Renesas X9258US24I

Overview

X9258US24I from Intersil is a quad digital controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) integrating four 256-tap resistor arrays, 2-wire serial interface, nonvolatile data registers, and dual ±2.7V to ±5.5V analog supplies. It functions as a digitally programmable three-terminal potentiometer or two-terminal variable resistor in precision analog signal conditioning and bias control circuits.

For engineers reviewing the X9258US24I datasheet, X9258US24I pinout, X9258US24I application, or X9258US24I equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications including 50kΩ end-to-end resistance, -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range, SOIC-24 package, wiper resistance of 40Ω typical at ±5V, and 100-year nonvolatile data retention.

Technical Context

The X9258US24I implements four independent 255-element resistor arrays with CMOS switch-based wiper selection controlled by an 8-bit volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR). Each array supports three-terminal potentiometer or two-terminal rheostat configuration with VH/RH, VL/RL, and VW/RW terminals.

It uses a standard 2-wire (I²C-compatible) interface with slave address 0101xxxx_B, hardware write-protect (WP), and four device address inputs (A0–A3). Power-up automatically loads DR0 into each WCR, and nonvolatile writes require high-voltage cycle timing (5–10 ms).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 24-lead SOIC (300 mil), Pb-free, RoHS compliant (PKG DWG # M24.3).

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 X9258US24I uniquely supports true bipolar analog operation with dedicated V+/V− rails, making it irreplaceable in applications requiring direct connection to split-supply op-amps or negative reference generation without external circuitry.

Availability

X9258US24I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical instrument offset nulling, laser diode bias adjustment, and audio signal level control requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for X9258US24I 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 (now part of Renesas Electronics) is a semiconductor company specializing in precision analog, power management, and interface ICs for industrial, aerospace, and communications markets.

The X9258 product line delivers digitally programmable resistive elements with nonvolatile memory and bipolar analog capability, designed specifically for high-reliability calibration, trimming, and bias control in harsh-environment systems.

FAQ

What is the absolute maximum voltage rating on the V+ and V− pins of the X9258US24I?

The X9258US24I supports absolute maximum ratings of +10V on V+ and −10V on V−, with a maximum differential voltage (V+ − V−) of 12V. These limits are specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table of FN8168 Rev 6.00. Operation beyond these values risks permanent damage. The recommended operating range remains ±2.7V to ±5.5V, and the X9258US24I must never be subjected to voltage transients exceeding the absolute maxima, even momentarily.

Does the X9258US24I support true I²C communication, including repeated START conditions?

Yes, the X9258US24I fully complies with the I²C bus specification for slave devices, supporting START, STOP, repeated START, and ACK/NAK handshaking. Its SCL and SDA timing parameters (e.g., tSU:STA = 600ns, tHD:STA = 600ns, tR/tF ≤ 300ns) meet standard-mode I²C requirements. The device responds only to its 8-bit slave address (0101xxxx_B) and acknowledges correctly after address and instruction bytes, enabling interoperability with standard I²C masters without protocol translation.

How does the hardware write-protect (WP) pin function on the X9258US24I?

The WP pin on the X9258US24I is an active-low input that disables all nonvolatile writes to the Data Registers (DR0–DR3) when asserted (logic LOW). When WP is HIGH or floating (with pull-up), nonvolatile writes proceed normally. This feature prevents accidental corruption of calibrated settings during system operation or firmware updates. The X9258US24I continues to support volatile WCR writes and reads regardless of WP state, preserving real-time adjustment capability.

Can the X9258US24I be used with only a single positive supply, or does it require dual analog rails?

The X9258US24I requires both V+ and V− analog supplies to operate its resistor arrays - it cannot function with only a single positive supply. The analog section is explicitly designed for bipolar operation: VH/RH must be ≤ V+, VL/RL must be ≥ V−, and the full voltage range across any potentiometer must lie within (V−, V+). Using only VCC and GND while leaving V+ and V− unconnected will result in undefined behavior or failure. For unipolar-only applications, alternative digital pots like the MCP42050 should be considered.

What is the wiper response time after issuing a Write Wiper Counter Register command to the X9258US24I?

After issuing a Write Wiper Counter Register command, the X9258US24I updates the physical wiper position within 10 µs (tWRL), as specified in the DCP Timing table on page 14 of FN8168 Rev 6.00. This delay is deterministic and independent of supply ramp rate or temperature. The new wiper voltage appears at VWx/RWx terminals within this window, enabling tight timing control in closed-loop systems. Note that nonvolatile DR writes (e.g., Write Data Register) require 5–10 ms and do not affect immediate wiper position.