Renesas X9401WV24Z

Overview

X9401WV24Z 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, draws <3µA in standby, and is used for precision analog trimming in voltage regulators, amplifier gain control, and offset adjustment circuits.

For engineers reviewing the X9401WV24Z datasheet, X9401WV24Z pinout, X9401WV24Z application, or X9401WV24Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its 24-lead TSSOP package, hardware write protection (WP), HOLD functionality for SPI pause/resume, and four independent 6-bit nonvolatile data registers per potentiometer.

Technical Context

The X9401WV24Z 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 switch positions. 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 with CS, SCK, SI, and SO pins, supports up to four devices via A0/A1 address inputs, and includes hardware write protection (WP) and HOLD pins for bus management. Nonvolatile writes to data registers require CS high-to-low transition and complete within 10ms.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 24-lead TSSOP (4.4mm width), RoHS-compliant, Pb-free (MDP0044 drawing).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with X9401WV24Z, AD5204BRUZ10 offers higher resolution but requires I²C infrastructure and lacks HOLD/WP hardware safeguards, while MCP42050-I/SL retains SPI compatibility but trades off wiper resistance stability and nonvolatile write security for increased resistance value.

Availability

X9401WV24Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for programmable voltage regulation, multi-channel amplifier gain control, precision offset trimming, comparator hysteresis tuning, and sensor signal conditioning requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges.

Supply support for X9401WV24Z 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, acquired by Renesas Electronics in 2017; products target industrial, infrastructure, and high-reliability embedded systems.

The X9401 product line delivers digitally programmable analog front-end components for calibration-critical applications where mechanical potentiometers introduce reliability, size, and repeatability limitations.

FAQ

What is the operating voltage range for the X9401WV24Z?

The X9401WV24Z operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, making it compatible with both 3.3V and 5V system rails. This range is explicitly defined in the Ordering Information table and Absolute Maximum Ratings section of the FN8190 datasheet. Operation outside this window may cause functional failure or damage. The X9401WV24Z must also satisfy VCC ≥ VH, VL, and VW at all times to prevent latch-up or leakage.

Does the X9401WV24Z retain wiper position after power cycling?

Yes - the X9401WV24Z 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 the Write Data Register instruction. The X9401WV24Z guarantees 100-year data retention in DR0, ensuring long-term calibration stability without external backup.

How many devices can share the same SPI bus with the X9401WV24Z?

Up to four X9401WV24Z devices can share a single SPI bus using the A0 and A1 address pins to configure unique 2-bit slave addresses. Each device compares incoming address bits against its physical A0/A1 state; only the matching device responds to commands. No external address decoding logic is required, simplifying multi-potentiometer system design.

What is the purpose of the HOLD pin on the X9401WV24Z?

The HOLD pin on the X9401WV24Z allows pausing an active SPI transaction without resetting the command sequence. When brought LOW while SCK is LOW, it suspends communication; bringing it HIGH (again with SCK LOW) resumes. This enables host processors to service higher-priority interrupts mid-transfer. If unused, HOLD must be held HIGH to avoid unintended pauses.

Can the X9401WV24Z be used as a two-terminal variable resistor?

Yes - the X9401WV24Z supports two-terminal operation by connecting either VH or VL to VW (wiper), effectively using only part of the resistor array. This configuration is explicitly documented in the Applications information section and Block Diagram. It functions as a digitally adjustable current-limiting or bias-setting element, with resistance ranging from near-zero (wiper at terminal) to full RTOTAL (wiper at opposite end).