Renesas 89H16NT16G2ZAHLI

Overview

89H16NT16G2ZAHLI from IDT is an evaluation board (EB-LOGAN-19) designed for the 89HPES16NT16G2 PCIe Gen2 16-lane, 16-port switch - supporting x1/x2/x4/x8 port configurations, PCIe Base Specification 2.1 compliance, automatic lane reversal, and local port clocking. It enables hardware validation of multi-root NTB, DMA, and switch partitioning in server and storage interconnect applications.

For engineers reviewing the 89H16NT16G2ZAHLI datasheet, 89H16NT16G2ZAHLI pinout, 89H16NT16G2ZAHLI application, or 89H16NT16G2ZAHLI equivalent, this page delivers verified board-level specifications, clocking configuration options, power architecture details, reset behavior, and adapter compatibility - all confirmed from IDT's official EB-LOGAN-19 Evaluation Board Manual (Rev. Feb 2011).

Technical Context

The 89H16NT16G2ZAHLI evaluation board hosts the 89HPES16NT16G2 switch and provides full access to its 16 PCIe lanes via two Mezzanine connectors and SAS/SATA breakout paths. It supports configurable reference clock sourcing - global (100/125 MHz) or per-port (100 MHz only) - with jumper- and DIP-switch-controlled selection among SMA, onboard ICS841484 generator, clock buffer (U51), or SATA connectors.

Power delivery implements five dedicated regulators: 1.0 V for core logic (VDDCORE), 1.0 V for PCIe digital (VDDPEA), 1.0 V for PCIe transmitter analog (VDDPETA), 2.5 V for PCIe analog (VDDPEHA), and 3.3 V for I/O (VDDIO), all derived from a 12 V input via a DC-DC converter. Power-up sequencing mandates VDDCORE remain ≥1.0 V below VDDIO during ramp-up.

Key Specifications

Availability

89H16NT16G2ZAHLI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for PCIe switch validation, server backplane prototyping, storage interconnect development, and NTB-based multi-root system design requiring stable component supply and long-term evaluation platform availability.

Supply support for 89H16NT16G2ZAHLI 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

Integrated Device Technology, Inc. (IDT) was a fabless semiconductor company specializing in timing, memory interface, RF, and PCIe interconnect solutions before its acquisition by Renesas Electronics in 2019.

The 89H16NT16G2ZAHLI belongs to IDT's Logan family of PCIe evaluation platforms, engineered specifically to accelerate validation of high-port-count PCIe switches in enterprise storage and compute infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the 89H16NT16G2ZAHLI evaluation board?

The 89H16NT16G2ZAHLI evaluation board is a hardware platform built to evaluate the 89HPES16NT16G2 PCIe Gen2 switch. It provides full electrical access to all 16 lanes and ports, supports configurable clocking modes (common clock, non-common clock, local port clocking), enables NTB and DMA testing, and allows validation of switch partitioning - all using industry-standard adapters and cabling.

Does the 89H16NT16G2ZAHLI support PCIe Gen3 or higher speeds?

No. The 89H16NT16G2ZAHLI is designed exclusively for the 89HPES16NT16G2 switch, which complies with PCIe Base Specification 2.1 and operates at Gen2 speeds (5 GT/s). It does not support Gen3 (8 GT/s) or later signaling rates, nor is it compatible with Gen3-capable switches or endpoints without redesign.

Can the 89H16NT16G2ZAHLI be used with standard PCIe slots on a host motherboard?

Yes - but indirectly. The 89H16NT16G2ZAHLI itself does not plug into a PCIe slot. Instead, it connects to a host system via IDT-provided PCIe Edge-to-SATA adapters and iSAS-to-SATA breakout cables, enabling connection to any physical x1 or larger PCIe slot while maintaining signal integrity and clock distribution requirements.

What clock sources are available for the 89H16NT16G2ZAHLI board?

The 89H16NT16G2ZAHLI offers three global clock source options: host-derived reference clock (via SATA J8), onboard ICS841484 generator (U49, fixed 100 MHz), or external SMA inputs (J17/J20 or J66/J67). Local port clocks for ports 8 and 16 can be sourced from SATA connectors (J62/J64) or dedicated on-board generators (U118/U120), all constrained to 100 MHz.

Is firmware or software executed directly on the 89H16NT16G2ZAHLI board?

No. The 89H16NT16G2ZAHLI contains no onboard processor or flash memory for firmware execution. Configuration and register access are performed externally via host-based GUI tools (Windows/Linux) that communicate with the 89HPES16NT16G2 switch through PCIe enumeration - the board itself functions as a passive, reconfigurable interconnect platform.