Renesas X9258TS24

Overview

X9258TS24 from Intersil (now Renesas) is a quad digital potentiometer IC with 256-tap resolution per channel, dual ±2.7V to ±5.5V analog supplies (V+/V−), 100kΩ end-to-end resistance, and 2-wire I²C-compatible serial interface. It operates as four independent digitally controlled variable resistors in a single SOIC-24 package, used for precision gain/offset trimming in industrial sensor signal conditioning circuits.

For engineers reviewing the X9258TS24 datasheet, X9258TS24 pinout, X9258TS24 application, or X9258TS24 equivalent, key selection criteria include its nonvolatile wiper position storage, 40Ω typical wiper resistance at ±5V, <5µA standby current, and support for hardware write protection via WP pin - all critical for unattended calibration retention and low-power embedded systems.

Technical Context

The X9258TS24 implements four independent resistor arrays, each with 255 segments and 256 tap points controlled by an 8-bit volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR). Each array features dedicated VH/RH, VL/RL, and VW/RW terminals, enabling three-terminal potentiometer or two-terminal rheostat configurations.

Communication occurs over a 2-wire bus (SCL/SDA) with slave address formed by fixed 0101b type identifier plus user-configurable A0–A3 pins. Nonvolatile writes to its four Data Registers (DR0–DR3) require high-voltage cycle timing (5–10ms) and are protected by the WP pin, while power-up automatically loads DR0 into the WCR for deterministic startup behavior.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24-lead SOIC (300 mil), Pb-free, RoHS-compliant package with exposed pad not electrically connected. Pin 1 marked by notch or dot; pin numbering follows standard counter-clockwise convention from top-left corner.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5204BRZ100 and MCP42050-I/P, the X9258TS24 uniquely supports true bipolar analog operation with separate V+/V− rails, integrated nonvolatile storage per pot, and hardware write protection - making it the only option among the three qualified for unattended recalibration in industrial sensor interfaces.

Availability

X9258TS24 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, programmable gain amplifiers, audio channel balancing, and bipolar signal conditioning requiring stable component supply and long-term calibration retention.

Supply support for X9258TS24 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 (formerly Intersil) is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The X9258 product line delivers digitally programmable precision analog components for calibration-critical systems, emphasizing nonvolatile configuration storage, bipolar rail compatibility, and robust serial interface reliability in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the absolute maximum voltage rating for the V+ and V− pins of the X9258TS24?

The X9258TS24 specifies absolute maximum ratings of +10V on V+ and −10V on V−, with a maximum differential voltage (V+ − V−) of 12V. Operation beyond these limits risks permanent damage. The recommended operating range remains ±2.7V to ±5.5V per the datasheet's "Operating Conditions" table. Always ensure V+ and V− stabilize within 1ms of each other during power-up to prevent latch-up.

Does the X9258TS24 support true I²C protocol compliance, including clock stretching and multi-master arbitration?

The X9258TS24 implements a 2-wire serial interface compatible with I²C electrical signaling (open-drain SDA/SCL, ACK/NACK), but does not support clock stretching or multi-master arbitration. It operates strictly as a slave device with fixed 0101xxxxb address format. Host controllers must manage bus timing per the tHIGH/tLOW/tSU:STA specifications in the datasheet - no dynamic clock control is possible.

How does the hardware write protect (WP) pin function on the X9258TS24, and what happens when it is asserted?

When the WP pin on the X9258TS24 is driven LOW, all nonvolatile write operations to the four Data Registers (DR0–DR3) are blocked - including Write Data Register, XFR WCR to DR, and Global XFR instructions. Volatile operations (e.g., Write WCR, Increment/Decrement) remain fully functional. This prevents accidental overwriting of calibrated values during system operation or firmware updates.

Can the X9258TS24 be used as a two-terminal variable resistor, and how is that configured?

Yes, the X9258TS24 can operate as a two-terminal variable resistor (rheostat) by connecting either VHx or VLx to the wiper VWx and using the remaining terminal as the second connection point. For example, shorting VH0 to VW0 and using VL0 and VW0 as the two terminals yields a 0–100kΩ adjustable resistance. This configuration avoids wiper resistance contribution in series with the load, preserving accuracy in current-setting applications.

What is the wiper response time for the X9258TS24 after issuing a Write Wiper Counter Register command?

After issuing a Write Wiper Counter Register command to the X9258TS24, the wiper settles to its new position within 10µs (tWRL), as specified in the "DCP Timing" table on page 14 of FN8168 Rev 6.00. This delay applies regardless of the target tap position and is independent of supply ramp rates - it begins once the instruction byte is acknowledged and the internal decode completes.