Renesas X9258TS24I-2.7T1

Overview

X9258TS24I-2.7T1 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−), 2.7V–5.5V system supply (VCC), and 2-wire I²C-compatible interface. It integrates four independent 100kΩ resistor arrays, each with volatile wiper counter registers and four nonvolatile data registers for persistent wiper position storage. Used in precision biasing, gain control, and offset trimming circuits requiring low-noise analog adjustment.

For engineers reviewing the X9258TS24I-2.7T1 datasheet, X9258TS24I-2.7T1 pinout, X9258TS24I-2.7T1 application, or X9258TS24I-2.7T1 equivalent, key selection factors include its dual-supply rail-to-rail analog operation, 40Ω typical wiper resistance at ±5V, <5µA standby current, and hardware write-protect (WP) pin for register integrity in industrial environments.

Technical Context

The X9258TS24I-2.7T1 implements four independent 255-segment resistor arrays with CMOS switch-based wiper selection controlled by an 8-bit Wiper Counter Register (WCR). Each array supports three-terminal potentiometer or two-terminal variable resistor configurations, with VH/RH and VL/RL pins referenced to V+ and V− respectively.

Communication occurs via a bidirectional 2-wire bus (SCL/SDA) supporting up to 16 devices using A0–A3 address inputs. Nonvolatile writes to Data Registers (DR0–DR3) require high-voltage write cycles (5–10 ms), while volatile wiper updates occur within 10 µs. Power-up automatically loads DR0 into the WCR for deterministic startup behavior.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 24-lead SOIC (300 mil), RoHS-compliant, Pb-free (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 X9258TS24I-2.7T1 uniquely delivers quad-channel 100kΩ pots with true dual-supply analog operation, enabling precision bipolar signal conditioning not possible with unipolar alternatives-critical for audio, sensor, and laser bias applications.

Availability

X9258TS24I-2.7T1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, programmable gain amplifiers, laser diode bias control, and audio level management requiring stable component supply and long-term configuration retention.

Supply support for X9258TS24I-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

Intersil (acquired by Renesas Electronics in 2017) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs for power management, precision analog, and interface applications.

The X9258 product line was designed for digitally programmable analog signal conditioning in industrial, medical, and communications equipment requiring nonvolatile configuration, low noise, and robust dual-supply operation.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for the X9258TS24I-2.7T1?

The X9258TS24I-2.7T1 is rated for operation from –40°C to +85°C. This extended industrial temperature range ensures reliable performance in harsh environments such as factory automation controllers, outdoor sensor nodes, and telecom infrastructure equipment where ambient temperatures fluctuate significantly. The device maintains specified wiper resistance, linearity, and nonvolatile write timing across this full range.

Does the X9258TS24I-2.7T1 support true bipolar analog operation?

Yes, the X9258TS24I-2.7T1 supports true bipolar analog operation via separate V+ and V− supply pins, each configurable from ±2.7V to ±5.5V. This allows the VH/RH and VL/RL terminals to swing fully across their respective rails, enabling use in AC-coupled audio paths, differential sensor bridges, and other applications requiring symmetrical positive/negative signal handling-unlike unipolar digital pots limited to 0V–VCC ranges.

How does the hardware write-protect (WP) pin function on the X9258TS24I-2.7T1?

The WP pin on the X9258TS24I-2.7T1 is a low-active input that disables all nonvolatile writes to the Data Registers (DR0–DR3) when pulled low. While volatile wiper adjustments remain functional, this prevents accidental overwrites of calibrated values during firmware updates or power cycling. It provides a hardware-level safeguard complementary to software address locking, enhancing configuration integrity in mission-critical systems.

What is the wiper response time after issuing a Write Wiper Counter Register command to the X9258TS24I-2.7T1?

After issuing a Write Wiper Counter Register command, the X9258TS24I-2.7T1 updates the physical wiper position within 10 µs (tWRL), as specified in the datasheet. This fast settling enables real-time gain or offset adjustments in closed-loop systems. Note that nonvolatile writes to Data Registers require 5–10 ms (tWR) and do not affect immediate wiper position unless explicitly transferred to the WCR.

Can the X9258TS24I-2.7T1 be used as a two-terminal variable resistor?

Yes, the X9258TS24I-2.7T1 can be configured as a two-terminal variable resistor by connecting either VH/RH or VL/RL to the desired reference potential (e.g., V+ or V−) and using VW/RW plus the tied terminal as the adjustable element. This mode is commonly used in current-setting applications like laser diode bias or LED driver feedback networks, where only resistance magnitude-not voltage division-is required.