Renesas X9C503SZ
- Part No.:
- X9C503SZ
- Manufacturer:
- Renesas
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
X9C503SZ.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGTL POT 50KOHM 100TAP 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,252
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Product details
Overview
X9C503SZ from Renesas Electronics is a digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) with 50 kΩ end-to-end resistance, 100 wiper tap points, and nonvolatile memory for power-up recall. It implements a 99-element resistor array with make-before-break switching, operates from a single 5 V supply, and interfaces via a three-wire CS/U/D/INC serial protocol. It serves as a solid-state replacement for mechanical potentiometers in precision analog trimming circuits.
For engineers reviewing the X9C503SZ datasheet, X9C503SZ pinout, X9C503SZ application, or X9C503SZ equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, package details, real-world use cases, and validated alternative parts - all confirmed against Renesas FN8222 Rev 4.00 and official ordering data.
Technical Context
The X9C503SZ integrates a 7-bit up/down counter, nonvolatile EEPROM storage, and a 99-resistor ladder with electronic wiper switching. Its wiper position is updated on negative-edge transitions of INC, directionally controlled by U/D, and latched into memory when CS rises while INC is high.
It supports ±5 V terminal voltage range with 40 Ω typical wiper resistance, exhibits ±20% end-to-end resistance tolerance, and maintains ratiometric temperature coefficient of ±20 ppm/°C - enabling stable voltage division across temperature in analog signal conditioning paths.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| End-to-End Resistance | 50 kΩ ±20% - defines full-scale analog adjustment range and load interaction in voltage divider or variable gain configurations. |
| Wiper Tap Points | 100 positions - provides 1% resolution per step (RTOTAL/99), enabling fine-grained calibration of bias points or reference levels. |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V ±10% - compatible with standard TTL/CMOS logic rails; internal charge pump enables ±5 V analog terminal operation. |
| Nonvolatile Storage | 100-year data retention, 100,000 write cycles - ensures factory-set or user-trimmed values persist across power cycles without external backup. |
| Wiper Resistance | 40 Ω typical - introduces minimal series impedance in wiper path, critical for low-error current sensing or bufferless voltage output. |
| Terminal Voltage Range | ±5 V referenced to VSS - allows bipolar signal handling in op-amp feedback networks or AC-coupled gain control. |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C - qualified for commercial-grade embedded systems including instrumentation front-ends and industrial HMI panels. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 8-lead narrow-body SOIC (M8.15E), RoHS-compliant, surface-mountable with 1.27 mm lead pitch and 5.00 mm × 4.00 mm body dimensions.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1: INC | Increment clock input | Negative-edge-triggered control line; toggling moves wiper one tap in direction set by U/D; timing-critical for reliable position update. |
| 2: U/D | Direction control input | Logic level determines wiper movement direction (up/down); may be changed dynamically during CS-active state. |
| 3: VH/RH | High-side fixed terminal | Analog terminal tied to top of resistor array; accepts −5 V to +5 V; polarity label reflects wiper motion direction, not voltage potential. |
| 4: VSS | Ground reference | System ground return for digital logic and analog circuitry; must be low-impedance to minimize noise coupling into wiper path. |
| 5: VW/RW | Wiper output terminal | Movable analog node; connects to one of 100 taps; series resistance ~40 Ω affects loading in high-impedance feedback loops. |
| 6: VL/RL | Low-side fixed terminal | Analog terminal tied to bottom of resistor array; accepts −5 V to +5 V; labeling relative to U/D state, not absolute voltage. |
| 7: CS | Chip select input | Active-low enable; initiates wiper update when low; stores current position to NV memory on rising edge if INC is high. |
| 8: VCC | Power supply | +5 V ±10% digital supply; powers control logic, counter, and internal charge pump; ramp rate must stay within 0.2–50 V/ms. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Solid-state construction | Eliminates mechanical wear, contact bounce, and environmental sensitivity - ideal for sealed or high-vibration systems. |
| Three-wire serial interface | Requires only CS, U/D, and INC signals - minimizes GPIO usage and simplifies microcontroller integration without SPI/I²C peripherals. |
| Make-before-break wiper switching | Prevents open-circuit transients during tap changes - avoids glitches in op-amp feedback paths or ADC reference dividers. |
| Temperature-compensated resistor array | ±20 ppm/°C ratiometric TC ensures stable voltage division ratio over temperature - critical for precision sensor biasing. |
| Pb-free RoHS-compliant packaging | M8.15E SOIC footprint supports automated reflow assembly and meets global environmental compliance requirements. |
Applications
| Audio Volume Control | Laser Diode Bias Adjustment |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Digital volume setting in consumer audio amplifiers with user interface or auto-calibration. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Replaces mechanical potentiometer as two-terminal variable resistor in op-amp gain stage or attenuator network. Use Value: Enables silent, glitch-free channel balancing via microcontroller commands; retains last-set volume after power cycle. | Use Scenario: Precision bias current tuning for laser diodes in optical transceivers or medical laser modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Sets reference voltage for constant-current source ICs (e.g., LM334) in feedback loop of laser driver. Use Value: Provides repeatable, drift-resistant bias point; ±20 ppm/°C ratiometric TC maintains optical output stability across ambient shifts. |
| Programmable Gain Amplifier | Temperature-Compensated Sensor Calibration |
Use Scenario: Field-adjustable gain in industrial process monitoring amplifiers for pressure or flow sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Configures feedback resistor ratio in non-inverting op-amp topology to scale sensor output to ADC input range. Use Value: Allows post-manufacturing calibration via firmware; 100-step resolution supports <1% gain error correction. | Use Scenario: Offset and span compensation for thermistor or RTD signal chains in HVAC or automotive cabin sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Trims reference voltage and sensor bridge excitation in analog front-end before digitization. Use Value: Stores calibrated trim values in nonvolatile memory; eliminates need for external EEPROM or manual pot adjustment during production test. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digitally controlled potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD5173BRMZ-50 | 256-tap I²C interface; 50 kΩ; 2.7–5.5 V supply; 0.1% RH tolerance; no internal charge pump. | Requires I²C bus; supports higher resolution but lacks ±5 V analog terminal swing capability. | Select when I²C infrastructure exists and finer resolution outweighs bipolar voltage handling needs. |
| MCP41050-I/P | 256-tap SPI interface; 50 kΩ; 2.7–5.5 V supply; volatile wiper register; external EEPROM required for power-up recall. | No built-in nonvolatile storage; requires additional component and firmware overhead for persistent settings. | Select when SPI is preferred and system already manages configuration storage externally. |
Compared with AD5173BRMZ-50 and MCP41050-I/P, the X9C503SZ uniquely combines ±5 V analog terminal operation, nonvolatile wiper storage, and minimal three-wire control - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained analog trimming where bipolar signal handling and zero-external-component persistence are required.
Availability
X9C503SZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio equipment, industrial sensor interfaces, and programmable power supply calibration requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for X9C503SZ 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 enterprise applications.
The X9C503SZ belongs to Renesas' XDCP™ family of digitally controlled potentiometers, designed specifically for replacing mechanical trimmers in analog signal-path calibration, bias control, and parameter adjustment circuits.
FAQ
What is the end-to-end resistance tolerance of the X9C503SZ?
The X9C503SZ has an end-to-end resistance tolerance of ±20%, meaning its actual 50 kΩ nominal value may range from 40 kΩ to 60 kΩ at room temperature. This tolerance is specified in the Electrical Specifications table of the FN8222 datasheet and impacts absolute accuracy in voltage divider applications - users should account for it during gain or offset calibration routines. The X9C503SZ maintains tighter ratiometric tracking (±20 ppm/°C) between terminals, preserving division ratio stability despite resistance variation.
Does the X9C503SZ support bipolar analog voltages?
Yes, the X9C503SZ supports bipolar analog operation: its VH/RH and VL/RL terminals accept voltages from −5 V to +5 V relative to VSS, enabled by an internal charge pump. This allows direct use in AC-coupled or dual-supply circuits without external level-shifting. The X9C503SZ's wiper (VW/RW) tracks these potentials, making it suitable for op-amp inverting configurations or sensor signal conditioning where negative reference voltages are present.
How is wiper position stored and recalled in the X9C503SZ?
Wiper position is stored in nonvolatile EEPROM when CS transitions HIGH while INC is held HIGH; the stored value is automatically recalled on power-up once VCC reaches regulation. The X9C503SZ guarantees 100-year data retention and 100,000 write cycles. Unlike volatile digital pots, no external memory or initialization firmware is needed - the X9C503SZ resumes its last-trimmed state immediately after reset, critical for fail-safe analog subsystems.
What is the maximum allowable voltage difference across the X9C503SZ terminals?
The maximum voltage difference (ΔV = |VH/RH − VL/RL|) for the X9C503SZ is 10 V, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Exceeding this risks irreversible damage to the internal resistor array or switches. This limit applies regardless of individual terminal voltages - for example, VH/RH at +5 V and VL/RL at −5 V yields ΔV = 10 V and is acceptable, but +6 V and −5 V (ΔV = 11 V) violates specification. The X9C503SZ must never be used beyond this differential rating.
Can the X9C503SZ be used as a two-terminal variable resistor?
Yes, the X9C503SZ can operate as a two-terminal variable resistor by connecting either VH/RH or VL/RL to VW/RW and using the remaining fixed terminal with the wiper. In this mode, resistance varies from near 0 Ω (wiper at shorted terminal) to 50 kΩ (wiper at opposite end). The X9C503SZ's 40 Ω typical wiper resistance becomes part of the total measured value, and make-before-break switching prevents open-circuit interruptions - essential for stable current-source programming or LED brightness control.
X9C503SZ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Renesas
- Series:
- XDCP™
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Taper:
- Linear
- Configuration:
- Potentiometer
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Number of Taps:
- 100
- Resistance (Ohms):
- 50k
- Interface:
- Up/Down (U/D, INC, CS)
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Voltage - Supply:
- 5V
- Features:
- -
- Tolerance:
- ±20%
- Temperature Coefficient (Typ):
- ±300ppm/°C
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ):
- 40
X9C503SZ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for X9C503SZ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for X9C503SZ on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for X9C503SZ reliable?
The price and inventory of X9C503SZ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for X9C503SZ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for X9C503SZ?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for X9C503SZ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for X9C503SZ?
X9C503SZ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your X9C503SZ order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for X9C503SZ?
For technical support, including X9C503SZ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your X9C503SZ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that X9C503SZ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All X9C503SZ products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that X9C503SZ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of X9C503SZ?
All X9C503SZ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with X9C503SZ, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The X9C503SZ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for X9C503SZ:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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