Diodes Incorporated PI2EQX6874ZFEX
- Part No.:
- PI2EQX6874ZFEX
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- Signal Buffers, Repeaters, Splitters
- Package:
- 56-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
PI2EQX6874ZFEX.pdf
- Description:
- IC REDRIVER SAS2/SATA/XAUI 56QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
PI2EQX6874ZFEX from Pericom Semiconductor is a 6.5 Gbps, 4-lane (8-channel) SAS2/SATA3/XAUI ReDriver IC with programmable equalization (up to 13.8 dB @ 6 GHz), adjustable transmitter de-emphasis (2.5–8.5 dB), and 1.2 V ±5% single-supply operation. It supports CML I/O with 50-Ω internal termination, loopback/mux/demux functionality, and operates across -40°C to +85°C for backplane and switch-fabric signal integrity enhancement in enterprise storage systems.
For engineers reviewing the PI2EQX6874ZFEX datasheet, PI2EQX6874ZFEX pinout, PI2EQX6874ZFEX application, or PI2EQX6874ZFEX equivalent, key selection criteria include per-channel I²C configurability, slumber-mode power management (10 mA/channel), OOB support, flow-through pinout compatibility, and differential signal conditioning for SAS/SATA/XAUI physical layer extension.
Technical Context
The PI2EQX6874ZFEX implements dual-path signal reconditioning: input-side equalization compensates for high-frequency loss from trace/cable attenuation and ISI, while output-side de-emphasis pre-compensates for channel loss before receiver input. Its eight independent CML lanes are grouped into two 4-channel banks (A and B), each supporting shared or per-lane configuration via MODE-pin-selectable I²C or pin-strapping.
Configuration flexibility includes three operational modes-normal, loopback (with broadcast/mux/demux variants), and power-down-controlled by LB#, PD#, and MODE pins. Signal detect outputs (SIG_A/SIG_B) provide real-time input validity monitoring, and input threshold (VTH) is programmable from 40 mVppd to 180 mVppd to reject noise below valid signal levels.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Data Rate | 6.5 Gbps - Supports full-speed SAS2 (6 Gbps), SATA3 (6 Gbps), and XAUI (3.125 Gbps × 4) protocols without protocol translation. |
| Equalization Range | 0.8–13.8 dB @ 6 GHz - Eight selectable gain levels enable precise compensation for varying PCB trace lengths and loss profiles. |
| De-emphasis Range | 2.5–8.5 dB - Configurable full-bit or half-bit de-emphasis optimizes eye opening at receiver under different channel loss conditions. |
| Supply Voltage | 1.2 V ± 5% - Single low-voltage rail reduces system power delivery complexity and improves power efficiency vs. legacy 1.8/3.3 V ReDrivers. |
| Power Consumption | 95 mA/channel (active), 10 mA/channel (slumber), 1 mA (standby) - Enables dynamic power scaling during link idle or low-activity periods. |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C - Qualified for industrial-grade deployment in server backplanes, storage enclosures, and network switches. |
| I²C Interface | 100 kbps, 7-bit address, 3.3 V tolerant - Allows multi-device configuration on shared bus with A0/A1/A4 address pins supporting up to 8 devices. |
Pinout & Package
Packaged in a 56-contact TQFN (5 mm × 11 mm) with exposed thermal pad (GND), the PI2EQX6874ZFEX features a flow-through pinout optimized for minimal trace stubs and impedance continuity in high-speed routing.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A0RX+, A0RX− | CML Input (Channel A0) | Differential receiver pair with 50-Ω internal pull-down; enters high-Z during PD# assertion. |
| A0TX+, A0TX− | CML Output (Channel A0) | Differential driver pair with 50-Ω internal pull-up; enters high-Z during PD# assertion. |
| LB# | Loopback Control Input | Active-low global control enabling A/B lane loopback, mux, or demux modes; internal 100 kΩ pull-up. |
| PD# | Power-Down Input | Active-low hardware shutdown disabling all I/Os and entering high-Z state; internal 100 kΩ pull-up. |
| SIG_A, SIG_B | Signal Detect Outputs | Open-drain status indicators per A/B bank showing valid input presence (> Vth); internal 100 kΩ pull-up. |
| SDA, SCL | I²C Interface | 1.2 V logic-level, 3.3 V tolerant bidirectional data and clock; supports daisy-chained configuration. |
| VDD (Pins 1,6,11,16,21,29,34,39,44,49) | Power Supply | Decoupled 1.2 V supply inputs distributed across package for low-noise, low-impedance delivery. |
| GND (Pins 55,56 + Center Pad) | Ground | Multi-point grounding including thermal pad ensures stable reference and efficient heat dissipation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Per-lane I²C programmability | Independent configuration of equalization, de-emphasis, swing, and input threshold for each of 8 channels via 13-register map. |
| Mux/Demux & Loopback Modes | Hardware-selectable signal routing (A→A, A→B, B→B) enables board-level test, redundancy, and flexible topology mapping. |
| Auto Slumber Mode | Automatic transition to 10 mA/channel low-power state when input signal falls below programmable VTH threshold. |
| OOB Support | Full compliance with SAS/SATA out-of-band signaling requirements for link initialization and negotiation. |
| Flow-through Pinout | Input-to-output pin alignment minimizes trace discontinuities and preserves signal integrity in dense backplane layouts. |
Applications
| Enterprise Storage Backplanes | SAS/SATA Expander Modules |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Extending SAS2 signals across 20+ cm FR4 backplanes in JBOD enclosures with >15 dB insertion loss. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ReDriver placed between host controller and expander ASIC to restore signal eye margin and jitter tolerance. Use Value: Enables reliable 6 Gbps operation over lossy interconnects without requiring expensive low-loss laminates or retiming. |
Use Scenario: Signal conditioning in 24-port SAS expanders where multiple PHY lanes share common routing paths. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Per-lane equalization and de-emphasis tuning compensates for skew and crosstalk between adjacent lanes. Use Value: Maintains BER <1e-12 across all ports under simultaneous full-load traffic, meeting SAS-2 compliance requirements. |
| XAUI-Based Network Switches | High-Density Server Mezzanine Cards |
|
Use Scenario: Interfacing XAUI interfaces between FPGA-based line cards and packet switch fabric in 10 GbE switches. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ReDriver bridges mismatched trace lengths and connector losses between FPGA and switch ASIC. Use Value: Eliminates need for external AC coupling or level-shifting, reducing BOM count and layout area by 30%. |
Use Scenario: Signal integrity restoration on PCIe/SAS mezzanine cards plugged into carrier boards with long edge-card connectors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compensates for connector-induced loss and reflections before signals reach CPU or storage controller. Use Value: Achieves stable link training at Gen2/Gen3 speeds despite mechanical tolerances and thermal cycling effects. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ReDriver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TI DS100BR410 | 4-channel, 10.3 Gbps, supports PCIe Gen3; no integrated loopback/mux; requires external 3.3 V bias for CML I/O. | Targeted at PCIe-centric systems; lacks native SAS/SATA OOB support and flow-through pinout. | Prefer for PCIe Gen3 designs needing higher bandwidth; avoid if SAS/SATA protocol awareness or hardware loopback is required. |
| Diodes AP1210 | 8-channel, 6 Gbps, fixed equalization/de-emphasis; no I²C interface; only pin-strapped configuration. | Cost-optimized for volume SATA3 applications; no per-lane tuning or slumber mode power management. | Select for cost-sensitive SATA3 HDD backplanes where programmability and ultra-low idle power are not critical. |
Compared with DS100BR410 and AP1210, the PI2EQX6874ZFEX uniquely combines 8-channel SAS2/SATA3/XAUI support, per-lane I²C configurability, hardware mux/demux, and slumber-mode power savings-making it optimal for flexible, low-power, multi-protocol enterprise storage interconnects.
Availability
PI2EQX6874ZFEX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for enterprise storage backplanes, SAS expander modules, XAUI-based network switches, and high-density server mezzanine cards requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for PI2EQX6874ZFEX 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
Pericom Semiconductor (acquired by Diodes Incorporated in 2016) specialized in high-speed signal integrity solutions for datacenter, storage, and communications infrastructure.
The PI2EQX6874ZFEX belongs to Pericom's ReDriver™ family, designed specifically to extend SAS, SATA, and XAUI signal reach in lossy PCB environments while minimizing power and layout overhead.
FAQ
What is the function of the LB# pin on PI2EQX6874ZFEX?
The LB# (Loopback) pin is an active-low input that globally enables loopback, mux, or demux operation across all 8 channels. When pulled low, it activates configurable signal routing modes-including A→A, A→B, or B→B-via associated I²C registers (INDIS/OUTDIS). In normal operation (LB# = high or open), data flows straight through. Internal 100 kΩ pull-up ensures default normal mode on power-up.
Does PI2EQX6874ZFEX support both SAS2 and SATA3 protocols simultaneously?
Yes-the PI2EQX6874ZFEX is protocol-transparent and supports SAS2 (6 Gbps), SATA3 (6 Gbps), and XAUI (3.125 Gbps × 4) on the same physical lanes. Its CML I/O, OOB signaling compliance, and equalization/de-emphasis tuning range are validated for all three standards. No firmware or configuration changes are needed when switching between protocols.
How does the slumber mode operate, and what triggers it?
Slumber mode is an automatic low-power state triggered when the input signal amplitude falls below the programmable VTH threshold (configurable from 40–180 mVppd). Upon detection, the device reduces per-channel current from 95 mA to 10 mA while maintaining pin states. It exits slumber immediately upon valid signal re-detection-no I²C command or reset required.
Can PI2EQX6874ZFEX be used without I²C configuration?
Yes-when MODE pin is high, the device uses pin-strapped defaults: 13.8 dB equalization, 8.5 dB de-emphasis, and 1.0 V differential swing. All control pins (SELx, Dx, Sx, LB#, PD#) are sampled at power-on and latched. I²C is disabled in this mode, making it suitable for simple drop-in deployments where programmability is unnecessary.
PI2EQX6874ZFEX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- ReDriver™
- Package/Case:
- 56-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Buffer, ReDriver
- Applications:
- SAS2, SATA, XAUI
- Input:
- CML
- Output:
- CML
- Data Rate (Max):
- 6.5Gbps
- Number of Channels:
- 4
- Delay Time:
- 750ps
- Signal Conditioning:
- -
- Capacitance - Input:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.2V
- Current - Supply:
- 800mA
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 56-TQFN (11x5)
PI2EQX6874ZFEX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PI2EQX6874ZFEX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PI2EQX6874ZFEX on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for PI2EQX6874ZFEX reliable?
The price and inventory of PI2EQX6874ZFEX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PI2EQX6874ZFEX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PI2EQX6874ZFEX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PI2EQX6874ZFEX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PI2EQX6874ZFEX?
PI2EQX6874ZFEX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PI2EQX6874ZFEX order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for PI2EQX6874ZFEX?
For technical support, including PI2EQX6874ZFEX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PI2EQX6874ZFEX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PI2EQX6874ZFEX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PI2EQX6874ZFEX products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that PI2EQX6874ZFEX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PI2EQX6874ZFEX?
All PI2EQX6874ZFEX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PI2EQX6874ZFEX, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The PI2EQX6874ZFEX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PI2EQX6874ZFEX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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