Renesas X9271UV14IT1

Overview

X9271UV14IT1 from Intersil (now Renesas) is a single-channel, SPI-compatible digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) with 256-tap resolution, 50kΩ end-to-end resistance, and 2.7V–5.5V supply operation. It functions as a programmable three-terminal potentiometer or two-terminal variable resistor for precision analog trimming in embedded signal conditioning circuits.

For engineers reviewing the X9271UV14IT1 datasheet, X9271UV14IT1 pinout, X9271UV14IT1 application, or X9271UV14IT1 equivalent, this device supports nonvolatile wiper position storage, power-on recall of DR0, hardware write protection, and low-power standby (<3µA), making it suitable for battery-powered instrumentation, sensor calibration, and industrial control systems requiring repeatable analog adjustment without mechanical wear.

Technical Context

The X9271UV14IT1 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 operates at up to 2.5MHz with full read/write/transfer support for both WCR and 16 nonvolatile data registers (4 per bank, Bank 0 only usable for WCR transfers).

Power-up automatically loads DR0 into the WCR, enabling deterministic startup behavior. Hardware write protection (WP pin) disables nonvolatile register writes when asserted low, while HOLD allows pausing ongoing SPI transactions without resetting the command sequence - critical for multi-master or interrupt-driven bus environments.

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 AD5241BRMZ10 and MCP41010-I/P, the X9271UV14IT1 uniquely combines SPI interface, 50kΩ resistance, hardware write protection, HOLD functionality, and nonvolatile DR0 power-on recall-making it optimal for industrial systems requiring tamper-resistant, self-initializing analog trimming.

Availability

X9271UV14IT1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, programmable power supplies, and audio equipment requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability and RoHS compliance.

Supply support for X9271UV14IT1 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, and mixed-signal solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The X9271 series was designed specifically for high-reliability analog trimming applications requiring nonvolatile storage, SPI configurability, and extended data retention-targeting instrumentation, test equipment, and factory-calibrated embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the function of the HOLD pin on the X9271UV14IT1?

The HOLD pin on the X9271UV14IT1 allows pausing an ongoing SPI transaction without resetting the command sequence. When asserted low while SCK is low, it suspends communication; returning it high resumes from the same point. This feature is essential in real-time systems where interrupts must preempt serial operations without corrupting register state or requiring reinitialization of the X9271UV14IT1.

Does the X9271UV14IT1 retain its wiper position after power cycling?

Yes - the X9271UV14IT1 automatically loads the contents of Data Register 0 (DR0) into the volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR) on power-up. Since DR0 is nonvolatile and retains data for 100 years, the X9271UV14IT1 restores a known, user-programmed wiper position at every startup, ensuring deterministic analog behavior without host MCU intervention.

Can the X9271UV14IT1 be used as a two-terminal variable resistor?

Yes - the X9271UV14IT1 supports both three-terminal potentiometer and two-terminal variable resistor configurations. In two-terminal mode, either RH or RL is connected to the wiper (RW), effectively creating a digitally adjustable resistance between RW and the unconnected terminal. This is commonly used in gain-setting feedback networks and current-limiting applications where only one adjustable endpoint is needed.

What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the X9271UV14IT1?

The X9271UV14IT1 supports SPI clock frequencies up to 2.5MHz under recommended operating conditions. This allows rapid reconfiguration of wiper position or register data - for example, completing a full 3-byte write instruction in under 1.2µs - enabling dynamic compensation loops in real-time control systems using the X9271UV14IT1.

How does hardware write protection work on the X9271UV14IT1?

Hardware write protection on the X9271UV14IT1 is controlled by the WP pin: when held low, all nonvolatile write operations (including writes to data registers and transfer-to-register commands) are blocked, even if valid SPI instructions are received. This prevents accidental or malicious corruption of stored calibration data, and is especially valuable in deployed systems where firmware updates or field diagnostics might otherwise overwrite critical X9271UV14IT1 settings.