Renesas X9271UV14IZT1

Overview

X9271UV14IZT1 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 operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, features <3µA standby current, nonvolatile storage of four wiper positions, and power-on recall of DR0. It serves as a programmable resistor in precision analog trimming and gain control circuits.

For engineers reviewing the X9271UV14IZT1 datasheet, X9271UV14IZT1 pinout, X9271UV14IZT1 application, or X9271UV14IZT1 equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI-compatible digital control, 50kΩ ±20% resistance tolerance, 100-year data retention, 100,000-cycle endurance, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) support for embedded sensor conditioning and power supply feedback loops.

Technical Context

The X9271UV14IZT1 implements a 255-element CMOS resistor ladder with digitally switched wiper access via an 8-bit volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR), directly controlled through a standard SPI interface (CS, SCK, SI, SO). Its four nonvolatile data registers (DR0–DR3) enable persistent storage of wiper positions, with DR0 automatically loaded into the WCR at power-up.

It supports hardware write protection (WP), serial bus hold (HOLD), dual device addressing (A0/A1), and incremental/decremental wiper adjustment via SPI clocked commands. Wiper resistance is 150Ω typical at VCC = 5V, and total harmonic distortion is –120 dBV/√Hz, confirming suitability for low-noise analog signal path applications.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 14-lead TSSOP (4.4mm body width), RoHS-compliant, Pb-free plus anneal finish (e3 termination).

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 X9271UV14IZT1 uniquely delivers 50kΩ resistance, hardware write protection, HOLD functionality, and four dedicated nonvolatile data registers-making it optimal for industrial systems requiring robust, field-programmable analog calibration with guaranteed power-up behavior.

Availability

X9271UV14IZT1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision analog trimming, sensor signal conditioning, and programmable power supply feedback applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for X9271UV14IZT1 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 X9271UV14IZT1 belongs to Renesas' XDCP™ (eXternally Digitally Controlled Potentiometer) family, designed specifically for replacing mechanical potentiometers in high-reliability analog control loops requiring digital configurability, nonvolatile storage, and SPI interoperability.

FAQ

What is the operating voltage range for the X9271UV14IZT1?

The X9271UV14IZT1 operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, supporting both 3.3V and 5V system rails. This range is explicitly specified in the Ordering Information table and confirmed in the Recommended Operating Conditions section of the FN8174 datasheet. The device maintains full functionality-including SPI communication, wiper positioning, and nonvolatile register access-across this entire supply range. Operation outside these limits risks parametric failure or damage.

Does the X9271UV14IZT1 retain its wiper position after power cycling?

Yes-the X9271UV14IZT1 retains wiper position across power cycles via power-on recall: at startup, it automatically loads the value stored in nonvolatile Data Register 0 (DR0) into the volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR). This behavior is guaranteed by design and documented in the "Power-on Recall" feature description and Principles of Operation section. DR0 must be pre-programmed during initial setup or calibration to ensure consistent post-power-up behavior.

How many nonvolatile registers does the X9271UV14IZT1 have, and what are they used for?

The X9271UV14IZT1 has four 8-bit nonvolatile data registers (DR0–DR3), each capable of storing one 256-step wiper position or general-purpose system data. DR0 is designated as the default register loaded at power-up. All four registers support direct SPI read/write and transfer to/from the WCR. Their 100,000-cycle endurance and 100-year data retention make them suitable for factory calibration storage, user presets, and fail-safe recovery values in mission-critical analog systems.

Can the X9271UV14IZT1 be used in a 2-terminal (rheostat) configuration?

Yes-the X9271UV14IZT1 supports both 3-terminal potentiometer and 2-terminal variable resistor (rheostat) configurations. In rheostat mode, RH and RW or RL and RW are used as the two terminals, effectively creating a digitally adjustable resistance between them. This is explicitly stated in the datasheet's first paragraph and validated by the functional diagram and pin descriptions. Wiper resistance (150Ω typ at 5V) and end-to-end tolerance (±20%) directly impact rheostat accuracy and thermal stability.

What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the X9271UV14IZT1?

The X9271UV14IZT1 supports a maximum SPI clock frequency of 2.5MHz, as specified in the AC Timing table (Page 13, FN8174 Rev 5.00). This limit applies to all SPI operations including read, write, transfer, and increment/decrement commands. Exceeding 2.5MHz may cause timing violations, data corruption, or failed register updates. The device uses standard SPI mode 0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0), with data latched on the rising SCK edge and output on the falling edge.