Renesas X9271UV14

Overview

X9271UV14 from Intersil 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 X9271UV14 datasheet, X9271UV14 pinout, X9271UV14 application, or X9271UV14 equivalent, key selection criteria include its nonvolatile data register storage, power-on recall of DR0 to WCR, wiper resistance ≤150Ω at 5V, standby current <3µA, and SPI-compatible serial interface with HOLD/WRPROT support.

Technical Context

The X9271UV14 implements a 255-element resistive ladder with CMOS-switched wiper controlled by an 8-bit volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR). Its SPI interface supports read/write/transfer operations using 3-byte instructions and includes dedicated HOLD and hardware write-protect (WP) pins for robust bus management.

Power-up behavior is deterministic: DR0 contents load into WCR automatically, enabling repeatable startup wiper position. Four nonvolatile data registers (DR0–DR3) store wiper positions or system parameters, with 100-year data retention and 100,000 write cycles per bit.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 14-lead TSSOP (4.4mm width), 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 AD5241BRMZ10 and MCP41HV51-103, the X9271UV14 uniquely combines 50kΩ resistance, four nonvolatile registers with DR0 auto-recall, and dedicated HOLD/WRPROT pins-making it optimal for industrial calibration systems requiring robust bus control and persistent multi-point trim storage.

Availability

X9271UV14 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for voltage regulator trimming, sensor signal conditioning, audio gain control, and RF bias setting requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges (-40°C to +85°C).

Supply support for X9271UV14 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) designs high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs for power management, precision analog, and interface applications.

The X9271UV14 belongs to Intersil's XDCP™ family of digitally controlled potentiometers, engineered for reliable, nonvolatile analog trimming in industrial, automotive, and communications systems where mechanical potentiometer replacement is required.

FAQ

What is the default power-up behavior of the X9271UV14?

On power-up, the X9271UV14 automatically loads the contents of Data Register 0 (DR0) into the volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR), establishing a repeatable initial wiper position without host intervention. This behavior is guaranteed across the full -40°C to +85°C operating range and requires no external configuration. The DR0 value itself is nonvolatile and retains its setting for 100 years.

Does the X9271UV14 support true SPI mode with CPOL=0 and CPHA=0?

Yes, the X9271UV14 operates in standard SPI Mode 0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0): data is sampled on the rising edge of SCK and shifted out on the falling edge. The SI input latches data on SCK rising edge, and SO outputs data on SCK falling edge. CS must remain LOW throughout each instruction sequence, and HOLD/WRPROT must be HIGH during active transactions.

Can the X9271UV14 be used in a two-terminal variable resistor configuration?

Yes, the X9271UV14 supports two-terminal operation by connecting either RH or RL to RW, effectively creating a digitally adjustable resistor between the remaining terminal and RW. This configuration is explicitly supported in the datasheet and maintains full 256-step resolution and nonvolatile storage capability for the selected wiper position.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the X9271UV14 SPI interface?

The X9271UV14 supports a maximum SPI clock frequency of 2.5MHz under recommended operating conditions. This limit applies to all instruction types-including Read/Write WCR, Data Register transfers, and Increment/Decrement-and is specified with VCC ≥ 2.7V and ambient temperature within -40°C to +85°C.

How does hardware write protection (WP pin) function on the X9271UV14?

When the WP pin is driven LOW, the X9271UV14 blocks all nonvolatile write operations-including writes to Data Registers DR0–DR3-while still permitting volatile WCR updates and reads. This prevents accidental corruption of calibrated settings during normal system operation. WP is a CMOS-level input and must be held HIGH to enable nonvolatile programming.