Renesas X9401WS24I-2.7

Overview

X9401WS24I-2.7 from Intersil is a quad digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) with 64-tap resistor arrays per channel, SPI serial interface, 10 kΩ end-to-end resistance, 150 Ω typical wiper resistance, and 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply operation-used for precision analog trimming in programmable power supplies and sensor signal conditioning.

For engineers reviewing the X9401WS24I-2.7 datasheet, X9401WS24I-2.7 pinout, X9401WS24I-2.7 application, or X9401WS24I-2.7 equivalent, key selection criteria include nonvolatile wiper position storage, four independent 6-bit data registers per pot, hardware write protection (WP), HOLD functionality for SPI pause, and SOIC-24 package compatibility with industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C).

Technical Context

The X9401WS24I-2.7 implements four independent 64-element CMOS resistor arrays, each controlled by a volatile 6-bit Wiper Counter Register (WCR) decoded to select one of 64 taps. Each array supports three-terminal potentiometer or two-terminal variable resistor configurations with VH/VL terminals and VW wiper output.

It uses standard SPI protocol (CS, SCK, SI, SO) with device addressing via A0/A1 pins (up to 4 devices on bus), supports global and individual register transfers between WCR and four nonvolatile data registers (DR0–DR3), and includes hardware write protection (WP) and HOLD for interruptible serial communication.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 24-lead SOIC (300 mil), Pb-free, RoHS compliant, M24.3 outline.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with X9401WS24I-2.7, AD5204BRUZ10 offers finer 256-step control but omits hardware write protection, while MCP42010-I/P provides lower standby current and shutdown capability but supports only two pots in a smaller package-making X9401WS24I-2.7 optimal for industrial systems needing four independent, robustly protected, field-calibratable resistors.

Availability

X9401WS24I-2.7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for programmable power supplies, sensor signal conditioning, audio balance control, and industrial DAC calibration requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for X9401WS24I-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 Corporation is a leading provider of precision analog and power management solutions, now part of Renesas Electronics, with deep expertise in high-reliability industrial and infrastructure applications.

The X9401 product line was designed for digitally programmable analog trimming in systems requiring nonvolatile calibration, multi-channel independence, and robust SPI-based configuration-targeting industrial automation, test equipment, and medical instrumentation.

FAQ

What is the operating voltage range for the X9401WS24I-2.7?

The X9401WS24I-2.7 operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V, making it compatible with both 3.3 V and 5 V system rails. This range is explicitly defined in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table of the FN8190 datasheet and validated across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). Operation below 2.7 V may result in unreliable SPI communication or incomplete wiper switching.

Does the X9401WS24I-2.7 retain wiper position after power cycling?

Yes-the X9401WS24I-2.7 automatically loads the contents of Data Register 0 (DR0) into the volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR) on power-up. To preserve a specific wiper position across power cycles, that value must first be written to DR0 using a nonvolatile write command. The device guarantees 100-year data retention in DR0, ensuring long-term calibration stability.

How many independent potentiometers does the X9401WS24I-2.7 contain?

The X9401WS24I-2.7 integrates four completely independent digitally controlled potentiometers (XDCPs), each with its own 64-tap resistor array, dedicated WCR, and four nonvolatile data registers (DR0–DR3). All four pots share the same SPI interface but are individually addressable via P1/P0 bits in instruction bytes, enabling simultaneous or selective configuration.

What is the purpose of the HOLD pin on the X9401WS24I-2.7?

The HOLD pin on the X9401WS24I-2.7 allows pausing an active SPI transaction without resetting the command sequence. When brought LOW while SCK is LOW, it suspends communication; bringing it HIGH (with SCK still LOW) resumes from the exact point of interruption. This feature is essential for time-critical systems where host MCU interrupts must be serviced mid-transfer without losing state.

Can the X9401WS24I-2.7 be used as a two-terminal variable resistor?

Yes-the X9401WS24I-2.7 supports both three-terminal potentiometer (VH–VW–VL) and two-terminal variable resistor (e.g., VH–VW or VL–VW) configurations. In two-terminal mode, one end terminal is left unconnected or tied to VW, enabling current-limiting or gain-setting applications. The datasheet confirms this capability in the Description section and Application Circuits on pages 16–17.