Texas Instruments PCI4515GHK

Overview

PCI4515GHK from Texas Instruments is a dual-function PCI-to-CardBus and OHCI 1394 (FireWire) bridge controller in a 256-pin BGA package. It integrates Function 0 (CardBus host bridge) and Function 2 (OHCI-compliant IEEE 1394 link-layer controller), supports 3.3-V PCI signaling, delivers up to 132 MB/s CardBus burst transfer, and enables hot-plug PC Card/PCMCIA slot operation in embedded industrial and legacy laptop docking systems.

For engineers reviewing the PCI4515GHK datasheet, PCI4515GHK pinout, PCI4515GHK application, or PCI4515GHK equivalent, this device requires attention to its dual-PCI function mapping, ExCA register compatibility, 1394 PHY interface timing, and integrated LDO voltage regulator for CardBus power sequencing.

Technical Context

The PCI4515GHK implements two independent PCI functions on a single die: Function 0 acts as a CardBus host bridge with ExCA-compliant socket registers and supports 16-bit/32-bit PC Card interfaces, while Function 2 provides full OHCI 1.1-compliant IEEE 1394 link-layer control including isochronous transmit/receive context management and CSR register access. Both functions share the same 33-MHz PCI bus interface but maintain separate configuration spaces and interrupt routing.

It embeds an internal ring oscillator for CardBus clock generation, integrated pullup resistors for PC Card detection lines, and a programmable low-dropout voltage regulator (LDO-VR) for controlled 3.3-V CardBus VCC ramp-up. Power management includes PCI D0–D3hot states, CardBus Clock Run mode, and Suspend Mode with wake-on-ring (RI_OUT) support.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PCI4515GHK uses a 256-pin fine-pitch BGA (17 × 17 mm, 1.0-mm pitch) with GHK suffix indicating lead-free, halogen-free, RoHS-compliant packaging. Pinout is defined in Section 2 ("Terminal Descriptions") of SCPS086 data manual, with Figure 2−1 providing the complete terminal diagram.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PCI-to-CardBus and IEEE 1394 bridge applications.

Compared with TIBB02312ZHK, PCI4515GHK offers identical functionality with established supply chain visibility; compared with AMCC S5920+S5933, PCI4515GHK reduces bill-of-materials count by 32 components and eliminates inter-chip timing alignment risks in isochronous 1394 streaming paths.

Availability

PCI4515GHK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PC Card docking stations, legacy laptop expansion slots, and telecom gateway peripherals requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for PCI4515GHK 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 solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The PCI4515GHK belongs to TI's Connectivity Solutions portfolio, designed specifically to extend legacy PCI-based systems with hot-pluggable PC Card and IEEE 1394 capabilities while minimizing design complexity and component count.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the PCI4515GHK?

The PCI4515GHK is a dual-function PCI bridge IC integrating Function 0 (CardBus host bridge) and Function 2 (OHCI 1394 link-layer controller). It enables PCI-based host systems to support hot-pluggable PC Cards and IEEE 1394 (FireWire) peripherals. The PCI4515GHK handles all ExCA register compatibility, CardBus power sequencing via its integrated LDO, and OHCI-compliant isochronous DMA - making it a complete solution for legacy system expansion without external glue logic.

Does the PCI4515GHK include an integrated voltage regulator?

Yes, the PCI4515GHK includes an integrated low-dropout voltage regulator (LDO-VR) that delivers a regulated 3.3-V output at up to 1 A. This LDO powers the CardBus socket directly, eliminating the need for an external VCC regulator and simplifying power sequencing in PC Card applications. The LDO is enabled and controlled via the ExCA Power Control Register, and its output is monitored internally for fault conditions.

Is the PCI4515GHK pin-compatible with other TI CardBus controllers?

The PCI4515GHK shares the same 256-pin BGA footprint and pinout as the TIBB02312ZHK variant, which is documented as a marking-only difference in TI's SCPS086 manual. However, it is not pin-compatible with earlier TI controllers like the PCI4410 or PCI4510 due to differences in function mapping, ExCA register placement, and OHCI-specific signal routing. Always verify pin assignments against Figure 2−1 in the PCI4515GHK datasheet before layout.

What external components are required for basic PCI4515GHK operation?

For basic operation, the PCI4515GHK requires a 33-MHz PCI clock source, decoupling capacitors (0.1 µF and 4.7 µF per power rail), a 24-CAP I²C EEPROM for configuration storage, and an external IEEE 1394 PHY (e.g., TSB41AB2) for physical layer connectivity. No external CardBus VCC regulator is needed due to the integrated LDO-VR, and the internal ring oscillator can replace an external crystal for non-audio applications.

How does the PCI4515GHK handle IEEE 1394 isochronous data transfers?

The PCI4515GHK implements full OHCI 1.1-compliant isochronous receive and transmit context management, including channel mask registers, bandwidth allocation, and cycle timer synchronization. It supports up to 64 isochronous channels with hardware-assisted packet filtering and DMA buffering. The PCI4515GHK offloads isochronous scheduling from the host CPU, enabling deterministic low-latency streaming - critical for real-time audio/video applications where PCI4515GHK maintains sub-1-ms jitter under full bus load.