Renesas X9401WS24IZT1

Overview

X9401WS24IZT1 from Intersil is a quad digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) with 64-tap resistor arrays per channel, SPI interface, 10kΩ end-to-end resistance, and nonvolatile wiper position storage. It operates from 2.7V to 5V and delivers <3µA standby current, enabling precise analog tuning in space-constrained industrial sensor conditioning and programmable power supply feedback loops.

For engineers reviewing the X9401WS24IZT1 datasheet, X9401WS24IZT1 pinout, X9401WS24IZT1 application, or X9401WS24IZT1 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 24-pin SOIC package, 150Ω typical wiper resistance, 100-year data retention, SPI-compatible serial control with HOLD/CS/WP pins, and support for both three-terminal potentiometer and two-terminal variable resistor configurations.

Technical Context

The X9401WS24IZT1 implements four independent 64-element CMOS resistor arrays, each controlled by a volatile 6-bit Wiper Counter Register (WCR) and backed by four 6-bit nonvolatile Data Registers (DR0–DR3). Wiper position is updated via SPI commands including Write/Read WCR, XFR between WCR and DR, and real-time Increment/Decrement using SI state during SCK edges.

It supports up to four devices on one SPI bus via A0/A1 address inputs, uses hardware write protection (WP), and features a HOLD pin for pausing serial transfers without resetting the sequence. Power-up automatically loads DR0 into each WCR, ensuring repeatable startup behavior across all four pots.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 24-lead SOIC (300 mil), Pb-free, RoHS-compliant (PKG Drawing 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 MCP42010-I/P, the X9401WS24IZT1 uniquely combines quad-channel SPI control, hardware HOLD/HP, and dedicated WP pin in a single 24-pin SOIC-making it optimal for industrial systems requiring robust, field-updatable analog tuning with minimal MCU resource usage.

Availability

X9401WS24IZT1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, programmable power supply feedback, and embedded system parameter tuning requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for X9401WS24IZT1 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 ICs, now part of Renesas Electronics, with deep expertise in configurable mixed-signal solutions.

The X9401 product line was designed for replacing mechanical potentiometers in industrial, medical, and communications equipment where programmability, reliability, and nonvolatile storage are critical.

FAQ

What is the operating voltage range for the X9401WS24IZT1?

The X9401WS24IZT1 operates from 2.7V to 5.5V. This range supports direct connection to both 3.3V and 5V microcontroller SPI peripherals without level translation. The absolute maximum VCC rating is 5V ±10%, and all potentiometer terminal voltages (VH, VL, VW) must remain ≤ VCC to ensure safe operation. The X9401WS24IZT1 maintains full functionality-including SPI communication and wiper positioning-across this entire supply range.

How does the X9401WS24IZT1 store wiper positions after power loss?

The X9401WS24IZT1 stores wiper positions using four nonvolatile Data Registers (DR0–DR3) per potentiometer. Upon power-up, DR0 is automatically loaded into the volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR), restoring the last-saved setting. Writing to DR0 requires a nonvolatile write cycle (up to 10ms), confirmed via the Write In Process (WIP) bit. The X9401WS24IZT1 guarantees 100-year data retention and 100,000 write cycles per register.

Can the X9401WS24IZT1 be used as a two-terminal variable resistor?

Yes, the X9401WS24IZT1 supports two-terminal variable resistor operation by connecting either VH or VL to VW (wiper), leaving the other end open. In this configuration, resistance varies from ~150Ω (wiper at terminal) to RTOTAL (wiper at opposite end). The 150Ω typical wiper resistance and 10kΩ end-to-end tolerance (±20%) define the usable range. This mode is commonly used in programmable current limiting and LED brightness control circuits.

What is the function of the HOLD pin on the X9401WS24IZT1?

The HOLD pin on the X9401WS24IZT1 pauses ongoing SPI communication without resetting the command sequence. To pause, HOLD must go LOW while SCK is LOW; to resume, HOLD returns HIGH while SCK remains LOW. This feature allows the host MCU to temporarily suspend potentiometer updates-e.g., during interrupt handling-without losing synchronization. If unused, HOLD should be tied HIGH. The X9401WS24IZT1 does not require CS toggling to recover from HOLD state.

Does the X9401WS24IZT1 support multiple devices on a single SPI bus?

Yes, the X9401WS24IZT1 supports up to four devices on one SPI bus using the A0 and A1 address pins to configure the two LSBs of the 8-bit slave address. Each device responds only when its unique address matches the ID byte sent by the host. All devices share CS, SCK, SI, and SO lines, with CS used to select the target. This enables compact multi-pot systems-for example, calibrating four sensor channels-with minimal MCU GPIO usage. The X9401WS24IZT1's SO pin is three-state, allowing bus sharing.