Diodes Incorporated PI3CH401LEX

Overview

PI3CH401LEX from Diodes Incorporated (acquired Pericom Semiconductor) is a 4-bit, high-bandwidth bus switch with three independent enable inputs (EN0–EN2), supporting 1.8V/2.5V/3.3V supply operation, 500 MHz –3dB bandwidth, 4–8 Ω on-resistance, and hot-plug capability. It routes analog or digital signals between A- and B-port pairs in systems requiring rail-to-rail switching (e.g., 0–5V with 3.3V V_CC) and low-noise signal integrity.

For engineers reviewing the PI3CH401LEX datasheet, PI3CH401LEX pinout, PI3CH401LEX application, or PI3CH401LEX equivalent, this device is selected for high-speed data path isolation, differential signal routing, hot-docking interfaces, and I/O voltage translation where near-zero propagation delay (<0.3 ns) and 5V-tolerant I/Os are critical.

Technical Context

The PI3CH401LEX implements four independent bidirectional analog/digital switches, each controlled by one of three active-high enables (EN0–EN2). Each switch exhibits rail-to-rail conduction-supporting input voltages beyond V_CC (e.g., 0–5V with 3.3V supply)-and features 5V I/O tolerance regardless of power state (ON/OFF).

Its architecture avoids ground bounce and adds negligible propagation delay: typical t_PLH/t_PHL is ≤0.3 ns, and system-level delay is dominated by external RC loading-not internal logic. ESD robustness (8 kV HBM) and latch-up immunity (>200 mA per JESD17) support rugged backplane and telecom insertion environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PI3CH401LEX is housed in a RoHS-compliant, lead-free 14-pin TSSOP (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package) with 0.65 mm pitch and exposed pad not present. Package dimensions: 5.0 mm × 4.4 mm × 1.2 mm (max height).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 4-bit bus switch applications.

Compared with SN74CBT3244PWR and TS3A27518EGET, PI3CH401LEX uniquely delivers triple independent enables, 1.8V–3.3V supply flexibility, 500 MHz bandwidth, and rail-to-rail operation-making it optimal for reconfigurable, multi-voltage, high-speed data planes where channel granularity and signal integrity are non-negotiable.

Availability

PI3CH401LEX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-bandwidth data switching, hot-docking interfaces, analog signal multiplexing, and differential signal routing requiring stable component supply across industrial, telecom, and embedded computing programs.

Supply support for PI3CH401LEX 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 acquired Pericom Semiconductor in 2016 and integrates its high-speed interface portfolio-including bus switches, clock buffers, and signal conditioners-into broad analog and mixed-signal solutions.

The PI3CH401LEX belongs to Pericom's legacy high-bandwidth analog switch product line, engineered specifically for telecom backplanes, server memory interconnects, and hot-pluggable modular systems demanding minimal signal degradation and robust insertion survivability.

FAQ

Is PI3CH401LEX compatible with 1.8V logic control signals when V_CC = 3.3V?

Yes. The control inputs (EN0–EN2) accept logic HIGH down to 1.2V (min) at 1.8V V_CC, and up to 3.6V regardless of supply voltage. With V_CC = 3.3V, VIH(min) is 2.0V, so standard 1.8V logic outputs will not reliably assert enable-level shifting or 3.3V-compatible drivers are required for guaranteed activation.

Can PI3CH401LEX safely switch AC-coupled differential signals like LVDS?

Yes. Its 500 MHz bandwidth, matched 7.0 pF on-capacitance across A/B paths, and sub-0.3 ns propagation delay preserve differential pair timing skew and amplitude integrity. Ensure common-mode voltage stays within 0–V_CC range and avoid exceeding ±6V peak differential swing to prevent clamp diode conduction.

What is the maximum continuous current per switch channel?

The absolute maximum DC output current is 120 mA per channel, verified under thermal limits and latch-up testing (JESD17 >200 mA). For sustained operation at ambient >70°C, derate to ≤80 mA/channel to maintain junction temperature below 125°C with standard PCB copper pour.

Does PI3CH401LEX require external pull-up resistors on enable pins?

Yes. The datasheet specifies a pull-up resistor must be provided on each ENx pin for power-up protection to ensure switches remain disabled until valid control logic is applied. A 10 kΩ pull-up to V_CC is recommended to guarantee VIH ≥2.0V at 3.3V supply while limiting static current to <0.33 mA.