Texas Instruments PCI6420ZHK

Overview

PCI6420ZHK from Texas Instruments is a PCI-to-CardBus/Flash Media bridge controller IC supporting dual-function CardBus socket (Functions 0 and 1) and dedicated Flash Media controller (Function 3), compliant with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev 2.2, PC Card Standard 8.0, and SD/MMC/MS-Pro/Smart Card protocols. It integrates LDO voltage regulation, serial EEPROM (I²C) interface, programmable interrupt subsystem, and full ACPI 1.0b power management. It enables legacy PC Card expansion in embedded industrial and portable computing systems.

For engineers reviewing the PCI6420ZHK datasheet, PCI6420ZHK pinout, PCI6420ZHK application, or PCI6420ZHK equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context-including PCI timing compliance, CardBus socket register mapping, Flash Media subsystem support, integrated power sequencing logic, and confirmed 208-pin GHK package footprint-essential for socket controller selection, driver development, and low-power system integration.

Technical Context

The PCI6420ZHK implements a three-function PCI device: Functions 0 and 1 serve as independent CardBus bridges with ExCA-compliant socket registers and full CardBus 5.0 protocol support including Clock Run, suspend/resume, and ring indication; Function 3 provides dedicated Flash Media controller logic for MMC, SD, Memory Stick Pro, and Smart Card interfaces with configurable data width and command/response handling.

It features an integrated 1.8-V LDO regulator for core logic, supports both internal and external 1.8-V VCC generation, includes on-chip pullup resistors for PC Card interface signals, and uses a 48-MHz reference clock for CardBus timing. Power management conforms to PCI PM 1.1 and ACPI 1.0b, with PME-capable wake events, Suspend Mode entry/exit control, and per-function power state tracking via dedicated PM registers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PCI6420ZHK is housed in a 208-pin TQFP package (Texas Instruments GHK mechanical designation), with 0.5 mm pitch, 28 mm × 28 mm body size, and exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are defined across PCI, CardBus, Flash Media, power, and control domains per the official terminal diagram (Figure 2–1) and Table 2–1 of SCPS078.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with PCI6420ZHK, PCI6411ZHK removes Flash Media functionality to reduce cost and footprint, while PCI6520ZHK extends capability with integrated USB host control-making PCI6420ZHK the optimal balance of CardBus flexibility, flash media versatility, and industrial temperature support without USB overhead.

Availability

PCI6420ZHK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PC expansion, embedded mobile storage interfaces, and secure peripheral authentication hubs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for PCI6420ZHK 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 leader focused on analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, serving industrial, automotive, and communications markets with high-reliability components.

The PCI6420ZHK belongs to TI's Connectivity Solutions portfolio, designed specifically for bridging legacy PC Card infrastructure with modern PCI-based host systems while enabling secure, low-power flash media expansion in resource-constrained embedded platforms.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the PCI6420ZHK?

The PCI6420ZHK is a multifunction PCI bridge IC that implements two independent CardBus socket controllers (Functions 0 and 1) and one dedicated Flash Media controller (Function 3). It enables host systems to interface with PC Cards (16-bit and CardBus), SD/MMC, Memory Stick Pro, and ISO 7816 Smart Cards via a single PCI slot. The PCI6420ZHK handles protocol translation, power management, hot-plug detection, and register-level ExCA compatibility required for OS driver support.

Does the PCI6420ZHK support both 3.3-V and 5-V CardBus operation?

Yes, the PCI6420ZHK supports dual-voltage CardBus operation through dedicated control outputs (CB_xVCC, CB_xVPP) that drive external TPS2226 or TPS2228 load switches. These signals manage separate 3.3-V and 5-V power rails per socket, enabling automatic voltage selection based on card type detection. The PCI6420ZHK itself operates from a 3.3-V PCI bus supply and generates its 1.8-V core voltage internally via an integrated LDO regulator.

How does the PCI6420ZHK handle flash media protocol differences between SD, MMC, and Memory Stick?

The PCI6420ZHK uses a unified Flash Media controller (Function 3) with configurable register sets and mode-selectable physical layer drivers. SD and MMC share command/response framing and clocking logic, while Memory Stick Pro employs separate timing and data-width control registers. All protocols are supported in hardware-no firmware intervention is needed for basic enumeration or block transfers. The PCI6420ZHK validates CRC, manages command retries, and enforces protocol-specific timing windows per JEDEC and Sony specifications.

Is the PCI6420ZHK compatible with ACPI-based power management?

Yes, the PCI6420ZHK fully complies with ACPI 1.0b specification. It implements all required PME (Power Management Event) signaling, supports D0–D3hot/D3cold power states, and provides hardware-controlled suspend/resume sequences including clock gating, voltage rail shutdown, and wake-event detection (e.g., card insertion, ring indicator). Its Power Management Capabilities and Control/Status registers map directly to ACPI-defined _PRW and _PSx methods in platform firmware.

What package type and thermal characteristics does the PCI6420ZHK use?

The PCI6420ZHK is packaged in a 208-pin TQFP (GHK) with 28 mm × 28 mm body size, 0.5 mm pitch, and exposed thermal pad. It is rated for –40°C to +85°C operating ambient temperature and features internal thermal monitoring circuitry tied to the General-Purpose Input Register. The package supports standard reflow profiles and meets IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020D moisture sensitivity level 3 requirements.