Texas Instruments PCI1410GHK

Overview

PCI1410GHK from Texas Instruments is a PCI-to-PC Card bridge controller supporting both 16-bit PC Card and 32-bit CardBus sockets, compliant with the 1997 PC Card Standard and PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.1. It operates at 33 MHz PCI clock, supports dual-voltage (3.3 V/5 V) card power switching via TPS2211 interface, and implements distributed DMA (DDMA) for high-throughput data transfers in notebook and desktop host systems.

For engineers reviewing the PCI1410GHK datasheet, PCI1410GHK pinout, PCI1410GHK application, or PCI1410GHK equivalent, key selection considerations include CardBus/16-bit PC Card socket bridging capability, integrated ExCA register compatibility, PCI bus mastering support during DMA, SMI and ACPI power management compliance, and GHK-package thermal and layout constraints for embedded host designs.

Technical Context

The PCI1410GHK implements a dual-mode PCI bridge: as a PCI slave for configuration and control access, and as a PCI master during 16-bit PC Card DMA or CardBus bridging transactions. Its internal architecture includes dedicated ExCA-compatible register sets mapped to both I/O and memory space, enabling legacy PC Card driver compatibility without requiring OS-level rewrites.

It integrates hardware support for CardBus power sequencing (including VCC/VPP switching), ring-indicate (RI_OUT) signaling, zoomed video timing control, and serial EEPROM-based configuration via I²C-compatible serial bus interface. All power management features-including Clock Run, Suspend Mode, and PCI PME-conform to PCI 2.1 and PCMCIA 5.0 specifications.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PCI1410GHK is housed in a 208-pin PBGA (GHK) package with 27 mm × 27 mm footprint and 1.27 mm ball pitch. Pin assignments are defined across five functional groups: PCI interface (AD[31:0], C/BE[3:0]#, PAR, FRAME#, TRDY#, IRDY#, DEVSEL#, STOP#, PERR#, SERR#), PC Card/CardBus signals (SA[23:0], SD[15:0], SE[1:0], OE#, WE#, CE1#, CE2#, READY#, IRQ#, RESET#, VCC/VPP supply controls), power/ground (VCC_CORE = 3.3 V, VCC_IO = 3.3 V or 5 V selectable, VSS), serial bus (SCL, SDA), and general-purpose I/O (GPIN[7:0], GPOUT[7:0]).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PCI-to-PC Card bridge applications.

Compared with PCI1410GHK, PCI1420GHK adds PCI-X readiness and refined power management but increases BOM cost and complexity; PCI9050-AB offers greater local bus flexibility but shifts ExCA register emulation, voltage switching, and CardBus timing entirely to external logic-increasing PCB area, validation effort, and failure modes.

Availability

PCI1410GHK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mobile computing, industrial embedded, and legacy system modernization applications requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for PCI1410GHK 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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The PCI1410GHK belongs to TI's PC Card Controller product line, designed specifically to simplify PCI-based host integration of PCMCIA-compliant peripheral cards while minimizing external component count and driver development effort.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the PCI1410GHK in a host system?

The PCI1410GHK serves as a PCI-to-PC Card bridge controller, enabling communication between a PCI host bus and either 16-bit PC Card or 32-bit CardBus peripherals. It implements the full ExCA register set, manages dual-voltage power switching, handles distributed DMA, and provides hardware timing for zoomed video - all within a single GHK-package IC. This eliminates the need for discrete logic or FPGA-based bridging solutions in notebook and desktop expansion designs.

Does the PCI1410GHK support both 3.3 V and 5 V PC Cards?

Yes, the PCI1410GHK supports both 3.3 V and 5 V 16-bit PC Cards through its integrated interface to the TPS2211 power-switch controller. It detects card voltage requirements via VS1#/VS2# inputs and asserts appropriate PWR_EN and PWR_CTRL signals to configure the external power switch. CardBus cards are supported at 3.3 V only, consistent with the PCMCIA 5.0 specification.

How does the PCI1410GHK handle power management for PC Card sockets?

The PCI1410GHK implements comprehensive power management per PCI 2.1 and PCMCIA 5.0 standards, including Clock Run Protocol, Suspend Mode entry/exit, Ring Indicate (RI_OUT), and PCI PME assertion. Its Socket Power Management Register (SPMR) and Power Management Control/Status Register allow software to place the socket into D1/D2/D3 states, manage wake events, and coordinate with host ACPI firmware - all without requiring external power sequencers.

Is the PCI1410GHK pin-compatible with earlier TI PC Card controllers like the PCI1225?

No, the PCI1410GHK is not pin-compatible with the PCI1225 or other earlier TI controllers. It uses the GHK 208-ball PBGA package with a distinct pinout optimized for CardBus support, ExCA register mapping, and integrated serial bus interface. Migration from PCI1225 requires PCB redesign and firmware updates to leverage the enhanced DDMA engine and updated ExCA register layout.

Can the PCI1410GHK be used in new designs despite its 2000-era documentation?

Yes, the PCI1410GHK remains viable for new designs where long-lifecycle support, proven reliability, and mature driver ecosystems are prioritized over cutting-edge bandwidth. Its GHK package is still manufacturable, TI maintains active obsolescence management for this part, and it continues to be stocked by authorized distributors for industrial and defense applications requiring 20+ year component availability.