Texas Instruments PCI1520ZWT

Overview

PCI1520ZWT from Texas Instruments is a dual-slot PCI-to-CardBus bridge controller implementing the PC Card Standard Rev. 7.1 and PCI Local Bus Spec Rev. 2.2. It supports hot-plug 16-bit and CardBus (32-bit/33 MHz) PC Cards in two independent sockets, features integrated LDO-VR for 2.5-V core supply, and delivers >130 Mbps sustained throughput via pipelined architecture. Used in notebook/desktop expansion slots requiring PCI-hosted PC Card connectivity.

For engineers reviewing the PCI1520ZWT datasheet, PCI1520ZWT pinout, PCI1520ZWT application, or PCI1520ZWT equivalent, key selection considerations include ExCA register compatibility with Intel 82365SL-DF/SL, dual-voltage socket support (3.3 V/5 V), serial EEPROM configuration interface, and programmable interrupt routing (parallel/serialized PCI/ISA).

Technical Context

The PCI1520ZWT implements a full PCI-to-CardBus bridge with separate configuration spaces per socket, supporting both master and slave PCI roles. Its internal data path handles 8-/16-/32-bit card accesses using full 32-bit PCI cycles and enables fast posted writes to improve bus utilization.

It integrates an LDO-VR for on-chip 2.5-V core regulation, supports CLKRUN/SUSPEND power management protocols per PCI Bus Power Management Interface Spec Rev. 1.1, and provides ExCA-compliant registers mapped in both memory and I/O space for legacy OS driver compatibility.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PCI1520ZWT is packaged in a 209-ball MicroStar BGA (GHK/ZHK) with 0.8-mm ball pitch. The package supports thermal dissipation required for sustained 33-MHz operation and dual-socket bridging under mixed-voltage conditions.

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, PCI1520ZWT reduces BOM count via integrated LDO-VR and adds CLKRUN support; compared with PCI1420, it doubles socket count and increases throughput by >44% through expanded window resources and enhanced pipelining.

Availability

PCI1520ZWT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook docking stations, industrial PCMCIA hosts, and embedded PCI-based terminals requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and hot-plug PC Card interoperability.

Supply support for PCI1520ZWT 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 with decades of leadership in PC Card and mobile interface solutions.

The PCI1520ZWT belongs to TI's PC Card controller product line, designed specifically for PCI-hosted portable and embedded systems requiring seamless integration of legacy 16-bit and high-performance CardBus peripherals.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the PCI1520ZWT in a system architecture?

The PCI1520ZWT serves as a PCI-to-CardBus bridge controller, enabling a PCI host system to interface with two independent PC Card or CardBus slots. It translates PCI transactions into PC Card protocol, manages hot insertion/removal, handles voltage translation between 3.3-V CardBus and 5-V 16-bit cards, and provides ExCA-compliant register sets for OS driver compatibility. Its role is foundational in notebook docking stations and desktop expansion cards.

Does the PCI1520ZWT require an external 2.5-V power supply?

No, the PCI1520ZWT does not require an external 2.5-V power supply. It integrates a low-dropout voltage regulator (LDO-VR) that generates the 2.5-V core supply from the 3.3-V I/O rail. This eliminates the need for a separate DC-DC converter or LDO, simplifying power design and reducing bill-of-materials cost. The LDO-VR is explicitly documented in Section 3.8.1 and Table 3−13.

How does the PCI1520ZWT support hot insertion and removal of PC Cards?

The PCI1520ZWT supports hot insertion and removal through internal buffering of all card-facing signals, eliminating the need for external bus-hold or protection circuitry. It monitors card-detect signals (CB_CD1#, CB_CD2#) and controls power switching via the TPS222X interface. Voltage-sense logic per Table 3−1 ensures safe sequencing, and ExCA registers provide status change interrupts to the host OS for real-time card presence management.

Is the PCI1520ZWT pin-compatible with the Intel 82365SL-DF controller?

No, the PCI1520ZWT is not pin-compatible with the Intel 82365SL-DF. While it is register-compatible and software-compatible with 82365SL-DF/SL ExCA drivers, its physical packaging differs: PCI1520ZWT uses a 209-ball MicroStar BGA (GHK), whereas 82365SL-DF uses a 208-pin QFP. Board layout must be redesigned to accommodate the BGA footprint and ball map per Figure 2−2 and Table 2−2.

What serial interface does the PCI1520ZWT use to configure subsystem identification?

The PCI1520ZWT uses a two-wire serial bus interface (SB_DATA and SB_CLK) to communicate with an external EEPROM for loading subsystem vendor ID and subsystem ID values. This interface is implemented per Section 3.6 and Figure 3−8, and EEPROM detection occurs on GRST# deassertion-not PRST-as corrected in Document History (January 2003). No additional protocol controller is required.