Renesas X93156WM8I-2.7T1

Overview

X93156WM8I-2.7T1 from Intersil is a single digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) with 32 wiper tap points, nonvolatile wiper position storage, and 12.5kΩ end-to-end resistance. It operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, draws only 200µA active current and 2µA standby current, and functions as a three-terminal potentiometer or two-terminal variable resistor in analog trimming applications.

For engineers reviewing the X93156WM8I-2.7T1 datasheet, X93156WM8I-2.7T1 pinout, X93156WM8I-2.7T1 application, or X93156WM8I-2.7T1 equivalent, key selection criteria include its Up/Down interface simplicity, ±1% absolute linearity, -120dBV low-noise performance, and guaranteed recall of last wiper position on power-up without external memory.

Technical Context

The X93156WM8I-2.7T1 implements a 31-element resistor array with CMOS-controlled transfer gates and a 5-bit up/down counter driving a wiper decoder. Its nonvolatile memory stores wiper position via EEPROM write triggered by CS↑ while INC = HIGH, enabling reliable power-cycle retention.

It uses a negative-edge-triggered INC input with U/D direction control and CS-select logic to enable wiper movement or store operations. Terminal voltage range spans 0 to VCC, with RH/RL pins supporting bidirectional voltage referencing relative to wiper direction, and Rw providing the movable terminal output.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-lead MSOP (M8.118), RoHS-compliant, Pb-free option available.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5170BRMZ-10 and MCP41010-I/P, the X93156WM8I-2.7T1 offers superior linearity (±1% vs. ±2%), lower noise (-120dBV vs. -90dBV), and simpler Up/Down control-ideal for space-constrained, low-noise analog trimming where minimal MCU GPIO usage is critical.

Availability

X93156WM8I-2.7T1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LCD brightness control, bias voltage programming, audio volume trimming, and ladder network implementation requiring stable component supply and long-term calibration integrity.

Supply support for X93156WM8I-2.7T1 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 Corporation (now part of Renesas Electronics) designs high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs for industrial, communications, and computing markets.

The XDCP™ family-including X93156WM8I-2.7T1-is engineered for analog system calibration and trimming, replacing mechanical potentiometers with digitally programmable, nonvolatile, low-noise alternatives in space- and reliability-critical applications.

FAQ

What is the supply voltage range for the X93156WM8I-2.7T1?

The X93156WM8I-2.7T1 operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, as specified in the "X93156WM8I-2.7" ordering variant. This range supports compatibility with both 3.3V and 5V logic systems, and the device's internal circuitry remains functional across the full span without derating. The "-2.7" suffix explicitly denotes this extended low-voltage capability, distinguishing it from the 5V ±10% version.

How does the X93156WM8I-2.7T1 retain its wiper position after power loss?

The X93156WM8I-2.7T1 stores the current wiper position in on-chip nonvolatile EEPROM memory. A store operation is triggered when CS transitions HIGH while INC is held HIGH. Upon subsequent power-up, the stored value is automatically recalled and applied to the wiper, ensuring consistent startup behavior without host MCU involvement. Data retention is rated for 100 years under normal operating conditions.

Can the X93156WM8I-2.7T1 be used as a two-terminal variable resistor?

Yes, the X93156WM8I-2.7T1 can operate as a two-terminal variable resistor by connecting either RH or RL to Rw and using the remaining fixed terminal with the wiper. This configuration is explicitly supported in the datasheet and commonly used for current-limiting or gain-setting applications. The device maintains its 12.5kΩ RTOTAL and ±25% tolerance in this mode, with wiper resistance (1100Ω) contributing to total path impedance.

What is the maximum allowable voltage on RH and RL pins relative to VSS?

The RH and RL pins of the X93156WM8I-2.7T1 must remain within 0V to VCC, inclusive. The datasheet specifies VR (terminal voltage) as 0 to VCC, and absolute maximum ratings limit voltage on these pins to -1V to +6.5V relative to VSS. However, for proper potentiometer function and to avoid damage, operation must stay within the recommended 0–VCC range, with VCC itself bounded by 2.7V–5.5V for this variant.

Does the X93156WM8I-2.7T1 require external components for basic operation?

No, the X93156WM8I-2.7T1 requires no external passive components for core functionality. Its CS pin features an internal 30kΩ pull-up resistor, allowing direct connection to VCC if chip select is not actively driven. All timing, storage, and wiper control are handled internally. Only standard decoupling capacitance (e.g., 0.1µF near VCC) is recommended per good PCB practice-not required for logic operation but essential for noise immunity.