Renesas X9271UV14ZT1

Overview

X9271UV14ZT1 from Intersil (now Renesas) is a single-supply, low-power, 256-tap digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) with SPI interface, 50kΩ end-to-end resistance, ±20% tolerance, 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 X9271UV14ZT1 datasheet, X9271UV14ZT1 pinout, X9271UV14ZT1 application, or X9271UV14ZT1 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2.7V–5.5V supply range, <3µA standby current, nonvolatile storage of 16 wiper positions, power-on recall from DR0, and SPI-compatible serial interface with hardware write protection.

Technical Context

The X9271UV14ZT1 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 at up to 2.5MHz, with dedicated HOLD and WP pins enabling bus pause and hardware write lock.

It integrates four nonvolatile data registers (DR0–DR3) in Bank 0 for persistent wiper position storage, with automatic DR0→WCR loading at power-up. The device operates across –40°C to +85°C, features 100-year data retention, and withstands 100,000 write cycles per register bit.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 14-lead TSSOP (4.4mm width), RoHS-compliant, Pb-free plus anneal finish, MSL Level 3 per JEDEC J-STD-020.

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 X9271UV14ZT1 uniquely combines 50kΩ impedance, wide 2.7–5.5V operation, SPI interface, and nonvolatile DR0 power-on recall-making it optimal for industrial voltage regulation and sensor trimming where supply flexibility and configuration persistence are critical.

Availability

X9271UV14ZT1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for voltage regulator feedback, sensor signal conditioning, audio volume control, RF amplifier biasing, and LCD contrast adjustment requiring stable component supply across commercial and industrial temperature ranges.

Supply support for X9271UV14ZT1 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 X9271UV14ZT1 belongs to Renesas' XDCP™ family of digitally controlled potentiometers, designed specifically for replacing mechanical trimmers in precision analog circuits requiring programmable resistance with nonvolatile memory and industrial-grade reliability.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for the X9271UV14ZT1?

The X9271UV14ZT1 is rated for industrial operation from –40°C to +85°C, as confirmed by the ordering information table specifying "X9271UV14IZ" and "X9271UV14IZ-2.7T1" variants with that range. This makes the X9271UV14ZT1 suitable for deployment in harsh environments such as factory automation controllers and outdoor telecom equipment where ambient temperatures exceed commercial limits.

Does the X9271UV14ZT1 support true SPI mode with CPOL=0 and CPHA=0?

Yes, the X9271UV14ZT1 supports standard SPI Mode 0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0): data is latched on the rising edge of SCK and shifted out on the falling edge. The datasheet explicitly states "data is latched by the rising edge of the serial clock" for SI and "data is clocked out by the falling edge of the serial clock" for SO-fully compliant with Mode 0 timing requirements.

How many nonvolatile data registers does the X9271UV14ZT1 have, and what is their purpose?

The X9271UV14ZT1 contains 16 nonvolatile data registers organized as four banks of four 8-bit registers. These store wiper positions or user-defined system parameters. Only Bank 0 (DR0–DR3) supports direct transfer to the volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR); Banks 1–3 provide additional SPI-accessible memory for extended configuration storage without affecting wiper control.

Can the X9271UV14ZT1 be used as a two-terminal variable resistor, and what are the design implications?

Yes, the X9271UV14ZT1 can operate as a two-terminal variable resistor by connecting either RH or RL to RW (e.g., RH→RW for adjustable low-side resistance). In this mode, total resistance varies from 0Ω to 50kΩ with 256 discrete steps. Designers must account for 150Ω typical wiper resistance and ensure current stays within ±3mA limit to avoid nonlinearities or self-heating effects.

What happens to the wiper position of the X9271UV14ZT1 during power-up?

On power-up, the X9271UV14ZT1 automatically loads the contents of Data Register 0 (DR0) into the volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR), establishing the initial wiper position. This power-on recall behavior is guaranteed across all operating conditions and eliminates the need for host firmware to initialize the wiper-enabling immediate analog functionality upon power application.