Renesas X9258US24-2.7

Overview

X9258US24-2.7 from Intersil (now Renesas) is a quad digital potentiometer IC with 256-tap resolution per channel, 2-wire I²C-compatible interface, ±2.7V to ±5.5V dual analog supply range, and 50kΩ end-to-end resistance - used for precision gain/offset trimming in audio, sensor signal conditioning, and programmable power supply feedback loops.

For engineers reviewing the X9258US24-2.7 datasheet, X9258US24-2.7 pinout, X9258US24-2.7 application, or X9258US24-2.7 equivalent, key selection criteria include its low 40Ω typical wiper resistance at ±5V, <5µA standby current, nonvolatile data register retention (100 years), and support for incremental/decremental wiper control via I²C clock pulses.

Technical Context

The X9258US24-2.7 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 variable resistor configurations.

It uses a 2-wire serial interface compliant with standard I²C timing (400kHz max), supports hardware write protection (WP pin), and provides four nonvolatile Data Registers (DR0–DR3) per potentiometer for persistent wiper position storage. Power-up automatically loads DR0 into the WCR.

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 AD5204BRUZ10 and MCP42050-I/P, the X9258US24-2.7 uniquely supports independent ±2.7V to ±5.5V analog supplies - essential for precision AC-coupled or rail-splitting circuits - while retaining I²C compatibility and hardware write protection for robust calibration management.

Availability

X9258US24-2.7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio equipment manufacturing, industrial sensor modules, programmable power supplies, and medical instrumentation requiring stable component supply and long-term calibration integrity.

Supply support for X9258US24-2.7 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 controlled potentiometers optimized for high-reliability, low-noise, and low-power analog trimming - targeting applications demanding long-term calibration stability and bipolar signal handling.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating voltage for the X9258US24-2.7?

The X9258US24-2.7 operates with VCC from 2.7V to 5.5V, and analog supplies V+ and V− each ranging from ±2.7V to ±5.5V. This extended low-voltage capability enables use in battery-powered systems where supply headroom is constrained, while maintaining full 256-tap resolution and nonvolatile register functionality across the entire range.

Does the X9258US24-2.7 support true bipolar operation?

Yes, the X9258US24-2.7 supports true bipolar operation via independent V+ and V− analog supplies, allowing VH/RH terminals to be biased up to +5.5V and VL/RL down to −5.5V. This enables direct interfacing with AC-coupled signals, op-amp rail-splitting networks, and other bipolar analog topologies without external level-shifting circuitry - a capability not found in most single-supply digital potentiometers.

How does the hardware write protect (WP) pin function on the X9258US24-2.7?

When the WP pin is driven LOW, the X9258US24-2.7 blocks all nonvolatile writes to its Data Registers (DR0–DR3), preventing accidental overwrites during normal system operation. Volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR) updates remain enabled. This feature safeguards factory-calibrated values and user-defined settings, making the X9258US24-2.7 suitable for field-deployed instruments where firmware updates must not alter critical analog trims.

Can the X9258US24-2.7 wiper position be adjusted incrementally without sending full register data?

Yes, the X9258US24-2.7 supports real-time incremental/decremental wiper control: after issuing the Increment/Decrement command, each SCL clock pulse with SDA HIGH moves the selected wiper one tap toward VH/RH, and each pulse with SDA LOW moves it one tap toward VL/RL. This eliminates the need for full 8-bit register writes during dynamic tuning - reducing I²C bus overhead and enabling smooth, jitter-free adjustments in audio or servo applications.

What is the wiper resistance specification for the X9258US24-2.7 at 2.7V supplies?

The datasheet specifies wiper resistance (RW) as 40Ω typical at ±5V and 150–250Ω at ±3V. At the minimum 2.7V analog supply (±2.7V), RW is not explicitly characterized, but falls within the 150–250Ω range based on the trend shown in the Analog Specifications table. For designs requiring sub-100Ω wiper resistance, operation at ≥±4.5V is recommended to ensure 40Ω typical performance.