Renesas X9271TV14-2.7

Overview

X9271TV14-2.7 from Intersil (now Renesas) is a single-supply, low-power, 256-tap digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) with SPI interface, 50kΩ end-to-end resistance, 2.7V–5.5V operation, and 14-lead TSSOP package. It functions as a programmable three-terminal potentiometer or two-terminal variable resistor for precision analog trimming in voltage regulators, sensor signal conditioning, and audio gain control.

For engineers reviewing the X9271TV14-2.7 datasheet, X9271TV14-2.7 pinout, X9271TV14-2.7 application, or X9271TV14-2.7 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 256-step resolution, nonvolatile wiper position storage across 16 registers, power-on recall of DR0, <3µA standby current, and compatibility with industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C).

Technical Context

The X9271TV14-2.7 implements a monolithic CMOS resistor ladder of 255 segments with CMOS-switched wiper access controlled by an 8-bit volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR). Its SPI interface supports read/write/transfer operations including increment/decrement commands for fine-grained adjustment without host CPU intervention.

It integrates four nonvolatile data registers per bank (16 total), with Bank 0 enabling direct WCR ↔ DR transfers; power-up loads DR0 into WCR. Hardware write protection (WP) and HOLD functionality provide robust bus control during system-level SPI arbitration and configuration persistence.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 14-lead TSSOP (4.4mm body width, M14.173 drawing), RoHS-compliant Pb-free plus anneal finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5241BRMZ50 and MCP41050-I/P, the X9271TV14-2.7 uniquely combines SPI bus control with 16 nonvolatile registers, power-on recall, and hardware write protection-making it optimal for industrial systems requiring autonomous, tamper-resistant analog configuration.

Availability

X9271TV14-2.7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for voltage regulator trim, audio gain control, sensor signal conditioning, and RF power amplifier bias applications requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for X9271TV14-2.7 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 microcontrollers, analog, power management, and timing solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The X9271TV14-2.7 belongs to Renesas' XDCP™ family of digitally controlled potentiometers, designed specifically for high-reliability analog trimming in systems where mechanical potentiometers fail due to wear, contamination, or environmental stress.

FAQ

What is the operating voltage range for the X9271TV14-2.7?

The X9271TV14-2.7 operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, making it compatible with both 3.3V and 5V logic systems. This wide supply range supports mixed-voltage designs and battery-powered applications where voltage may sag below 3.0V. The device maintains full functionality-including SPI communication and wiper positioning-across this entire range, as verified in the FN8174 Rev 5.00 datasheet Absolute Maximum and Recommended Operating Conditions tables.

Does the X9271TV14-2.7 retain its wiper position after power cycling?

Yes-the X9271TV14-2.7 automatically loads the contents of Data Register 0 (DR0) into the volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR) on power-up. This power-on recall feature ensures the device resumes operation at a known, factory- or field-programmed setting without host intervention. DR0 itself is nonvolatile and retains its value for 100 years, guaranteeing consistent behavior across decades of use.

How many nonvolatile registers does the X9271TV14-2.7 have, and what are they used for?

The X9271TV14-2.7 contains 16 nonvolatile data registers organized in four banks of four 8-bit registers each. These store wiper positions, calibration coefficients, or system parameters. Only Bank 0 registers support direct transfer to the WCR; Banks 1–3 serve as general-purpose nonvolatile memory. Each register withstands 100,000 write cycles and retains data for 100 years, enabling robust field calibration and multi-point trimming.

Can the X9271TV14-2.7 be used as a two-terminal variable resistor?

Yes-the X9271TV14-2.7 supports both three-terminal potentiometer and two-terminal variable resistor configurations. In two-terminal mode, either RH or RL is tied to the signal path while RW serves as the adjustable node; the unused terminal is left open or grounded depending on topology. This flexibility enables use in voltage dividers, current limiters, and feedback networks without external components.

What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the X9271TV14-2.7?

The X9271TV14-2.7 supports SPI clock frequencies up to 2.5MHz, as specified in the AC Timing table of the FN8174 datasheet. At this rate, full 3-byte instructions complete in under 1.2µs, enabling rapid reconfiguration in real-time control loops. Timing parameters including tSU, tH, tWH, and tWL are guaranteed across the full industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C) and supply range (2.7V–5.5V).