Renesas X9401WS24IZ

Overview

X9401WS24IZ from Intersil is a quad-channel, 64-tap digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) with SPI interface, 10 kΩ end-to-end resistance, 150 Ω typical wiper resistance, and nonvolatile data registers for wiper position storage. It operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V and delivers <3 µA standby current, enabling precision analog control in space-constrained industrial sensor calibration circuits.

For engineers reviewing the X9401WS24IZ datasheet, X9401WS24IZ pinout, X9401WS24IZ application, or X9401WS24IZ equivalent, this device supports four independent 6-bit wiper counters, hardware write protection (WP), HOLD functionality for SPI pause/resume, and 100-year data retention - critical for embedded systems requiring power-cycle persistence and low-power operation.

Technical Context

The X9401WS24IZ implements four monolithic CMOS resistor arrays (63 segments each), each controlled by a volatile 6-bit Wiper Counter Register (WCR) decoded to select one of 64 tap points. Each array features VH/RH and VL/RL terminals plus a VW/RW wiper output, supporting both three-terminal potentiometer and two-terminal variable resistor configurations.

Its SPI interface complies with standard serial clock (SCK), chip select (CS), serial input (SI), and serial output (SO) timing - including tWRL ≤10 µs wiper response after load instructions and tWRID ≤450 ns for increment/decrement operations. Hardware write protection (WP) disables nonvolatile writes when asserted low, and HOLD enables mid-transaction suspension without reset.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

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

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5204BRUZ10 and MCP42050-I/SL, the X9401WS24IZ uniquely combines hardware write protection, HOLD functionality, and 100-year data retention - making it optimal for industrial systems where robustness, configurability, and long-term calibration integrity are mandatory.

Availability

X9401WS24IZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, programmable power supply trim, and audio signal level control requiring stable component supply and guaranteed long-term availability.

Supply support for X9401WS24IZ 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 provider of precision analog and power management ICs, now part of Renesas Electronics, with focus on industrial, infrastructure, and high-reliability applications.

The X9401 product line delivers digitally controlled potentiometers optimized for calibration-critical systems requiring nonvolatile storage, low power, and SPI simplicity - targeting sensor interfaces, power management, and test equipment.

FAQ

What is the operating voltage range for the X9401WS24IZ?

The X9401WS24IZ operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V, supporting both 3.3 V and 5 V logic domains without external level shifters. This range is explicitly specified in the Ordering Information table and Absolute Maximum Ratings section of the FN8190 datasheet, and applies to the X9401WS24IZ-2.7T1 variant referenced in the ordering row.

Does the X9401WS24IZ retain wiper settings after power loss?

Yes - the X9401WS24IZ automatically loads the contents of Data Register 0 (DR0) into the volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR) at power-up. Since DR0 is nonvolatile EEPROM with 100-year retention, calibrated wiper positions persist across power cycles without host intervention.

How many independent potentiometers does the X9401WS24IZ contain?

The X9401WS24IZ integrates four fully independent digitally controlled potentiometers (XDCPs), each with its own 64-tap resistor array, dedicated WCR, and four nonvolatile Data Registers (DR0–DR3). This is confirmed in the device description, block diagram, and Pin Descriptions sections of the FN8190 datasheet.

What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the X9401WS24IZ?

The X9401WS24IZ supports SPI clock frequencies up to 2.0 MHz, as specified in the AC Timing table (fSCK parameter) of the FN8190 datasheet. This timing is validated across the full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and ensures reliable communication with standard microcontroller SPI peripherals.

Can the X9401WS24IZ be used as a two-terminal variable resistor?

Yes - the X9401WS24IZ supports both three-terminal potentiometer (VH–VL–VW) and two-terminal variable resistor (e.g., VH–VW or VL–VW) configurations. The datasheet explicitly states this capability in the Description section and illustrates two-terminal use in Application Circuits on page 16.