Renesas X9315WS

Overview

X9315WS from Intersil is a low-noise, low-power digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) implementing a 31-element resistor array with 32 wiper tap points. It operates as a three-terminal potentiometer or two-terminal variable resistor, features nonvolatile wiper position storage, and supports 2.7V to 5.5V supply voltage - used in precision analog trimming, sensor calibration, and programmable gain control circuits.

For engineers reviewing the X9315WS datasheet, X9315WS pinout, X9315WS application, or X9315WS equivalent, key selection considerations include its 10kΩ end-to-end resistance, ±20% tolerance, 5µA standby current, 8-pin SOIC (RoHS-compliant) package, and 3-wire serial interface with CS/U/D/INC control logic.

Technical Context

The X9315WS uses a 5-bit up/down counter driving a decoder that selects one of 32 wiper positions across a monolithic 31-resistor ladder. Wiper movement follows make-before-break switching, preventing open-circuit transients during tap transitions.

Nonvolatile memory stores the last wiper position on CS↑ with INC↑, enabling automatic recall at power-up. The device supports temperature-compensated operation with ±300 ppm/°C total resistance drift and maintains terminal voltage compliance from VSS to VCC.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-pin narrow-body SOIC (JEDEC MS-012-AA), RoHS-compliant, Pb-free matte tin finish (M8.15 drawing).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5204BRZ10 and MCP41010-I/P, the X9315WS offers simpler 3-wire GPIO control and guaranteed nonvolatile recall without host intervention - ideal for cost-sensitive, single-pot applications where 32-step resolution suffices and SPI overhead is undesirable.

Availability

X9315WS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision analog trimming, sensor calibration, and programmable gain control applications requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for X9315WS 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 power management, precision analog, and interface applications.

The X9315WS belongs to Intersil's XDCP™ family of digitally controlled potentiometers, engineered for solid-state reliability, nonvolatile setting retention, and seamless replacement of mechanical potentiometers in commercial-grade systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum wiper current rating for the X9315WS?

The X9315WS specifies a maximum wiper current (IW) of ±3.75mA under recommended operating conditions. This limit ensures safe operation without exceeding the 10mW maximum power rating or inducing excessive wiper resistance drift. Exceeding this current may accelerate wear or cause temporary resistance deviation due to self-heating.

Does the X9315WS retain its wiper position after power cycling?

Yes, the X9315WS retains its last stored wiper position in nonvolatile memory for up to 100 years and automatically recalls it at power-up. The position is stored only when CS transitions HIGH while INC is held HIGH - a deliberate store command, not automatic on power-down.

Can the X9315WS operate from a 3.3V supply?

Yes, the X9315WS supports 2.7V to 5.5V supply voltage, making it fully compatible with 3.3V systems. At 3.3V, wiper resistance increases to 400–1000Ω (vs. 200Ω at 5V), and active current remains ≤80µA - ensuring reliable logic-level compatibility with standard 3.3V microcontrollers.

What is the meaning of "RH/VH" and "RL/VL" pin labeling on the X9315WS?

RH/VH and RL/VL denote the high and low fixed terminals of the resistor array. Their voltage labels (VH, VL) reflect relative potential during wiper movement - not absolute polarity. Both terminals operate between VSS and VCC, and their functional roles reverse depending on U/D input state, enabling bidirectional sweep control.

Is the X9315WS pin-compatible with other members of the X9315 family?

Yes, all X9315 variants - including X9315WS, X9315WM, and X9315UT - share identical 8-pin SOIC, MSOP, and PDIP footprints and pinouts. Differences lie in resistance value (10kΩ/50kΩ/100kΩ), supply range (5V-only vs. 2.7–5.5V), and temperature grade - not physical layout or signal mapping.