Renesas X9C503PZ

Overview

X9C503PZ from Renesas Electronics is a digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) implementing a 50kΩ 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 analog signal conditioning, bias adjustment, and calibration circuits operating from a single 5V supply.

For engineers reviewing the X9C503PZ datasheet, X9C503PZ pinout, X9C503PZ application, or X9C503PZ equivalent, this device delivers precise digital control of resistance with ±20% end-to-end tolerance, 40Ω typical wiper resistance, and guaranteed recall of last-stored wiper position after power-up - critical for factory-trimmed systems requiring repeatable analog settings.

Technical Context

The X9C503PZ integrates a 99-element resistor array with make-before-break electronic wiper switching, a 7-bit up/down counter, and nonvolatile memory for wiper position retention. Its control logic responds to negative-edge-triggered INC pulses while U/D sets direction and CS enables selection and initiates store operations.

It operates within 0°C to +70°C, supports ±5V terminal voltages, and uses an internal charge pump to maintain wiper functionality across its full voltage range without requiring dual supplies. Wiper movement timing is governed by tIW = 100µs (INC to VW/RW change) and tCYC = 2µs minimum cycle time.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual-In-Line Package), RoHS-compliant, through-hole mountable per MDP0031 outline drawing.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5204BRUZ10 and MCP41050-I/P, the X9C503PZ provides autonomous power-up behavior and simpler three-wire control but offers lower resolution (100 vs. 256 taps); it excels in single-channel, self-contained calibration where reliability and zero-MCU-overhead are prioritized.

Availability

X9C503PZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial instrumentation, embedded sensor interfaces, and analog front-end calibration requiring stable component supply and long-term parametric consistency.

Supply support for X9C503PZ 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 high-performance microcontrollers, analog, and power solutions for industrial, automotive, and infrastructure markets.

The X9C503PZ belongs to Renesas' XDCP™ family of digitally controlled potentiometers, designed specifically for replacing mechanical trimmers in factory-calibrated analog circuits where nonvolatile setting retention and robustness are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the end-to-end resistance tolerance of the X9C503PZ?

The X9C503PZ has an end-to-end resistance tolerance of ±20%, meaning its actual resistance between VH/RH and VL/RL terminals falls within 40kΩ to 60kΩ at room temperature. This tolerance is specified across the full operating temperature range and applies to the nominal 50kΩ value defined in the ordering information for X9C503PZ.

Does the X9C503PZ retain its wiper position after power loss?

Yes, the X9C503PZ retains its wiper position in nonvolatile memory for up to 100 years and automatically recalls that position upon power-up. This behavior is enabled by storing the wiper count to memory when CS transitions HIGH while INC is also HIGH - no external components or MCU intervention are required for reliable power-cycle recovery.

Can the X9C503PZ be used with bipolar analog signals?

Yes, the X9C503PZ supports terminal voltages from −5V to +5V relative to VSS, enabling direct use with bipolar signals such as AC-coupled audio or differential sensor outputs. Its internal charge pump allows full wiper functionality across this range while powered only by a single 5V supply - eliminating need for dual-rail supplies in mixed-signal designs.

What is the wiper resistance specification for the X9C503PZ?

The X9C503PZ specifies a typical wiper resistance of 40Ω, with a maximum of 100Ω, measured at ±1mA wiper current. This low on-resistance minimizes insertion loss and voltage error in precision voltage divider or current-setting configurations, especially critical in high-gain sensor signal chains or low-voltage reference networks.

Is the X9C503PZ RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes, the X9C503PZ is RoHS-compliant and manufactured with Pb-free materials, including 100% matte tin-plated leads (e3 termination finish). It meets IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level requirements and is qualified for through-hole wave solder processing - though not intended for reflow soldering due to package construction.