Diodes Incorporated PI3CH800ZHEX

Overview

PI3CH800ZHEX from Diodes Incorporated is an 8-bit bus switch with active-low enable, designed for high-bandwidth signal routing in 1.8V/2.5V/3.3V systems. It delivers 500 MHz bandwidth, 4–8 Ω on-resistance (depending on supply), near-zero propagation delay (<0.3 ns), and rail-to-rail switching capability-enabling hot-plug data paths in telecom backplanes and high-speed digital interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the PI3CH800ZHEX datasheet, PI3CH800ZHEX pinout, PI3CH800ZHEX application, or PI3CH800ZHEX equivalent, this device is selected for low-noise, low-latency bidirectional signal switching where supply voltage flexibility, I/O tolerance up to 5V, and ESD robustness (8 kV HBM) are critical in industrial and datacom designs.

Technical Context

The PI3CH800ZHEX implements eight independent analog/digital bidirectional switches controlled by a single active-low enable (EN) input. Each channel features MOSFET-based transmission gates with no internal logic or level-shifting circuitry-ensuring passive signal integrity and minimal added jitter or ground bounce.

It supports true beyond-rail operation: with VCC = 3.3V, it passes 0–5V signals; with VCC = 2.5V, it handles 0–3.3V; and with VCC = 1.8V, it supports 0–2.25V. Input logic levels are compatible up to 3.6V regardless of supply, enabling mixed-voltage control interfacing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PI3CH800ZHEX is housed in a 20-pin Very Thin Quad Flat No-Lead (TQFN) package with 0.5 mm pitch and exposed thermal pad. Pin 10 is GND; Pin 20 is VCC; Pins 2–9 are A0–A7 (input/output ports); Pins 11–18 are B0–B7 (complementary ports); Pin 19 is EN (active-low enable).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 8-bit bus switch applications.

Compared with SN74CBT3245APW and TS3USB221ERSER, the PI3CH800ZHEX uniquely combines 8-channel density, triple-supply compatibility, 500 MHz bandwidth, and 5V I/O tolerance-making it the only single-package solution for scalable, mixed-voltage, high-speed bus switching in telecom and industrial platforms.

Availability

PI3CH800ZHEX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom backplane switching, hot-pluggable module interfaces, and high-speed digital test equipment requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and multi-voltage operating conditions.

Supply support for PI3CH800ZHEX 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 integrated circuits, specializing in high-performance, high-reliability components for power management, signal integrity, and protection applications.

The PI3CH800 series belongs to Diodes' high-speed analog switch product line, engineered specifically for low-latency, rail-to-rail signal routing in datacom, telecom, and industrial systems where signal fidelity and hot-swap resilience are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum signal voltage that can be passed through PI3CH800ZHEX when powered from 3.3V?

With VCC = 3.3V, the PI3CH800ZHEX supports 0–5V signal swing across A/B ports-termed "beyond rail-to-rail" operation. This is enabled by its internal FET architecture and clamp diode design, allowing safe passage of 5V logic signals even though the supply is only 3.3V. The device remains functional and undamaged under these conditions per datasheet specifications.

Does PI3CH800ZHEX require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on the EN pin?

No external biasing is required on the EN pin. The PI3CH800ZHEX specifies guaranteed logic thresholds: VIH ≥ 2.0V and VIL ≤ 0.8V at VCC = 3.3V, with input leakage current ≤±1 μA. A clean CMOS-level control signal (e.g., from an FPGA GPIO) directly drives EN without resistive termination, minimizing board area and power consumption.

Can PI3CH800ZHEX be used to switch differential pairs such as USB 2.0 or LVDS?

Yes-the PI3CH800ZHEX is commonly deployed for differential signal switching. Its matched 8-channel layout, low crosstalk (–60 dB at 10 MHz), and symmetric on-resistance ensure balanced impedance and phase matching. Designers route complementary signals on adjacent A/B pins (e.g., A0/B0 for D+/D−) and maintain tight trace length matching to preserve signal integrity up to 480 Mbps.

How does the thermal performance of the TQFN (ZH) package compare to QSOP and TSSOP variants?

The 20-pin TQFN (ZH) package offers superior thermal resistance (θ_JA ≈ 50°C/W typical) versus QSOP (≈75°C/W) and TSSOP (≈65°C/W), due to its exposed thermal pad and shorter thermal path to PCB copper. When soldered to a 2-layer board with ≥1 in² thermal pad, it sustains continuous 120 mA per channel without derating-critical for high-density, fanless telecom modules.