Texas Instruments PCI7612ZHK

Overview

PCI7612ZHK from Texas Instruments is a single-socket CardBus controller IC integrating IEEE 1394a-2000 OHCI two-port PHY/Link-layer functionality, supporting 32-bit 33-MHz PCI bus interface and 16-bit CardBus socket control. It delivers full OHCI-compliant FireWire connectivity with integrated power management, serial EEPROM I²C interface, and multi-function terminal routing for PC Card applications.

For engineers reviewing the PCI7612ZHK datasheet, PCI7612ZHK pinout, PCI7612ZHK application, or PCI7612ZHK equivalent, this device serves as a complete CardBus + FireWire 1394a bridge solution requiring no external PHY or link-layer logic - critical for legacy laptop expansion, industrial PCMCIA-based data acquisition, and embedded FireWire peripheral docking systems.

Technical Context

The PCI7612ZHK implements a dual-function PCI device: Function 0 handles CardBus socket control (ExCA-compliant), while Function 1 provides full OHCI 1394a-2000 controller with integrated two-port PHY. It supports PCI Bus Mastering, programmable interrupt routing (IRQSER, parallel IRQ, PCI INTA#), and Suspend Mode with PME wake capability.

Its architecture includes integrated LDO voltage regulator, internal 48-MHz ring oscillator (with optional crystal input), serial EEPROM interface for configuration storage, and multifunctional terminals configurable for GPIO, LED control, or power switch signaling - all managed via dedicated register sets per function.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PCI7612ZHK is housed in a 256-pin LQFP package (28 mm × 28 mm, 0.4-mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin assignments are defined in Section 2.8 ("Terminal Assignments") and Section 2.9 ("Detailed Terminal Descriptions") of SCPS110 Data Manual.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with PCI7412ZHK and PCI8412ZHK, the PCI7612ZHK uniquely balances dual-port FireWire capability with minimal feature set - optimizing for cost, thermal footprint, and design simplicity in dedicated high-bandwidth peripheral docking applications.

Availability

PCI7612ZHK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PC Card expansion, legacy laptop FireWire retrofit, and embedded measurement systems requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for PCI7612ZHK 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, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The PCIxx12 product line - including PCI7612ZHK - was designed specifically to integrate CardBus host bridge and IEEE 1394a OHCI controller functionality into a single IC for PCMCIA-based peripheral expansion in space-constrained embedded platforms.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the PCI7612ZHK?

The PCI7612ZHK is a dual-function PCI device: Function 0 implements a CardBus socket controller compliant with ExCA specification, while Function 1 integrates a full IEEE 1394a-2000 OHCI-compliant two-port PHY/Link-layer controller. It enables FireWire connectivity through a standard PC Card slot without requiring external PHY or OHCI logic. The PCI7612ZHK manages power sequencing, hot-plug detection, and register-level communication for both interfaces.

Does the PCI7612ZHK require an external crystal?

The PCI7612ZHK includes an internal 48-MHz ring oscillator for basic operation, eliminating the need for an external crystal in many applications. However, a 49.152-MHz crystal may be connected for improved timing accuracy in isochronous FireWire streams or when stricter jitter specifications apply. The PCI7612ZHK's crystal input is optional and disabled by default - the internal oscillator remains active unless explicitly overridden via configuration registers.

How does the PCI7612ZHK handle CardBus power management?

The PCI7612ZHK implements full CardBus power management per PC Card Standard Release 7.0, including VCC/VPP switching control via CB_PWR_EN, low-voltage card detection, and automatic power state transitions during insertion/removal. Its integrated LDO-VR generates regulated 3.3-V output for the socket, and the device supports ACPI D-states with PME wake capability triggered by card insertion or 1394 bus activity - all managed autonomously without host CPU intervention.

Can the PCI7612ZHK support both 16-bit and 32-bit CardBus cards?

The PCI7612ZHK supports only 16-bit CardBus cards. It does not implement the 32-bit CardBus extensions defined in later PC Card specifications. Its CardBus interface complies with PC Card Standard Release 7.0 for 16-bit operation, including attribute memory, common memory, and I/O space mapping. The PCI7612ZHK's ExCA register set and socket control logic are optimized for 16-bit signaling, timing, and power delivery - consistent with its target use in legacy laptop and industrial PCMCIA applications.

What EEPROM devices are compatible with the PCI7612ZHK's I²C interface?

The PCI7612ZHK's serial EEPROM interface is compatible with standard 2-wire I²C devices operating at 100 kHz or 400 kHz, including Microchip 24LC02B, STMicroelectronics M24C02, and ON Semiconductor CAT24C02. These EEPROMs store critical configuration data such as subsystem vendor ID, device ID, and initialization parameters loaded during power-on reset. The PCI7612ZHK uses fixed slave address 0x50 and supports sequential read/write up to 256 bytes - matching standard 2-Kbit I²C EEPROM capacity.