Renesas X9258TS24-2.7T1

Overview

X9258TS24-2.7T1 from Renesas (formerly Intersil) is a quad digital potentiometer IC with 256-tap resolution per channel, 2-wire I²C-compatible interface, ±2.7V to ±5.5V dual analog supplies (V+/V−), and 100kΩ end-to-end resistance. It integrates four independent digitally controlled potentiometers on a single CMOS die for precision analog signal adjustment in mixed-signal systems.

For engineers reviewing the X9258TS24-2.7T1 datasheet, X9258TS24-2.7T1 pinout, X9258TS24-2.7T1 application, or X9258TS24-2.7T1 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2.7V–5.5V VCC range, nonvolatile wiper position storage, hardware write-protect (WP) input, 40Ω typical wiper resistance at ±5V, and SOIC-24 package compatibility with legacy board layouts.

Technical Context

The X9258TS24-2.7T1 implements four independent resistor arrays-each with 255 segments and 256 tap points-controlled by volatile 8-bit Wiper Counter Registers (WCRs). Each WCR maps directly to a CMOS switch matrix selecting one wiper output (VW/RW) between VH/RH and VL/RL terminals.

Nonvolatile operation is enabled via four 8-bit Data Registers (DR0–DR3) per potentiometer, supporting power-up recall from DR0 and high-reliability storage (100,000 write cycles, 100-year data retention). Communication uses a standard 2-wire bus with slave address 0101xxxx₂, ACK polling for nonvolatile writes, and increment/decrement mode for real-time fine-tuning.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 24-lead SOIC (300 mil), RoHS-compliant, Pb-free matte tin finish (e3 termination).

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 X9258TS24-2.7T1 uniquely supports true bipolar analog operation with separate V+/V− rails, includes hardware write protection, and maintains full 100kΩ resistance while operating down to 2.7V VCC - making it irreplaceable in precision mixed-signal calibration systems requiring field reliability and rail-to-rail signal handling.

Availability

X9258TS24-2.7T1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical instrument offset trimming, audio signal level control, and laser diode bias adjustment requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for X9258TS24-2.7T1 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 Corporation (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 analog front-ends for precision calibration and signal conditioning in harsh-environment systems where nonvolatile configuration, bipolar operation, and long-term reliability are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the minimum VCC voltage required for reliable operation of the X9258TS24-2.7T1?

The X9258TS24-2.7T1 is specified for VCC operation from 2.7V to 5.5V. At 2.7V, all digital interface functions-including I²C communication, register reads/writes, and wiper position updates-remain fully functional. The -2.7 suffix explicitly denotes this extended low-voltage capability, validated across the full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C). The X9258TS24-2.7T1 maintains 400kHz I²C timing compliance and <5µA standby current even at 2.7V VCC.

Does the X9258TS24-2.7T1 support true bipolar analog signal operation?

Yes. The X9258TS24-2.7T1 features dedicated V+ and V− pins that accept independent analog supplies ranging from ±2.7V to ±5.5V. This enables direct connection to bipolar operational amplifier stages, AC-coupled audio paths, and sensor interfaces requiring negative rail headroom. Unlike unidirectional digital pots, the X9258TS24-2.7T1's internal resistor arrays and switches are rated for operation across the full V+ to V− differential, with absolute maximum ratings of ±10V on V+ and V− relative to VSS.

How does the hardware write-protect (WP) pin function on the X9258TS24-2.7T1?

The WP pin on the X9258TS24-2.7T1 is an active-low input that disables all nonvolatile writes to the Data Registers (DR0–DR3) when pulled low. While WP is asserted, commands like Write Data Register or XFR WCR to DR are ignored - but volatile operations (Write WCR, Increment/Decrement) remain fully functional. This allows runtime wiper adjustment without risking corruption of factory-calibrated or user-saved settings. The X9258TS24-2.7T1 requires no external pull-up on WP; it may be tied directly to VSS or controlled by a system supervisor IC.

What is the wiper resistance specification for the X9258TS24-2.7T1, and how does it impact circuit accuracy?

The X9258TS24-2.7T1 specifies 40Ω typical wiper resistance at ±5V analog supplies (V+/V−), with a maximum of 100Ω. This low on-resistance minimizes insertion error in voltage-divider configurations - for example, in a 100kΩ potentiometer used at mid-scale (50kΩ), a 40Ω wiper adds only 0.08% series error. At lower supply voltages (e.g., ±3V), wiper resistance increases to 150–250Ω, which remains acceptable for most precision applications. The X9258TS24-2.7T1's wiper resistance is characterized and guaranteed across temperature and supply conditions.

Can the X9258TS24-2.7T1 retain wiper positions after power cycling?

Yes. Upon power-up, the X9258TS24-2.7T1 automatically loads the contents of Data Register 0 (DR0) into each potentiometer's volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR), restoring the last-saved wiper position. DR0 is nonvolatile and retains data for 100 years under normal conditions. Users may store up to four distinct wiper settings per potentiometer in DR0–DR3 and select which register loads at startup via software-controlled transfers. This behavior is intrinsic to the X9258TS24-2.7T1's architecture and requires no external EEPROM or firmware initialization.