Renesas X9279UV14Z-2.7

Overview

X9279UV14Z-2.7 from Intersil is a single-supply, low-power, 256-tap digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) with 2-wire serial interface, 50kΩ end-to-end resistance, 2.7V to 5.5V operation, and Pb-free 14-lead TSSOP packaging. It functions as a programmable three-terminal potentiometer or two-terminal variable resistor for precision analog trimming in sensor signal conditioning, voltage regulator feedback, and audio gain control.

For engineers reviewing the X9279UV14Z-2.7 datasheet, X9279UV14Z-2.7 pinout, X9279UV14Z-2.7 application, or X9279UV14Z-2.7 equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications including wiper resistance (150Ω @ 5V), standby current (<5µA), non-volatile data register count (4), power-up recall behavior, and 2-wire bus timing compliance per I²C-compatible protocol.

Technical Context

The X9279UV14Z-2.7 implements a monolithic CMOS resistor array of 255 series-connected elements with CMOS-switched wiper taps, directly controlled via an 8-bit volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR). Its 2-wire interface supports read/write/transfer operations using device address pins A0–A2 and hardware write-protect (WP) for non-volatile register writes.

It features four 8-bit non-volatile Data Registers (DR0–DR3) in Bank 0, enabling storage of multiple wiper positions with 100-year data retention and 100,000-cycle endurance. Power-on recall loads DR0 into the WCR, ensuring repeatable startup resistance settings without host initialization.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 14-lead TSSOP (4.4mm width), Pb-free (RoHS compliant), moisture sensitivity level (MSL) rated per IPC/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 X9279UV14Z-2.7, ISL95810 omits non-volatile storage-increasing firmware dependency-while AD5170BRMZ-50 offers higher endurance but lacks Intersil's integrated power-on recall from DR0, simplifying boot-time analog initialization.

Availability

X9279UV14Z-2.7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device trimming, and automotive infotainment audio systems requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for X9279UV14Z-2.7 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 precision analog, power management, and interface ICs for industrial, communications, and computing markets.

The X9279 series was designed as a drop-in replacement for mechanical potentiometers in digitally programmable analog signal paths, emphasizing low power, non-volatile configuration, and robust 2-wire control for embedded calibration.

FAQ

What is the end-to-end resistance value of the X9279UV14Z-2.7?

The X9279UV14Z-2.7 has a nominal end-to-end resistance of 50kΩ, confirmed in the Ordering Information table and Analog Characteristics section. This value applies across the full operating temperature range (0°C to +70°C) and supply voltage range (2.7V to 5.5V), with ±20% tolerance specified under DC conditions. The "U" in the part number explicitly denotes the 50kΩ variant.

Does the X9279UV14Z-2.7 support true I²C communication?

The X9279UV14Z-2.7 implements a 2-wire serial interface compatible with I²C electrical signaling (open-drain SDA/SCL, START/STOP, ACK), but it does not fully comply with the I²C protocol specification-for example, it lacks clock stretching and multi-master arbitration. It operates as a standard 2-wire slave device with fixed 7-bit address structure (A3–A0), requiring host software to follow its specific instruction byte format and timing requirements.

How does power-up recall work on the X9279UV14Z-2.7?

On power-up, the X9279UV14Z-2.7 automatically loads the contents of Data Register 0 (DR0) into the volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR), establishing the initial wiper position. This occurs after VCC stabilizes and meets minimum ramp rate requirements (0.2–50 V/ms). No host command is needed-DR0 must be pre-programmed during manufacturing or field calibration to ensure deterministic startup behavior.

Can the X9279UV14Z-2.7 be used as a two-terminal variable resistor?

Yes, the X9279UV14Z-2.7 can operate as a two-terminal variable resistor by connecting either RH or RL to the wiper (RW) pin, effectively using only one half of the resistor string. This configuration is explicitly supported in the datasheet and commonly applied in current-source biasing, LED dimming, and filter Q-adjustment circuits where only resistance variation-not voltage division-is required.

What is the maximum wiper current rating for the X9279UV14Z-2.7?

The absolute maximum wiper current (IW) for the X9279UV14Z-2.7 is ±3mA, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Exceeding this limit risks permanent damage to the internal CMOS switches. For reliable operation, design wiper current to stay below 2mA under worst-case voltage differentials (e.g., VRH–VRL ≤ 5.5V) to maintain long-term endurance and linearity performance.