Renesas X9C104SI

Overview

X9C104SI from Renesas Electronics is a digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) with 100-kΩ end-to-end resistance, 100 wiper tap points, nonvolatile wiper position storage, ±5V terminal voltage rating, and 8-lead SOIC package. It functions as a solid-state three-terminal potentiometer or two-terminal variable resistor in precision analog trimming, power supply feedback networks, and programmable gain control circuits.

For engineers reviewing the X9C104SI datasheet, X9C104SI pinout, X9C104SI application, or X9C104SI equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, validated pin functions, confirmed operating conditions (–40°C to +85°C), real-world use cases, and two technically documented alternative parts - all directly traceable to Renesas FN8222 Rev 4.00.

Technical Context

The X9C104SI implements a 99-element resistor array with make-before-break electronic wiper switching, controlled via a three-wire serial interface (CS, U/D, INC). Its 7-bit up/down counter drives a decoder selecting one of 100 wiper positions, with wiper position stored in nonvolatile memory on CS↑/INC↑ transition.

Internal charge pump enables ±5V analog terminal operation from a single 5V supply; wiper series resistance is 40 Ω typical, and absolute linearity is ±1 MI (±1% of RTOTAL). The device enters low-power standby (750 µA max) when deselected and recalls last-stored wiper position at power-up.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-lead narrow-body SOIC (M8.15E footprint), RoHS-compliant, surface-mountable with 1.27 mm lead pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5204BRUZ100 and MCP41010-I/P, the X9C104SI uniquely combines single-channel 100-kΩ resistance, guaranteed nonvolatile recall, simple three-wire control, and industrial temperature range - making it optimal for standalone analog trimming where power-cycle consistency is mandatory.

Availability

X9C104SI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, embedded sensor signal conditioning, programmable audio interfaces, and precision instrumentation requiring stable component supply and long-term calibration integrity.

Supply support for X9C104SI 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 connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and infrastructure markets.

The X9C104SI belongs to Renesas' XDCP™ (Digitally Controlled Potentiometer) family, designed specifically for replacing mechanical trimmers in applications demanding long-term stability, programmability, and nonvolatile setting retention.

FAQ

What is the end-to-end resistance tolerance of the X9C104SI?

The X9C104SI has an end-to-end resistance of 100 kΩ with a tolerance of ±20%, as specified in the FN8222 datasheet Absolute Maximum Ratings and Electrical Specifications tables. This variation must be accounted for in precision voltage divider or gain-setting designs, though ratiometric performance remains stable due to matched element tracking.

Does the X9C104SI retain its wiper position after power loss?

Yes, the X9C104SI stores the wiper position in nonvolatile memory and automatically recalls it upon power-up. The recall occurs once VCC reaches its final value, and data retention is rated for 100 years under normal operating conditions - a core feature distinguishing it from volatile digital potentiometers.

Can the X9C104SI operate with analog signals beyond the 5 V supply rail?

No - the X9C104SI analog terminals (VH/RH, VL/RL, VW/RW) are rated for –5 V to +5 V referenced to VSS, but absolute maximum voltage on these pins is limited to ±8 V. Crucially, analog voltages must remain within ±VCC at all times; exceeding VCC or going below VSS risks latch-up or damage.

What is the wiper resistance of the X9C104SI and how does it affect circuit performance?

The X9C104SI wiper resistance is typically 40 Ω, with a maximum of 100 Ω. In low-impedance circuits (e.g., <1 kΩ load), this adds measurable series loss and may reduce effective resolution; it should be factored into gain error calculations for op-amp feedback networks or precision voltage dividers.

How is the X9C104SI programmed - does it require a specific communication protocol?

The X9C104SI uses a simple three-wire asynchronous interface (CS, U/D, INC) with no clock or data lines. Programming is performed by toggling INC on its negative edge while holding CS low and U/D at the desired direction. No serial protocol (e.g., SPI/I²C) or timing master is required - MCU GPIOs suffice for full control and nonvolatile store.