvolatile and retain data for 100 years, the X9251TS24T1 restores calibrated wiper positions reliably across all power cycles without host reinitialization.

Can the X9251TS24T1 be used as a two-terminal variable resistor?

Yes - the X9251TS24T1 supports two-terminal operation by connecting either RH or RL to the wiper (RW) pin, effectively creating a digitally adjustable resistor. This configuration is commonly used in LED current-setting circuits and programmable gain amplifier feedback paths, leveraging the X9251TS24T1's 50kΩ end-to-end resistance and ≤220Ω wiper resistance at 5V.

What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the X9251TS24T1?

The X9251TS24T1 supports a maximum SPI clock frequency of 2MHz under recommended operating conditions. Its AC timing specifications guarantee reliable operation with tCYC ≥ 500ns, tWH/tWL ≥ 200ns, and setup/hold times ≥ 50ns - fully compatible with standard ARM Cortex-M and PIC microcontroller SPI peripherals without custom timing adjustments.

How many nonvolatile data registers does each DCP in the X9251TS24T1 have?

Each of the four DCPs in the X9251TS24T1 has four independent 8-bit nonvolatile Data Registers (DR#0 through DR#3). These registers store wiper positions or system parameters and support 100,000 write cycles with 100-year data retention - enabling robust field calibration, multi-point compensation, and firmware-updatable trim settings in the X9251TS24T1.