Renesas X9511WPI

Overview

X9511WPI from Intersil is a push-button controlled digital potentiometer (XDCP™) with 32 linear tap positions, ±5V terminal voltage range, 10kΩ end-to-end resistance, -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature rating, and nonvolatile wiper position storage in EEPROM. It replaces mechanical potentiometers in precision analog trimming applications such as sensor calibration and power supply feedback networks.

For engineers reviewing the X9511WPI datasheet, X9511WPI pinout, X9511WPI application, or X9511WPI equivalent, key selection criteria include its 32-tap resolution, AUTOSTORE®/manual store capability, 100-year data retention, 40ms debounce timing, and PDIP-8 package compatibility with through-hole assembly.

Technical Context

The X9511WPI implements a 5-bit up/down counter driving a 32-position decoder that selects one of 31 resistive elements in series. Its internal EEPROM stores wiper position upon power-down when ASE is low (AUTOSTORE®) or on demand via ASE pulse (manual store).

It operates with two debounced push-button inputs (PU/PD) for wiper adjustment, supports slow/fast scan modes based on button hold duration, and maintains wiper position across power cycles without external backup power. Terminal voltage range is strictly limited to -5V to +5V relative to VSS, and wiper current is rated at ±1mA max.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-lead Plastic Dual-In-Line Package (PDIP), RoHS-compliant, MDP0031 footprint, through-hole mountable. Pb-free anneal finish compatible with SnPb and Pb-free wave soldering.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5241BRMZ10 and MCP41010-I/P, the X9511WPI uniquely delivers standalone push-button control, guaranteed nonvolatile retention without host intervention, and industrial-grade temperature performance in a legacy-compatible PDIP-8 package-making it optimal for retrofit, service, or microcontroller-less analog systems.

Availability

X9511WPI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for instrumentation calibration, power supply feedback networks, sensor signal conditioning, and industrial control loop tuning requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence resilience.

Supply support for X9511WPI 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 (now part of Renesas Electronics) designs high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs for industrial, aerospace, and communications markets, with ISO9001-certified manufacturing.

The X9511WPI belongs to Intersil's XDCP™ (Xicor Digital Controlled Potentiometer) family, engineered specifically to replace electromechanical potentiometers in analog trimming applications where reliability, nonvolatility, and direct user control are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable voltage across VH and VL terminals for the X9511WPI?

The X9511WPI specifies a maximum |VH − VL| of 10V, consistent with its ±5V terminal voltage range relative to VSS. Exceeding this differential voltage risks permanent damage to the internal resistor array or ESD protection structures. This limit applies regardless of VCC state and must be enforced in all operating and transient conditions.

Does the X9511WPI require an external microcontroller to function?

No, the X9511WPI operates autonomously using only two push-button switches connected to PU and PD pins. Its internal 5-bit counter, decoder, and EEPROM eliminate the need for firmware, serial interface, or host processor-making the X9511WPI ideal for simple, cost-sensitive, or microcontroller-less analog systems.

How does AUTOSTORE® work on the X9511WPI, and what happens if ASE is left unconnected?

AUTOSTORE® activates when ASE is held low (typically tied to VSS); the X9511WPI automatically writes the current wiper position to EEPROM during VCC power-down. If ASE is left floating or unconnected, its internal pull-up holds it high, disabling AUTOSTORE® and requiring manual store via ASE pulse. Unconnected ASE does not damage the device but disables automatic retention.

What is the wiper resistance specification for the X9511WPI, and how does it affect circuit accuracy?

The X9511WPI has a typical wiper resistance of 40Ω, with a maximum of 100Ω. In voltage divider configurations, this series resistance introduces gain error and temperature-dependent offset-especially critical in high-impedance or precision ratio-metric circuits. Designers must account for it in error budgeting, particularly when VW drives high-input-impedance stages.

Can the X9511WPI be used in AC-coupled or bipolar signal paths?

Yes-the X9511WPI supports true bipolar operation with VH and VL rated from -5V to +5V relative to VSS, enabling use in AC-coupled amplifiers, audio level controls, and other bidirectional analog signal paths. However, the wiper current must remain within ±1mA, and the total |VH − VL| must not exceed 10V to avoid overstress.