Diodes Incorporated PI3C3861-AQE

Overview

PI3C3861-AQE from Diodes Incorporated is a 10-bit, dual-port CMOS bus switch with 5 Ω on-resistance, rail-to-rail 2.5 V/3.3 V operation, and >400 MHz bandwidth. It functions as a low-latency signal path selector in high-speed digital interconnects, enabling hot-insertion and supporting bidirectional data routing between Bus A (A0–A9) and Bus B (B0–B9) under active-low Bus Enable (BE) control.

For engineers reviewing the PI3C3861-AQE datasheet, PI3C3861-AQE pinout, PI3C3861-AQE application, or PI3C3861-AQE equivalent, key selection criteria include its 0.25 ns propagation delay, 5 V I/O tolerance, 6 pF input capacitance, and QSOP-24 package compatibility with high-density PCB layouts in memory expansion and peripheral switching systems.

Technical Context

The PI3C3861-AQE implements a passive analog switch architecture-no internal logic or level-shifting circuitry-where conduction occurs only when BE is asserted low, placing all ten A/B pairs in low-impedance continuity. Its submicron CMOS process ensures minimal RC delay, with on-resistance tightly specified at 5–7 Ω (VCC = 2.5 V) and 5–15 Ω (VCC = 3.3 V).

It supports true rail-to-rail switching across 2.5 V and 3.3 V supplies while maintaining 5 V tolerance on all I/O pins, enabling interoperability with mixed-voltage systems. The device draws only 260–500 µA quiescent current and exhibits no ground bounce or added propagation delay beyond intrinsic RC time constants.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PI3C3861-AQE is housed in a Pb-free, green 24-pin QSOP (150-mil wide) package with standard JEDEC MO-137AC footprint and 0.635 mm pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 10-bit bus switch applications.

Compared with SN74CBT3384APW and PI3CH4812QEX, the PI3C3861-AQE uniquely balances 10-bit width, dual-supply (2.5 V/3.3 V) flexibility, 5 V I/O tolerance, and QSOP-24 compatibility-making it optimal for mixed-voltage memory and peripheral expansion where pin count and voltage interoperability are critical.

Availability

PI3C3861-AQE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for memory expansion interfaces, peripheral hot-swap modules, high-speed data multiplexers, and automated test equipment requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for PI3C3861-AQE 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 analog ICs, specializing in high-performance, energy-efficient components for computing, industrial, and communications markets.

The PI3C series targets high-bandwidth digital interconnect applications, delivering ultra-low-latency, low-power bus switching solutions optimized for memory expansion, hot-plug subsystems, and signal routing in space-constrained designs.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency supported by the PI3C3861-AQE?

The PI3C3861-AQE supports signal bandwidth exceeding 400 MHz, verified through characterization of its 5 Ω on-resistance and 6 pF input capacitance. This enables reliable operation with fast-edge digital signals such as DDR2/DDR3 address/control lines and MIPI CSI-2 clock/data pairs without measurable distortion or timing skew.

Can PI3C3861-AQE operate with both 2.5 V and 3.3 V supplies simultaneously?

No-the PI3C3861-AQE uses a single VCC pin and must be powered from either 2.5 V or 3.3 V (±10%), not both. However, its 5 V-tolerant I/O pins allow it to interface safely with higher-voltage peripherals regardless of supply choice, making it suitable for mixed-voltage board-level integration.

Is the PI3C3861-AQE suitable for hot-swap applications?

Yes-its rail-to-rail switching, near-zero propagation delay, and ability to enter high-impedance state rapidly upon BE deassertion make it ideal for hot-swap use. The device meets hot-insertion requirements by preventing bus contention and ground bounce during module insertion, as confirmed in Diodes' application notes for peripheral docking systems.

Does the PI3C3861-AQE require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on the BE pin?

No external biasing is required on the BE pin. The input threshold is TTL-compatible (VIH ≥ 2.0 V, VIL ≤ 0.8 V), and internal design ensures clean switching without floating-state risk. However, for noise immunity in electrically noisy environments, a 10 kΩ pull-down resistor is recommended to guarantee known state during power-up or control signal glitches.