Diodes Incorporated PI3CH401QE

Overview

PI3CH401QE from Diodes Incorporated (acquired Pericom Semiconductor) is a 4-bit, high-bandwidth bus switch with individual channel enables, operating at 1.8V/2.5V/3.3V supply, delivering 500 MHz -3dB bandwidth, <0.3 ns propagation delay, and 4–8 Ω on-resistance. It supports hot-plug insertion, rail-to-rail analog signal switching (0–5V with 3.3V VCC), and 5V-tolerant I/O in both ON and OFF states.

For engineers reviewing the PI3CH401QE datasheet, PI3CH401QE pinout, PI3CH401QE application, or PI3CH401QE equivalent, key selection criteria include enable-controlled 4-channel bidirectional signal routing, sub-1ns switching latency, ESD-hardened (8kV HBM) operation across industrial temperature (-40°C to +85°C), and compatibility with high-speed data, differential, and analog signal paths in backplane and docking systems.

Technical Context

The PI3CH401QE implements four independent single-pole single-throw (SPST) NMOS transmission gates, each controlled by a dedicated active-high enable (EN0–EN2 for three channels; truth table confirms ENx = H enables Ax↔Bx path). Its architecture eliminates ground bounce and adds negligible RC delay-propagation is dominated by external driver/load interaction, not internal logic.

It supports multi-voltage interoperability: 5V-tolerant I/O pins allow connection to higher-voltage buses while powered from 1.8V/2.5V/3.3V; clamp diodes (VIK ≤ –1.8V) and latch-up immunity (>200mA per JESD17) ensure robustness during hot-insertion transients up to 6V for 20ns.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 14-pin TSSOP (L), Pb-free and RoHS-compliant, 5.0 mm × 4.4 mm footprint, 0.65 mm pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN74CBT3245APWR and TS3USB30E, the PI3CH401QE uniquely combines per-channel enables, 1.8V–3.3V multi-supply operation, 5V I/O tolerance, and hot-plug hardening-making it the only option suitable for reconfigurable analog/digital backplane interconnects requiring field-upgradeable modules.

Availability

PI3CH401QE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-bandwidth data switching, hot-docking systems, analog signal multiplexing, and differential signal routing requiring stable component supply across industrial and telecom production cycles.

Supply support for PI3CH401QE 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 2017 and integrates its high-speed interface portfolio into broad-spectrum signal integrity solutions for datacom, computing, and industrial markets.

The PI3CH401QE belongs to Pericom's legacy high-bandwidth bus switch product line, engineered specifically for hot-pluggable, multi-voltage signal routing in telecom backplanes, modular test equipment, and reconfigurable embedded systems.

FAQ

Is PI3CH401QE compatible with 1.8V logic levels while driving 5V analog signals?

Yes. The device supports rail-to-rail switching: with 1.8V VCC, it passes 0–3.3V analog signals; with 3.3V VCC, it handles 0–5V signals. Its 5V-tolerant I/O pins remain functional even when VCC is off, enabling safe level-shifting in mixed-voltage systems without external clamping.

What is the maximum allowable hot-insertion transient voltage and duration?

The PI3CH401QE is rated for 6.0V transients lasting ≤20ns per event, with absolute maximum ratings specifying 6.0V DC input voltage and 120mA peak current. Exceeding either limit risks permanent damage; system-level protection (e.g., series resistors, TVS diodes) is recommended for sustained or repetitive overvoltage conditions.

Does PI3CH401QE introduce measurable ground bounce during switching?

No. The device uses a low-noise NMOS switch architecture with no internal charge pumps or level shifters, and its datasheet explicitly states "no additional ground bounce noise." Layout best practices-such as local decoupling and short return paths-remain essential, but the IC itself contributes negligible switching-induced supply perturbation.

Can EN0–EN2 be driven directly from 3.3V GPIOs when VCC = 1.8V?

Yes. Input thresholds scale with VCC: at 1.8V supply, VIH(min) = 1.2V and VIL(max) = 0.6V, so a 3.3V GPIO output (≥2.4V HIGH, ≤0.4V LOW) fully satisfies logic level requirements. The 5V-tolerant inputs eliminate need for external level translators in mixed-supply control interfaces.