Renesas X9258UV24I

Overview

X9258UV24I from Intersil (now Renesas) is a quad digital potentiometer IC with 256-tap resolution per channel, dual ±2.7V to ±5.5V analog supplies, and 2-wire serial interface. It integrates four independent digitally controlled potentiometers in a single 24-lead TSSOP package, each featuring volatile wiper counter registers and four nonvolatile data registers. It serves as precision programmable resistive elements in biasing, gain control, and offset trimming circuits for industrial instrumentation and sensor signal conditioning.

For engineers reviewing the X9258UV24I datasheet, X9258UV24I pinout, X9258UV24I application, or X9258UV24I equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-supply analog operation (V+ = +2.7V to +5.5V, V− = −2.7V to −5.5V), 100kΩ/50kΩ end-to-end resistance options, 40Ω typical wiper resistance at ±5V, 100,000-cycle endurance, and −40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range.

Technical Context

The X9258UV24I implements four independent resistor arrays-each with 255 discrete segments and 256 tap points-controlled via an I²C-compatible 2-wire bus (SCL/SDA). Each array features dedicated VH/RH, VL/RL, and VW/RW terminals, enabling three-terminal potentiometer or two-terminal variable resistor configurations.

Its register architecture includes four volatile 8-bit Wiper Counter Registers (WCRs), one per potentiometer, and sixteen nonvolatile 8-bit Data Registers (four per potentiometer). Power-up automatically loads DR0 into the corresponding WCR, while hardware write protection (WP pin) prevents unintended nonvolatile writes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 24-lead TSSOP (4.4mm width), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 3 per JEDEC J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5204BRUZ10 and MCP42050-I/SL, the X9258UV24I uniquely supports true bipolar analog operation (±2.7V to ±5.5V), offers hardware write protection, and maintains compatibility with existing I²C infrastructure-making it the only viable option for industrial systems requiring rail-to-rail wiper swing and robust calibration integrity.

Availability

X9258UV24I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial instrumentation, sensor signal conditioning, programmable gain amplifiers, and power supply trimming requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.

Supply support for X9258UV24I 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 resistors for calibration-critical analog signal chains, targeting applications demanding nonvolatile storage, bipolar operation, and I²C configurability in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the absolute maximum voltage rating for the V+ and V− pins of the X9258UV24I?

The X9258UV24I 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 X9258UV24I-2.7 variant designation, ensuring reliable performance and specified wiper resistance.

Does the X9258UV24I support true I²C bus compliance, including clock stretching and arbitration?

The X9258UV24I implements a 2-wire serial interface compatible with standard I²C protocol timing (400kHz max), but it does not support clock stretching or multi-master arbitration. It functions strictly as a slave device with fixed slave address format (0101xxxx), requiring a single master controller. This simplifies integration in dedicated microcontroller-based systems but precludes use in complex multi-master buses.

How does the hardware write protect (WP) pin function on the X9258UV24I, and what happens when it is asserted?

When the WP pin on the X9258UV24I is driven LOW, all nonvolatile write operations-including Write Data Register, XFR WCR to DR, and Global XFR instructions-are disabled. Volatile operations (e.g., Write WCR, Increment/Decrement) remain fully functional. This allows runtime wiper adjustment while safeguarding stored calibration data, a critical feature for field-deployed industrial equipment where firmware bugs could otherwise corrupt factory-set values.

Can the X9258UV24I be used with only a single supply voltage, or are both V+ and V− mandatory?

The X9258UV24I requires both V+ and V− supplies to operate its analog resistor arrays and wiper switches. Using only one supply (e.g., V+ = +5V, V− = GND) violates the absolute maximum rating for V− and will cause malfunction or damage. For unipolar applications, external level-shifting circuitry or selection of a single-supply digital potentiometer (e.g., AD5204) is necessary-X9258UV24I is inherently bipolar.

What is the wiper response time after issuing a Write Wiper Counter Register command to the X9258UV24I?

After issuing a Write Wiper Counter Register command, the X9258UV24I completes wiper positioning within 10µs (tWRL), as specified in the DCP Timing table. This delay represents the internal decoding and switch activation time-not propagation delay through the resistor array-and is consistent across all four potentiometers in the X9258UV24I, enabling deterministic real-time control loops.