Diodes Incorporated PI3C3245QEX

Overview

PI3C3245QEX from Diodes Incorporated is an 8-bit, 2-port bus switch IC operating at 2.5 V or 3.3 V supply, featuring 5 Ω on-resistance, >400 MHz bandwidth, and active-low bus enable control. It connects Bus A and Bus B ports with near-zero propagation delay (0.25 ns), supports hot insertion, and tolerates 5 V I/O - used in high-speed data path switching for FPGA-to-ASIC interconnects and memory expansion subsystems.

For engineers reviewing the PI3C3245QEX datasheet, PI3C3245QEX pinout, PI3C3245QEX application, or PI3C3245QEX equivalent, key selection criteria include on-resistance matching, 5 V I/O tolerance, hot-insertion capability, 20-pin QSOP package compatibility, and sub-1 ns enable/disable timing under 2.5 V/3.3 V operation.

Technical Context

The PI3C3245QEX implements a passive FET-based analog bus switch architecture with rail-to-rail signal pass-through, no internal logic or level-shifting circuitry. Its BE input directly gates all eight A–B switch paths simultaneously using complementary MOSFET pairs, enabling/disabling conduction without introducing digital propagation delay or ground bounce.

It operates across –40°C to +85°C ambient, supports dual supply voltages (2.5 V ±10 % or 3.3 V ±10 %), and maintains <10 pF on-capacitance (CON) and <5 pF off-capacitance (COFF) to preserve signal integrity in high-frequency parallel buses up to 400 MHz.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PI3C3245QEX is housed in a 20-pin, 150-mil wide plastic QSOP (Q) package with standard JEDEC outline and gull-wing leads. Pin pitch is 0.65 mm; body width is 3.91 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74CBT3245APWR and PI3CH4812LEX, the PI3C3245QEX uniquely delivers true bidirectional analog switching at both 2.5 V and 3.3 V with 5 V I/O tolerance - making it the only option among the three for hot-pluggable, mixed-voltage, high-bandwidth parallel bus applications requiring zero added propagation delay.

Availability

PI3C3245QEX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for PCI Express add-in card interconnects, FPGA-based prototyping platforms, and industrial memory expansion modules requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS 3-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for PI3C3245QEX 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

Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and integrated circuits, specializing in high-performance analog, logic, and power management solutions for industrial, computing, and consumer markets.

The PI3C3245 belongs to Diodes' Pericom® high-speed interface product line, engineered specifically for low-latency, high-fidelity analog signal routing in next-generation computing and communications infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended load capacitance for reliable >400 MHz operation?

The PI3C3245QEX maintains >400 MHz bandwidth with ≤50 pF total load capacitance per channel, as validated in switching characterization tests. Exceeding this value increases RC time constant, degrading rise/fall times and reducing effective bandwidth - design must include controlled-impedance routing and minimize stub lengths to stay within spec.

Can PI3C3245QEX be used with 1.8 V logic systems?

No - the PI3C3245QEX is specified only for 2.5 V and 3.3 V supply operation. Its internal FET threshold and drive strength are optimized for those rails; operation at 1.8 V results in excessive RON (>20 Ω), degraded bandwidth, and potential failure to meet VIH/VIL thresholds. Use PI3CH4812 or SN74LVC2G66 for 1.8 V systems.

Is the BE pin 5 V tolerant when VCC = 2.5 V?

Yes - the BE input is 5 V tolerant regardless of VCC setting (2.5 V or 3.3 V), as confirmed in DC Electrical Characteristics table (VIH up to 2.0 V, VIL down to –0.5 V, and absolute max rating of –0.5 V to 5.5 V). This allows direct connection to 5 V control logic without level shifting.

Does PI3C3245QEX require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on A/B pins?

No - the A and B pins are fully bidirectional analog terminals with no internal termination. External biasing is only required if the connected system demands defined DC states during high-impedance (BE = HIGH) mode; typical applications rely on upstream/downstream drivers to manage idle-state levels.