Renesas X9271TV14IT1

Overview

X9271TV14IT1 from Intersil (now Renesas) is a single-channel, SPI-interface digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) with 256-tap resolution, 50kΩ end-to-end resistance, and 14-lead TSSOP package. It functions as a programmable three-terminal potentiometer or two-terminal variable resistor in analog signal conditioning, DC bias control, and gain adjustment circuits operating from 2.7V to 5.5V.

For engineers reviewing the X9271TV14IT1 datasheet, X9271TV14IT1 pinout, X9271TV14IT1 application, or X9271TV14IT1 equivalent, key selection criteria include its nonvolatile data register storage (16 registers), power-on recall from DR0, <3µA standby current, wiper resistance of 150Ω at 5V, and SPI-compatible serial interface with HOLD/WRPROT support.

Technical Context

The X9271TV14IT1 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 across four nonvolatile data registers per bank, with Bank 0 enabling direct WCR ↔ DR transfers.

Power-up behavior loads DR0 into the WCR, ensuring deterministic startup wiper position. Hardware write protection (WP pin) disables nonvolatile writes when asserted low, while HOLD enables pause/resume of ongoing SPI transactions without resetting the command sequence.

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 X9271TV14IT1, AD5241BRMZ10 offers I²C simplicity but sacrifices resolution and SPI features, while MCP41010-I/P matches SPI compatibility and tap count but omits nonvolatile register storage-making X9271TV14IT1 uniquely suited for field-calibrated, multi-profile analog systems requiring guaranteed power-on state.

Availability

X9271TV14IT1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio volume control, DC bias adjustment, ADC reference trimming, and LED current regulation requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges (-40°C to +85°C).

Supply support for X9271TV14IT1 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 (acquired by Renesas Electronics in 2017) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs for power management, precision analog, and interface applications.

The X9271TV14IT1 belongs to the XDCP™ (eXternally Digitally Controlled Potentiometer) family, designed specifically for replacing mechanical potentiometers in programmable analog signal conditioning, calibration, and trimming applications where reliability, repeatability, and nonvolatile configuration are critical.

FAQ

What is the function of the HOLD pin on the X9271TV14IT1?

The HOLD pin on the X9271TV14IT1 pauses ongoing SPI communication without resetting the command sequence. When brought LOW while SCK is LOW, it suspends data transfer; returning it HIGH (with SCK still LOW) resumes operation. This enables multi-master bus arbitration or temporary interruption by higher-priority MCU tasks. The X9271TV14IT1 maintains internal state during HOLD, ensuring instruction integrity across pause/resume cycles.

Does the X9271TV14IT1 retain its wiper position after power cycling?

Yes, the X9271TV14IT1 retains its last programmed wiper position across power cycles via power-on recall: at startup, the contents of nonvolatile Data Register 0 (DR0) are automatically loaded into the volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR). This behavior is guaranteed by design and does not require host intervention. Users must pre-store the desired startup value in DR0 during initial calibration or configuration of the X9271TV14IT1.

Can the X9271TV14IT1 operate from a 3.3V supply?

Yes, the X9271TV14IT1 operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, making it fully compatible with 3.3V systems. At VCC = 3.3V, wiper resistance is specified at 300Ω (typical), and all digital interface thresholds (VIH/VIL) scale proportionally. SPI timing remains valid up to 2.5MHz, and standby current stays below 3µA. No level-shifting is required when interfacing with 3.3V microcontrollers, confirming robust operation of the X9271TV14IT1 in modern low-voltage embedded designs.

How many nonvolatile registers does the X9271TV14IT1 have, and what are they used for?

The X9271TV14IT1 has 16 nonvolatile data registers organized in four banks (Bank 0–3), each containing four 8-bit registers. These store wiper positions, calibration coefficients, or system parameters with 100-year data retention and 100,000 write cycles per bit. Only Bank 0 registers support direct transfer to the Wiper Counter Register (WCR); Banks 1–3 serve as general-purpose nonvolatile memory accessible via SPI read/write. This architecture enables multi-profile configuration storage within the X9271TV14IT1 itself.

Is the X9271TV14IT1 pin-compatible with other members of the X9271 family?

Yes, the X9271TV14IT1 shares identical 14-lead TSSOP pinout and electrical interface with all X9271 variants (e.g., X9271UV14IZ, X9271UV14IZ-2.7T1), including identical pin functions, voltage tolerances, and SPI protocol. Differences are limited to VCC rating (2.7–5.5V vs. 5V-only), temperature grade (-40°C to +85°C), and packaging suffixes. PCB layout, firmware, and schematic symbols for the X9271TV14IT1 are directly reusable across the family, simplifying design reuse and qualification.