Texas Instruments PCI1520GHK

Overview

PCI1520GHK from Texas Instruments is a dual-slot PCI-to-CardBus bridge controller in 209-ball MicroStar BGA (GHK) package, implementing full 32-bit CardBus bridging at 33 MHz with 2.5-V core logic and 3.3-V I/O. It supports hot insertion/removal of mixed 16-bit PC Cards and 32-bit CardBus cards across two independent sockets, and integrates an LDO-VR to eliminate external 2.5-V supply. Used in notebook/desktop host systems for PC Card expansion.

For engineers reviewing the PCI1520GHK datasheet, PCI1520GHK pinout, PCI1520GHK application, or PCI1520GHK equivalent, key selection criteria include ExCA register compatibility with Intel 82365SL-DF, dual-voltage socket support (3.3 V/5 V), pipelined burst throughput >130 Mbps, integrated ring oscillator, and serialized/parallel interrupt routing options.

Technical Context

The PCI1520GHK implements a PCI-to-CardBus bridge with two independent socket interfaces, each supporting both 16-bit PC Card and 32-bit CardBus protocols. Its architecture includes separate PCI configuration spaces per socket, ExCA-compliant register mapping in memory and I/O space, and full compliance with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.2 and PCI Bus Power Management Interface Spec Rev. 1.1.

It features internal buffering for hot-swap safety, programmable CLKRUN output, ring-indicate (RI) signaling, and support for Suspend Mode via ACPI-compliant power management registers. The device uses advanced quarter-micron CMOS and integrates pullup resistors, serial EEPROM interface, and TPS222X power-switch control for dual-slot power sequencing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PCI1520GHK is housed in a 209-ball MicroStar BGA (GHK) package with 0.8-mm ball pitch and 17 × 17 array. Ball assignments follow TI's GHK mechanical specification and are validated per Figure 2−1 and Table 2−2 (Signal Names by GHK Terminal Number) in SCPS065D.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with Intel 82365SL-DF, PCI1520GHK reduces system-level power design complexity via integrated LDO-VR and shrinks PCB area with BGA packaging; compared with PCI1420, it adds critical dual-socket support, serialized IRQ, and full zoomed-video register model compliance required for multimedia PC Card applications.

Availability

PCI1520GHK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook expansion, desktop docking stations, industrial PC Card hosts, and embedded communication gateways requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for PCI1520GHK 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 specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies for industrial, automotive, and computing applications.

The PCI1520GHK belongs to TI's PC Card controller product line, designed specifically to enable high-performance, low-power PCI-to-CardBus bridging in space-constrained mobile and embedded host systems compliant with PC Card Standard Rev. 7.1.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the PCI1520GHK?

The PCI1520GHK is a dual-slot PCI-to-CardBus bridge controller that translates between the PCI Local Bus and PC Card (16-bit) or CardBus (32-bit) interfaces. It handles protocol conversion, voltage translation, hot-swap management, and ExCA register access - enabling host systems to support legacy and high-speed PC Cards without external logic. Its integrated LDO-VR and BGA packaging make it ideal for compact, low-power designs.

Does the PCI1520GHK require an external 2.5-V power supply?

No. The PCI1520GHK includes an integrated low-dropout voltage regulator (LDO-VR) that generates its 2.5-V core supply from the 3.3-V I/O rail. This eliminates the need for an external 2.5-V regulator, reducing bill-of-materials cost and PCB area. External 2.5-V supply is optional and disabled by default when the internal LDO-VR is enabled per the system control register settings.

Is the PCI1520GHK pin-compatible with the Intel 82365SL-DF?

No - the PCI1520GHK uses a 209-ball MicroStar BGA (GHK) package, while the Intel 82365SL-DF uses a 208-pin LQFP (PDV) package. However, the PCI1520GHK is fully ExCA and register-compatible with the 82365SL-DF, allowing identical driver software and register-level programming. Physical layout redesign is required due to differing packages and ball/pin counts.

What power management features does the PCI1520GHK support?

The PCI1520GHK supports Suspend Mode, Clock Run Protocol (CLKRUN), CardBus CCLKRUN, Ring Indicate (RI), and ACPI-compliant PME signaling. It implements PCI Power Management Spec Rev. 1.1 and includes dedicated power-management registers (e.g., PMCSR, PMCAP) for D0–D3 state control. These features allow host systems to reduce power during idle periods while retaining wake-on-card-insert or wake-on-ring capability.

Can the PCI1520GHK support both 16-bit PC Cards and CardBus cards simultaneously?

Yes. The PCI1520GHK supports two independent sockets, each configurable for either 16-bit PC Card (5 V or 3.3 V) or 32-bit CardBus (3.3 V only) operation. Mixed configurations - e.g., one 16-bit modem card and one CardBus wireless LAN card - are fully supported. Voltage detection, card presence sensing, and interface initialization are handled autonomously per socket.