Texas Instruments PCI6420GHK

Overview

PCI6420GHK from Texas Instruments is a PCI-to-CardBus/PC Card bridge controller IC supporting dual-function CardBus socket control (Functions 0 and 1) and Flash Media controller (Function 3) for MMC/SD, Memory Stick, and Smart Card interfaces. It operates at 33 MHz PCI clock, supports 3.3-V I/O with 1.8-V core, integrates LDO voltage regulator, and implements full ExCA-compliant register set for legacy PCMCIA system compatibility.

For engineers reviewing the PCI6420GHK datasheet, PCI6420GHK pinout, PCI6420GHK application, or PCI6420GHK equivalent, this device is selected for embedded industrial PC Card host designs requiring multi-standard media support, low-power suspend modes, and PCI bus compliance in space-constrained 256-pin BGA packages.

Technical Context

The PCI6420GHK implements a three-function PCI device: Functions 0 and 1 serve as independent CardBus bridges with full ExCA register mapping and socket event handling, while Function 3 provides dedicated Flash Media controller logic for MMC/SD/MS/Smart Card protocols. All functions share a common 33-MHz PCI interface and internal 48-MHz ring oscillator for timing-critical operations.

It features integrated power management including Suspend Mode entry/exit via PME assertion, CardBus Clock Run protocol support, and hardware-controlled power sequencing for xVCC/xVPP switching using external TPS2226/TPS2228 load switches - all coordinated through dedicated General Control and Power Management registers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The PCI6420GHK is housed in a 256-pin plastic ball grid array (BGA) package designated GHK, measuring 17 mm × 17 mm with 1.0-mm ball pitch and RoHS-compliant finish. Thermal and mechanical data confirm JEDEC MO-220 standard compliance and suitability for reflow assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with PCI6411GHK, PCI6420GHK adds essential Flash Media controller logic for direct SD/MMC/Smart Card interfacing without external glue logic; compared with PCI6515GHL, it offers smaller footprint and lower power at the cost of USB integration - making it optimal for space- and thermal-constrained CardBus host systems.

Availability

PCI6420GHK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PC Card host designs, embedded mobile data terminals, legacy notebook expansion docks, and automotive infotainment gateways requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for PCI6420GHK 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, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The PCI6420GHK belongs to TI's Connectivity Solutions portfolio, designed specifically to enable legacy PC Card and emerging Flash Media interoperability in resource-constrained embedded host systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the PCI6420GHK in a PC Card host system?

The PCI6420GHK serves as a PCI-to-CardBus/PC Card bridge controller with integrated Flash Media support. It implements three PCI functions: two CardBus bridges (Functions 0 and 1) for dual-socket control and one Flash Media controller (Function 3) for MMC/SD, Memory Stick, and Smart Card interfaces. The PCI6420GHK handles ExCA register compliance, power sequencing, interrupt routing, and media protocol timing - eliminating the need for discrete logic in PC Card host designs.

Does the PCI6420GHK require an external 1.8-V power supply?

The PCI6420GHK includes an integrated low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator that generates its 1.8-V core supply from a 3.3-V input, as specified in Section 3.9.1 of the datasheet. An external 1.8-V supply is optional and only required if higher current capability or tighter regulation is needed beyond the LDO's 200-mA rating. Most designs use the internal LDO to simplify power architecture - a key feature confirmed in the PCI6420GHK's recommended operating conditions table.

How does the PCI6420GHK support Suspend Mode and wake-up events?

The PCI6420GHK supports ACPI-compliant Suspend Mode (D3hot) and wake-up via Power Management Events (PME). It asserts PME# on the PCI bus in response to card insertion (MC_CD), Ring Indicate (RI_OUT), or configured socket events - allowing the host system to resume from low-power state. This behavior is controlled by Power Management Capabilities and Control/Status registers (Sections 4.43–4.46), and verified in the Suspend Mode requirements subsection (3.9.6) of the datasheet.

Can the PCI6420GHK interface directly with a Smart Card according to ISO 7816 standards?

Yes, the PCI6420GHK provides native hardware support for ISO 7816-3 Smart Card protocols through Function 3. Its Smart Card interface includes dedicated terminals (VCC, RST, CLK, I/O) mapped to pins per Table 2–17 and 2–18, and implements automatic clock frequency selection, guard time control, and character timing per ISO 7816 requirements. This capability is explicitly documented in Section 3.5.4 and validated in the Smart Card terminal mapping tables.

What clock sources does the PCI6420GHK rely on for operation?

The PCI6420GHK requires two clock sources: a 33-MHz PCI system clock applied to the PCI_CLK pin for PCI bus synchronization, and an internal 48-MHz ring oscillator (described in Section 3.6.6) used for CardBus timing, Flash Media controller clocks, and internal state machines. The 48-MHz oscillator eliminates need for external crystal, while the 33-MHz PCI clock must be provided externally and meet PCI timing specifications per Section 8.5.