Renesas X9420YS16I-2.7

Overview

X9420YS16I-2.7 from Intersil is a single-channel, SPI-interface digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) with 2.5 kΩ end-to-end resistance, 64-tap resolution, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It operates from 2.7V to 5.5V VCC and ±2.7V to ±5.5V analog supplies (V+/V−), features nonvolatile storage of four wiper positions, and delivers <1 µA standby current for low-power embedded control applications including voltage regulation and offset adjustment.

For engineers reviewing the X9420YS16I-2.7 datasheet, X9420YS16I-2.7 pinout, X9420YS16I-2.7 application, or X9420YS16I-2.7 equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-supply analog operation (±2.7V to ±5.5V), 64-step resolution, SPI register-oriented interface with WCR/DR0–DR3 architecture, and SOIC-16 package compatibility with legacy board layouts.

Technical Context

The X9420YS16I-2.7 implements a 63-resistor-segment array with CMOS-switched wiper controlled by a volatile 6-bit Wiper Counter Register (WCR), enabling precise digital positioning. Its SPI interface supports direct read/write of WCR and four nonvolatile 6-bit Data Registers (DR0–DR3), with power-up auto-load from DR0.

It uses separate supply domains: VCC (2.7V–5.5V) powers digital logic, while V+ and V− (±2.7V to ±5.5V) independently bias the analog resistor array - enabling true bipolar signal conditioning without level-shifting circuitry. Hardware write protection (WP pin) disables nonvolatile writes to DRs while allowing volatile WCR updates.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 16-lead SOIC (300 mil), RoHS-compliant, Pb-free plus anneal option available.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with X9420YS16I-2.7, ISL22416 and ISL95311 offer higher integration density and lower VCC minima but sacrifice the critical dual-supply analog architecture needed for ±5V op-amp interfacing and true bipolar signal conditioning - making X9420YS16I-2.7 uniquely suited for industrial and audio applications demanding rail-separated analog domains.

Availability

X9420YS16I-2.7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for voltage regulation, sensor offset trimming, audio level control, and comparator hysteresis setting requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges and long-lifecycle deployments.

Supply support for X9420YS16I-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 (now part of Renesas Electronics) is a semiconductor manufacturer specializing in precision analog, power management, and interface ICs for industrial, communications, and computing markets.

The X9420 product line delivers digitally controlled potentiometers with nonvolatile memory and SPI interfaces, designed specifically for replacing mechanical trimpots in calibration-critical systems where long-term stability and programmability are essential.

FAQ

What is the operating voltage range for the analog section of the X9420YS16I-2.7?

The X9420YS16I-2.7 analog section operates from V+ = +2.7V to +5.5V and V− = –2.7V to –5.5V, enabling true bipolar signal handling. This dual-supply capability distinguishes it from unipolar digital potentiometers and allows direct interfacing with ±5V op-amps without external level-shifting circuitry. The X9420YS16I-2.7 must have V+ and V− stabilized before applying voltage to VH/RH, VL/RL, or VW/RW pins.

How many wiper positions can be stored nonvolatily in the X9420YS16I-2.7?

The X9420YS16I-2.7 includes four nonvolatile 6-bit Data Registers (DR0–DR3), each capable of storing one wiper position (0–63). Upon power-up, the device automatically loads DR0 into the volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR) to restore the last calibrated setting. All DR writes require up to 10 ms and are monitored via the Write-In-Process (WIP) status bit. The X9420YS16I-2.7 thus supports up to four distinct calibration states.

Does the X9420YS16I-2.7 support SPI mode 0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0)?

Yes, the X9420YS16I-2.7 supports standard SPI Mode 0: data is latched on the rising edge of SCK and output on the falling edge. The SO pin is push-pull and tri-stated when CS is HIGH, allowing multiple devices to share the MISO line. The X9420YS16I-2.7 also supports HOLD functionality to pause transfers mid-sequence without resetting the command state - a feature not found in basic SPI peripherals.

What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the X9420YS16I-2.7?

The X9420YS16I-2.7 supports a maximum SPI clock frequency of 2.0 MHz, with minimum high/low times of 200 ns each. Timing parameters including setup/hold (50 ns), valid output (100 ns), and disable delay (500 ns) are fully specified across the industrial temperature range. This 2 MHz limit ensures reliable communication with common microcontrollers like ARM Cortex-M0/M3 and PIC18F families without requiring clock dividers or custom timing loops. The X9420YS16I-2.7 maintains this spec under all VCC and temperature conditions.

Can the X9420YS16I-2.7 be used as a two-terminal variable resistor?

Yes, the X9420YS16I-2.7 can be configured as a two-terminal variable resistor by connecting either VH/RH or VL/RL to the desired reference (e.g., ground or V+) and using VW/RW as the adjustable terminal. In this mode, the device provides 63 discrete resistance values between 0 Ω and 2.5 kΩ (±20%), with wiper resistance ≤250 Ω at ±3V supplies. This configuration is commonly used for gain-setting in transimpedance amplifiers or current-limiting in LED drivers. The X9420YS16I-2.7 retains full nonvolatile storage capability in two-terminal mode.