Renesas X9251UV24

Overview

X9251UV24 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, operating from 2.7V to 5.5V supply, with SPI interface, nonvolatile data registers, and <5µA standby current - used for precision gain control in audio amplifiers and DC bias trimming in RF power amplifier stages.

For engineers reviewing the X9251UV24 datasheet, X9251UV24 pinout, X9251UV24 application, or X9251UV24 equivalent, this page delivers verified circuit role, validated SPI timing constraints, confirmed 24-lead TSSOP package mapping, exact wiper resistance (220Ω typ @5V), and real-world use cases including LCD contrast adjustment and sensor signal conditioning.

Technical Context

The X9251UV24 implements four independent digital potentiometers using resistor arrays and CMOS switches, each with an 8-bit volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR) and four 8-bit nonvolatile Data Registers (DR0–DR3). Wiper position is updated via SPI write, transfer, or increment/decrement commands, with power-up loading from DR#0.

Its SPI interface supports three-byte read/write operations, two-byte transfers, and real-time wiper tuning via SI-driven increment/decrement mode. Hardware write protection (WP) disables nonvolatile writes, while HOLD enables serial bus pause without reset - all within 2.7V–5.5V VCC operation and 2MHz max SCK frequency.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 24-lead TSSOP (4.4mm wide), RoHS-compliant, Pb-free, M24.173 drawing.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5204BRUZ10 and MCP42050-I/SL, the X9251UV24 uniquely combines quad 50kΩ channels, SPI with HOLD and increment/decrement, and four nonvolatile registers per channel - making it optimal for self-contained, field-calibratable analog control in compact embedded systems.

Availability

X9251UV24 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio amplifier gain control, RF power amplifier biasing, LCD contrast adjustment, and sensor signal conditioning requiring stable component supply and long-term calibration retention.

Supply support for X9251UV24 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 delivering microcontrollers, analog power, and mixed-signal solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

The X9251UV24 belongs to Renesas' XDCP™ family of digitally controlled potentiometers, designed specifically for replacing mechanical trimpots in automated calibration, programmable gain, and precision DC bias applications.

FAQ

What is the exact supply voltage range supported by the X9251UV24?

The X9251UV24 operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, as confirmed in the Ordering Information table and Recommended Operating Conditions section of FN8166 Rev 7.00. This range accommodates both 3.3V and 5V systems and enables direct use with Li-ion battery-powered devices down to 2.7V cutoff. The X9251UV24 does not require separate analog or digital supplies.

Does the X9251UV24 retain wiper settings after power loss?

Yes - the X9251UV24 loads its volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR) from nonvolatile Data Register zero (DR#0) at power-up. Each of the four DCPs has four 8-bit nonvolatile DRs, enabling storage of up to four distinct wiper positions per channel with 100-year data retention and 100,000 write cycles.

How many pins does the X9251UV24 use for its SPI interface, and what are their functions?

The X9251UV24 uses six dedicated SPI pins: CS (chip select, active-low), SCK (serial clock), SI (serial input), SO (serial output), HOLD (bus pause), and WP (hardware write protect). A0 and A1 serve as device address inputs, not SPI data lines. Pins 6 and 19 are NC and must remain unconnected.

Can the X9251UV24 be used as a two-terminal variable resistor?

Yes - each of the four DCPs in the X9251UV24 can operate as either a three-terminal potentiometer (using RH, RL, and RW) or a two-terminal variable resistor (using RW and either RH or RL). The datasheet explicitly states this dual-mode capability and shows both configurations in Application Circuits on Page 17.

What is the wiper resistance specification for the X9251UV24 at 5V supply?

At VCC = 5V, the typical wiper resistance (RW) of the X9251UV24 is 220Ω, as specified in the Analog Characteristics table (Page 12, FN8166 Rev 7.00). This value impacts insertion loss and loading effects when used in voltage divider or gain-setting configurations.