Renesas X9C104P-3

Overview

X9C104P-3 from Renesas Electronics is a digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) implementing a 100-kΩ end-to-end resistance with 100 wiper tap points, nonvolatile wiper position storage, and three-wire serial interface (CS/U/D/INC). It functions as a solid-state replacement for mechanical potentiometers in precision analog trimming, voltage divider, and variable resistor applications requiring power-up recall and long-term setting retention.

For engineers reviewing the X9C104P-3 datasheet, X9C104P-3 pinout, X9C104P-3 application, or X9C104P-3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its ±20% end-to-end resistance tolerance, -5V to +5V terminal voltage range, 40 Ω typical wiper resistance, 750 µA max standby current, and compatibility with 5 V ±10% supply - all critical for stable analog control in industrial and embedded systems.

Technical Context

The X9C104P-3 integrates a 99-element resistor array with make-before-break wiper switching, a 7-bit up/down counter, and nonvolatile memory for wiper position storage. Its three-wire interface uses negative-edge-triggered INC, level-sensitive U/D, and active-low CS to control wiper movement and initiate store operations.

Operation relies on internal charge pump circuitry enabling ±5 V analog terminal voltages while powered from a single 5 V supply. Wiper position resolution is 1% (1/99 of RTOTAL), with absolute linearity ±1 MI and relative linearity ±0.2 MI - confirmed across the full 0°C to +70°C commercial temperature range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual-In-Line Package), RoHS-compliant, through-hole mountable per MDP0031 outline. Suitable for wave soldering only; not rated for reflow.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5204BRZ100 and MCP41HV51-104, the X9C104P-3 delivers autonomous power-up operation and simpler three-wire control at the cost of lower tap count and absence of industry-standard serial protocols - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, single-pot, self-contained analog trimming tasks.

Availability

X9C104P-3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation interfaces, test equipment calibration subsystems, and embedded analog signal conditioning requiring stable component supply, long-term parametric consistency, and through-hole manufacturability.

Supply support for X9C104P-3 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

Renesas Electronics is a global semiconductor leader delivering microcontrollers, analog, power, and SoC solutions for automotive, industrial, and enterprise applications.

The X9C104P-3 belongs to Renesas' XDCP™ (Digitally Controlled Potentiometer) family, designed specifically for replacing mechanical trimmers in analog circuits where digital control, nonvolatile setting retention, and high reliability are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable voltage across the VH/RH and VL/RL terminals for X9C104P-3?

The X9C104P-3 specifies ΔV = |VH/RH − VL/RL| ≤ 10 V under recommended operating conditions. This limit ensures safe operation of the internal resistor array and switching network. Exceeding this differential voltage may cause irreversible damage or parametric shift. The absolute terminal voltage range remains –5 V to +5 V referenced to VSS.

Does X9C104P-3 require an external clock or additional components to operate its three-wire interface?

No, the X9C104P-3 operates its three-wire interface (CS/U/D/INC) using only logic-level signals from a microcontroller or discrete logic - no external clock, pull-ups, or timing components are needed. The INC input is negative-edge-triggered, and U/D sets direction; all timing parameters (e.g., tCYC = 2 µs) are internally managed.

How is wiper position stored and recalled in X9C104P-3?

Wiper position is stored in nonvolatile memory when CS transitions HIGH while INC is held HIGH. Upon subsequent power-up, the X9C104P-3 automatically recalls the last stored value and positions the wiper accordingly - no host initialization sequence is required. Data retention is rated for 100 years under normal operating conditions.

Can X9C104P-3 be used in AC-coupled signal paths?

Yes, the X9C104P-3 supports AC signals when biased within its specified terminal voltage range (–5 V to +5 V referenced to VSS). Its resistor array exhibits low 1/f noise (–120 dBV @ 1 kHz) and predictable ratiometric temperature coefficient (±20 ppm/°C), making it suitable for audio and sensor signal conditioning - provided DC biasing complies with absolute maximum ratings.

What is the wiper resistance specification for X9C104P-3 and how does it affect circuit performance?

The X9C104P-3 has a typical wiper resistance of 40 Ω, with a maximum of 100 Ω. This series resistance introduces insertion loss and gain error when used as a variable resistor in low-impedance circuits (e.g., <1 kΩ loads). For precision applications, designers must account for this value in transfer function calculations and consider buffer amplification if loading effects exceed acceptable error bands.