Diodes Incorporated PI3C32X384BE

Overview

PI3C32X384BE from Pericom Semiconductor is a 2.5V/3.3V, 20-bit, 2-port bus switch with four independent bus enable inputs (BEA/BEB/BEC/BED), 5 Ω typical on-resistance, <0.25 ns propagation delay, and 400+ MHz bandwidth. It enables hot-insertion-capable data routing between dual 10-bit buses in high-speed memory or peripheral interconnects.

For engineers reviewing the PI3C32X384BE datasheet, PI3C32X384BE pinout, PI3C32X384BE application, or PI3C32X384BE equivalent, key selection criteria include per-segment bus enable control, 5V-tolerant I/O, low R_ON, near-zero added delay, and BQSOP-48 thermal/power integrity in dense PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The PI3C32X384BE implements four independent 5-bit bidirectional analog switches-two for Bus A (A0–A4, A5–A9) and two for Bus B (B0–B4, B5–B9)-each controlled by dedicated active-low BE signals. Its CMOS transmission-gate architecture supports rail-to-rail signal pass-through without level shifting.

Each switch pair operates with guaranteed 5 Ω R_ON at V_CC = 2.5 V and 0 V input, and maintains 5V I/O tolerance regardless of supply voltage. Propagation delay is dominated by RC time constant (R_ON × C_LOAD), not internal logic, enabling transparent signal coupling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PI3C32X384BE uses a 48-pin, 150-mil wide plastic BQSOP (Ball Grid Quad Small Outline Package) with exposed thermal pad; pin pitch is 0.025 inch (0.635 mm).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 20-bit bus switching applications.

Compared with PI3C32X384LE and SN74CBT3244PW, the PI3C32X384BE delivers full 20-bit integration in one RoHS-compliant package with superior R_ON, 5 V I/O tolerance, and per-segment enable-making it optimal for space-constrained, hot-plug-critical systems.

Availability

PI3C32X384BE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for memory subsystem interconnect, PCI peripheral switching, and hot-dockable laptop docking stations requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for PI3C32X384BE 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 (now part of Diodes Incorporated) specialized in high-speed interface and signal integrity solutions for computing, communications, and consumer electronics before its 2016 acquisition.

The PI3C32X384BE belongs to Pericom's PI3C bus switch product line, engineered for low-latency, hot-pluggable data routing in DDR, PCI, and parallel bus architectures where signal fidelity and power efficiency are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency supported by the PI3C32X384BE?

The PI3C32X384BE supports >400 MHz bandwidth, verified via -3 dB point measurement. This enables reliable operation with DDR2 clock rates up to 200 MHz (400 MT/s) and PCI-X 66 MHz bus signaling, provided PCB layout maintains controlled impedance and minimizes stub length.

Can the PI3C32X384BE be used with a 2.5 V supply and 5 V input signals simultaneously?

Yes. The device's I/O pins are 5 V tolerant regardless of V_CC setting (2.5 V or 3.3 V). Input signals up to 5.5 V may be applied safely without damage or latch-up, making it suitable for interfacing 5 V peripherals to 2.5 V core logic.

How does the four-BE architecture improve system-level power management?

Each BE input controls a distinct 5-bit segment (e.g., BEA → A4–A0/B4–B0). By disabling unused segments, dynamic power drops proportionally-reducing I_CC and switching noise. This enables fine-grained power gating in multi-bank memory or modular I/O systems.

Is the PI3C32X384BE pin-compatible with other Pericom bus switches like the PI3C32X224?

No. The PI3C32X384BE uses a 48-pin BQSOP package with unique pin mapping for 20-bit dual buses and four BE inputs. The PI3C32X224 is a 24-pin device supporting only 12-bit operation and two BE inputs-different footprint, signal count, and routing requirements.