Diodes Incorporated PI3C3245LE

Overview

PI3C3245LE from Pericom Semiconductor is a 2.5V/3.3V, 8-bit, 2-port bus switch with 5 Ω on-resistance, >400 MHz bandwidth, and hot-insertion support. It functions as a low-delay signal path selector between two bidirectional buses (A0–A7 and B0–B7), enabling dynamic interconnection in high-speed digital backplanes and memory expansion subsystems.

For engineers reviewing the PI3C3245LE datasheet, PI3C3245LE pinout, PI3C3245LE application, or PI3C3245LE equivalent, key selection criteria include its rail-to-rail 2.5V/3.3V operation, 5 Ω R_ON, <0.25 ns propagation delay contribution, 5V I/O tolerance, and TSSOP-20 Pb-free packaging for thermal and layout-sensitive PCB designs.

Technical Context

This device implements an array of eight independent, bidirectional analog switches controlled by a single active-low Bus Enable (BE) input. Each switch exhibits near-zero intrinsic propagation delay-dominated only by RC time constant (RON × C_LOAD)-and zero ground-bounce generation due to absence of internal logic or latching.

It supports hot insertion via high-impedance (Hi-Z) state when BE = HIGH, and tolerates 5V signals on A/B ports while powered from 2.5V or 3.3V V_CC, making it suitable for mixed-voltage domain bridging in PCI Express add-in cards and DDR memory routing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PI3C3245LE is housed in a 20-pin, 173-mil wide Pb-free & Green plastic TSSOP (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package) with standard 0.65 mm lead pitch and exposed thermal pad (non-electrical).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bus switch applications.

Compared with SN74CBT3245APW and PI3CH485LE, PI3C3245LE uniquely balances 2.5V/3.3V dual-supply flexibility, 5 Ω R_ON, and TSSOP-20 footprint - making it optimal for space-constrained, thermally sensitive, and mixed-voltage hot-plug designs where 8-bit width suffices.

Availability

PI3C3245LE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for PCIe add-in card design, DDR memory multiplexing, hot-swappable backplane interfaces, and mixed-voltage signal routing requiring stable component supply across industrial, telecom, and embedded computing programs.

Supply support for PI3C3245LE 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 was a fabless provider specializing in high-speed interface, timing, and signal-integrity solutions before its acquisition by Diodes Incorporated in 2016.

The PI3Cxx bus switch family targets low-latency, high-fidelity signal routing in memory, storage, and interconnect subsystems - emphasizing minimal R_ON, hot-plug safety, and multi-voltage interoperability.

FAQ

What is the maximum capacitive load the PI3C3245LE can drive while maintaining >400 MHz bandwidth?

The device maintains >400 MHz small-signal bandwidth up to 5 pF total load capacitance per channel (including PCB trace and receiver input). At 10 pF (CON spec), bandwidth drops to ~200 MHz. For 50Ω-terminated systems, keep net capacitance ≤3.5 pF using short, controlled-impedance routing and avoid stubs.

Can PI3C3245LE be used with 1.8V logic levels?

No. PI3C3245LE is specified only for 2.5V and 3.3V V_CC operation. Its internal switch threshold and R_ON performance are not characterized below 2.5V. For 1.8V systems, consider PI3CH485LE or PI3L110LE, which support 1.8V supply and retain 5V I/O tolerance.

Is the NC pin (Pin 19) required to be tied to ground or left floating?

Pin 19 is a true no-connect with no internal bond wire. Per Pericom's packaging documentation, it may be left floating or grounded - grounding improves mechanical stability and EMI shielding but has no electrical effect. Do not connect to V_CC or signal nets.

Does PI3C3245LE require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on the BE pin?

No. The BE input has CMOS-compatible thresholds (VIH ≥ 2.0V, VIL ≤ 0.8V at V_CC = 3.3V) and negligible leakage (<±1 μA). Direct connection to FPGA GPIO or ASIC control logic is sufficient. Pull resistors are unnecessary unless open-drain driving is used - in which case a 10kΩ pull-up to V_CC ensures defined Hi-Z default state.