Renesas X9279TV14

Overview

X9279TV14 from Intersil is a single-channel, 256-tap, digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) with 2-wire serial interface, 100 kΩ end-to-end resistance, and operation from 2.7V to 5.5V. It functions as a programmable three-terminal potentiometer or two-terminal variable resistor for precision analog trimming in voltage reference, amplifier gain, and sensor signal conditioning circuits.

For engineers reviewing the X9279TV14 datasheet, X9279TV14 pinout, X9279TV14 application, or X9279TV14 equivalent, this device delivers non-volatile wiper position storage (100-year retention), power-on recall from DR0, hardware write protection via WP pin, and low standby current (<5 µA) - critical for battery-powered and industrial embedded systems requiring stable, repeatable resistance settings without external EEPROM.

Technical Context

The X9279TV14 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 2-wire bus interface supports read/write/transfer operations across four non-volatile data registers (DR0–DR3) in Bank 0, with full instruction set including increment/decrement for real-time fine-tuning.

Power-up behavior is deterministic: DR0 contents load into WCR at VCC stabilization, enabling immediate operational readiness. The WP pin provides hardware-level write protection for DR registers, while all address pins (A0–A3) configure slave addressing - A3 must be grounded, supporting up to eight devices on one bus.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 14-lead TSSOP (4.4 mm wide), RoHS-compliant, Pb-free (M14.173 drawing).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digitally controlled potentiometer applications.

Compared with X9279TV14, ISL95810 requires SPI infrastructure and forfeits hardware write protection, while AD5241BRMZ100 trades guaranteed 100-year data retention and power-on DR0 recall for marginally lower standby current - making X9279TV14 optimal for calibration-critical, maintenance-free industrial systems.

Availability

X9279TV14 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical instrument trimming, and automotive infotainment volume control requiring stable component supply and long-term parameter retention.

Supply support for X9279TV14 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) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs for power management, precision analog, and interface applications.

The X9279TV14 belongs to Intersil's XDCP™ family of digitally controlled potentiometers, designed specifically for replacing mechanical pots in calibration-critical systems where long-term stability, non-volatility, and digital configurability are essential.

FAQ

What is the supply voltage range supported by the X9279TV14?

The X9279TV14 operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, as confirmed in the Ordering Information table and Absolute Maximum Ratings section. This range allows direct integration into both 3.3V and 5V systems without level-shifting circuitry. The "-2.7" suffix in X9279TV14-2.7* explicitly denotes this extended low-voltage capability, distinguishing it from the 5V±10% variant.

Does the X9279TV14 retain its wiper position after power cycling?

Yes - the X9279TV14 automatically loads the contents of Data Register 0 (DR0) into the volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR) at power-up. This power-on recall function ensures the X9279TV14 resumes operation at the last-saved calibrated position without host intervention, a key feature verified in the Functional Diagram and Principles of Operation sections.

How many non-volatile data registers does the X9279TV14 have, and what are their roles?

The X9279TV14 includes four non-volatile 8-bit data registers (DR0–DR3) in Bank 0. These store wiper positions or system parameters with 100-year data retention and 100,000 write endurance. DR0 serves as the default register for power-on recall, while all four support read/write/transfer operations with the WCR via the 2-wire interface.

What is the purpose of the WP pin on the X9279TV14?

The WP (Write Protect) pin on the X9279TV14 is a hardware-level control that disables non-volatile writes to the data registers when pulled LOW. This prevents accidental or spurious updates to calibration data during normal operation - a safeguard explicitly documented in the Pin Descriptions and confirmed in the Functional Diagram's "HARDWARE WRITE PROTECT INPUT" block.

Can the X9279TV14 be used as a two-terminal variable resistor?

Yes - the X9279TV14 supports both three-terminal potentiometer (RH–RW–RL) and two-terminal variable resistor (e.g., RW–RL or RH–RW) configurations. Its datasheet states it "can be used as a three-terminal potentiometer or as a two terminal variable resistor," and the functional diagram shows RW, RH, and RL as fully independent terminals with no internal connection constraints.