Renesas X9259TS24IZ-2.7

Overview

X9259TS24IZ-2.7 from Intersil (now Renesas) is a quad digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) IC integrating four independent 256-tap, 50kΩ end-to-end resistance DCPs on a single CMOS die. It operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, features 2-wire (I²C-compatible) serial interface, nonvolatile data registers with 100-year retention, and supports wiper position recall at power-up. It serves as programmable gain/voltage/offset control in analog signal conditioning circuits.

For engineers reviewing the X9259TS24IZ-2.7 datasheet, X9259TS24IZ-2.7 pinout, X9259TS24IZ-2.7 application, or X9259TS24IZ-2.7 equivalent, key selection considerations include its -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range, 24-pin SOIC package, 2.7V minimum supply, 0.4% resolution, and hardware write-protect (WP) functionality for register integrity.

Technical Context

The X9259TS24IZ-2.7 implements four independent digital potentiometers using resistor ladders and CMOS switch matrices, each with an 8-bit volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR) controlling wiper position and four 8-bit nonvolatile Data Registers (DR0–DR3) for persistent storage. Communication occurs via a standard 2-wire bus supporting read/write/transfer instructions with device address pins A0–A3 enabling up to 16 devices on one bus.

Each DCP functions as either a three-terminal potentiometer (RH–RW–RL) or two-terminal variable resistor. The WP pin enables hardware-level protection against unintended nonvolatile writes. Power-up behavior loads DR#0 values into corresponding WCRs, ensuring repeatable startup states without host intervention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 24-lead SOIC (RoHS-compliant, JEDEC MS-013 variant, package drawing M24.3).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5242BRUZ10 and MCP42010-I/P, the X9259TS24IZ-2.7 uniquely delivers quad-channel operation, hardware write protection, and guaranteed nonvolatile retention - making it optimal for industrial calibration, multi-loop control, and fail-safe analog tuning where register integrity and channel density are critical.

Availability

X9259TS24IZ-2.7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, RF power amplifier biasing, audio volume control, and programmable voltage regulator applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for X9259TS24IZ-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 X9259 series was designed as a high-reliability, nonvolatile digital potentiometer family targeting precision analog trimming in harsh environments - emphasizing data integrity, wide supply range, and industrial temperature operation.

FAQ

What is the operating voltage range for the X9259TS24IZ-2.7?

The X9259TS24IZ-2.7 operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V, as specified in the "X9259-2.7" variant designation and confirmed in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. This extended low-voltage capability enables compatibility with 3.3 V and 2.7 V microcontrollers and battery-powered systems where headroom is constrained. Operation below 2.7 V is not guaranteed and may result in incomplete register writes or communication failure.

Does the X9259TS24IZ-2.7 retain wiper settings after power cycling?

Yes - the X9259TS24IZ-2.7 automatically loads the contents of Data Register DR#0 into the corresponding Wiper Counter Register (WCR) at power-up. While the WCR itself is volatile, this default recall mechanism ensures repeatable startup states. Full nonvolatile storage of up to four distinct wiper positions per DCP is supported via DR#0–DR#3, each retaining data for 100 years.

How many independent potentiometers does the X9259TS24IZ-2.7 contain?

The X9259TS24IZ-2.7 integrates four completely independent digitally controlled potentiometers (DCPs) on a single monolithic CMOS die. Each DCP has dedicated RH, RL, and RW terminals, its own WCR, and four associated nonvolatile Data Registers - enabling simultaneous, isolated analog adjustments in multi-channel systems without crosstalk.

What is the purpose of the WP pin on the X9259TS24IZ-2.7?

The WP (Write Protect) pin on the X9259TS24IZ-2.7 is an active-low hardware control that disables all nonvolatile writes to the Data Registers when asserted (pulled to GND). This prevents accidental or malicious modification of calibrated settings during system operation or firmware updates, enhancing field reliability and calibration security beyond software-only protection schemes.

Is the X9259TS24IZ-2.7 compatible with standard I²C timing?

Yes - the X9259TS24IZ-2.7 complies with standard I²C Fast Mode timing: maximum SCL frequency of 400 kHz, tHIGH ≥ 600 ns, tLOW ≥ 1300 ns, and tSU:STA ≥ 600 ns. Its SDA pin is open-drain with internal logic-level thresholds, requiring only an external pull-up resistor. No level-shifting or protocol translation is needed for direct interfacing with standard I²C masters.