Texas Instruments PCI6515AGHK

Overview

PCI6515AGHK from Texas Instruments is a single-socket CardBus controller IC with integrated Smart Card socket interface, supporting PCI 2.2 bus protocol, 33 MHz operation, and dual-function PCI configuration space (Function 0 for CardBus, Function 5 for Smart Card). It delivers dedicated power management for PC Card insertion/removal detection, ring-indicate signaling, and serial EEPROM (I²C) configuration.

For engineers reviewing the PCI6515AGHK datasheet, PCI6515AGHK pinout, PCI6515AGHK application, or PCI6515AGHK equivalent, this device is critical for legacy laptop docking systems, industrial PC Card expansion modules, and secure authentication terminals requiring simultaneous CardBus and ISO 7816 smart card support.

Technical Context

The PCI6515AGHK implements two independent PCI functions in one die: Function 0 provides full CardBus bridge functionality-including ExCA-compliant socket registers, 16-/32-bit PC Card interface, and CardBus memory/I/O window mapping-while Function 5 implements a dedicated ISO/IEC 7816-3 compliant Smart Card controller with T=0/T=1 protocol support, clock generation, and voltage-level translation.

It integrates an internal LDO voltage regulator, programmable interrupt subsystem (parallel IRQ/PCI INTA#, serialized IRQSER), and comprehensive ACPI 1.0b and PCI Power Management 1.1 support-including D0–D3hot states, PME signaling, and suspend/resume control via dedicated registers. All timing meets PCI 2.2 and PCMCIA/JEIDA standards.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PCI6515AGHK is housed in a 256-ball PBGA (GHK package), measuring 17 mm × 17 mm with 1.0 mm ball pitch. Pin assignments follow TI's standardized GHK terminal diagram (Figure 2−1, SCPS105 p.5), optimized for signal integrity in CardBus/Smart Card co-location layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar CardBus + Smart Card controller applications.

Compared with PCI6525AGHK and PCI6411APZ, the PCI6515AGHK uniquely balances single-socket CardBus expansion with full ISO 7816 smart card control in a compact PBGA, making it optimal for space-constrained secure terminals where dual functionality must coexist without USB overhead or package downsizing trade-offs.

Availability

PCI6515AGHK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for laptop docking stations, secure authentication terminals, and industrial data acquisition modules requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle embedded programs.

Supply support for PCI6515AGHK 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 technologies for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The PCI6515AGHK belongs to TI's PC Card and Smart Card Controller product line, designed specifically to enable secure, standards-compliant peripheral expansion in resource-constrained mobile and embedded platforms.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the PCI6515AGHK in a system architecture?

The PCI6515AGHK serves as a dual-function PCI device: Function 0 implements a full CardBus bridge compliant with PCMCIA ExCA specifications, while Function 5 provides a dedicated ISO/IEC 7816-3 smart card controller. In system architecture, it enables simultaneous attachment of legacy PC Card peripherals and contact-based smart cards-such as SIM, eID, or PKI tokens-without requiring separate controllers. Its integrated LDO, voltage sensing, and power management logic reduce external component count in space-constrained designs like docking stations and secure terminals.

Does the PCI6515AGHK support both 3.3-V and 5-V CardBus cards?

Yes, the PCI6515AGHK supports both 3.3-V and 5-V CardBus cards through hardware-based voltage detection using VS1 and VS2 pins. When a card is inserted, the device automatically configures its I/O buffers and power switches to match the card's operating voltage. This dual-voltage capability is confirmed in Section 3.5.2 ("Low Voltage CardBus Card Detection") and Table 8-3 of the SCPS105 datasheet, ensuring interoperability with legacy 5-V and modern 3.3-V PC Cards without manual jumpering or firmware intervention.

How does the PCI6515AGHK handle smart card clock generation?

The PCI6515AGHK includes an on-chip programmable smart card clock generator capable of producing frequencies from 1 MHz to 5 MHz with ±0.5% accuracy, eliminating the need for an external crystal oscillator. The clock frequency is configured via the Smart Card Configuration 1 Register (Section 7.23), and the output drives the smart card's CLK pin directly. This integrated solution ensures precise timing alignment for T=0 and T=1 protocols, reduces component count, and improves board-level EMI performance compared to discrete oscillator implementations.

Is the PCI6515AGHK compatible with ACPI power management standards?

Yes, the PCI6515AGHK fully supports ACPI 1.0b specifications, including G1/S3 suspend-to-RAM and wake-on-ring (RI_OUT) functionality. Its Power Management Control/Status Registers (Sections 4.42–4.45 and 7.17–7.20) implement all required PME# signaling, D0–D3hot state transitions, and global reset isolation. System BIOS and OS drivers can leverage these features for seamless sleep/wake cycles-critical for battery-powered docking solutions where low-power idle states must preserve smart card session context and CardBus link integrity.

What package type is used for the PCI6515AGHK, and what are its key mechanical attributes?

The PCI6515AGHK uses the GHK package: a 256-ball plastic ball grid array (PBGA) with 17 mm × 17 mm body size and 1.0 mm ball pitch. Per TI's Mechanical Data section (SCPS105 p.122), it conforms to JEDEC MO-205AB standard, features NiPdAu surface finish, and supports lead-free reflow profiles. The GHK package provides superior thermal dissipation and high I/O density required for routing CardBus address/data buses, Smart Card signals, and PCI interface lines in compact form factors.