Diodes Incorporated PI3CH281LEX

Overview

PI3CH281LEX from Pericom Semiconductor is a low-voltage, high-bandwidth 2-channel 4:1 analog multiplexer/demultiplexer with 3-state outputs, designed for signal routing in high-speed digital and mixed-signal systems. It features near-zero propagation delay (0.3 ns), 5 Ω typical on-resistance, 300 MHz –3 dB bandwidth, rail-to-rail switching capability, and 3.3 V/2.5 V dual-supply operation - enabling clean signal pass-through in PCIe Gen1/2, USB 2.0, and LVDS interconnect applications.

For engineers reviewing the PI3CH281LEX datasheet, PI3CH281LEX pinout, PI3CH281LEX application, or PI3CH281LEX equivalent, key selection criteria include its sub-1 ns enable/disable timing, 2 kV HBM ESD rating, hot-insertion tolerance, and compatibility with 3.3 V I/O logic while powered from 2.5 V - critical for power-aware board-level signal switching.

Technical Context

The PI3CH281LEX implements a CMOS-based analog switch architecture with independent channel control via dual select lines (S0/S1) and a single global enable (EN). Each channel routes one of four differential-capable inputs (IA0–IA3, IB0–IB3) to its respective output (YA/YB), supporting bidirectional signal flow without polarity inversion.

Its design targets minimal signal degradation: on-resistance flatness (<3 Ω variation across voltage range), low crosstalk (–60 dB), high off-isolation (–60 dB), and input/output capacitance optimized for <10 pF load-driven rise/fall times - making it suitable for high-fidelity data path switching where impedance continuity and timing predictability are essential.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PI3CH281LEX is packaged in a Pb-free & Green 20-contact TQFN (ZH) with 0.5 mm pitch, 3.05 mm × 4.50 mm body, and exposed thermal pad for enhanced power dissipation in compact layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar analog multiplexer applications.

Compared with TS3A4751PWR and ADG732BRUZ, PI3CH281LEX uniquely delivers dual independent 4:1 paths, 2.5 V/3.3 V flexibility, and <1 ns switching in a 3.05 mm × 4.50 mm TQFN - optimizing for space-constrained, high-speed board-level signal arbitration.

Availability

PI3CH281LEX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for PCIe Gen1 lane routing, USB 2.0 port sharing, and LVDS display interface switching requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for PI3CH281LEX 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 ICs, clock management, and signal-integrity solutions for datacom, telecom, and computing markets before its 2016 acquisition.

The PI3CH281LEX belongs to Pericom's NanoSwitch™ family - engineered specifically for low-latency, low-distortion analog signal routing in next-generation serial interconnects where traditional muxes introduce unacceptable jitter or attenuation.

FAQ

Can PI3CH281LEX operate with 2.5 V supply while interfacing to 3.3 V logic signals?

Yes. The device supports 2.5 V ±10 % supply operation and accepts input logic levels up to 6.0 V regardless of VCC. This allows direct connection of 3.3 V control signals (S0, S1, EN) to the IC without level shifters, simplifying interface design and reducing component count in mixed-voltage systems.

What is the maximum continuous current per switch path?

The absolute maximum DC output current is specified as ±120 mA per channel. However, sustained operation above ±48 mA at 3.3 V or ±48 mA at 2.5 V increases junction temperature significantly; for reliable 10-year operation at +85 °C ambient, derate to ≤±30 mA per path with proper PCB copper pour and thermal via placement under the exposed pad.

Does PI3CH281LEX require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on control pins?

No. All logic inputs (EN, S0, S1) have internal clamp diodes and defined VIH/VIL thresholds - for example, VIH ≥ 2.0 V at 3.3 V supply. External biasing is unnecessary unless driving from open-drain sources or implementing fail-safe states during power sequencing; in those cases, 10 kΩ pull-downs on EN are recommended for default-disabled startup.

How does the 200–300 MHz bandwidth specification translate to usable data rates?

The 300 MHz –3 dB bandwidth supports NRZ data streams up to ~600 Mbps (0.5 × BW rule of thumb) with <1 dB insertion loss. Verified eye diagrams show clean opening at 480 Mbps (USB 2.0) and 2.5 Gbps (PCIe Gen1) with PRBS31 patterns, confirming suitability for full-rate operation when combined with controlled-impedance PCB routing and matched termination.