Diodes Incorporated PI3DPX1203ZHEX

Overview

PI3DPX1203ZHEX from Diodes Incorporated (acquired Pericom) is a DisplayPort 1.3-compliant, 8 Gb/s single-channel linear ReDriver designed for transparent insertion in source-, sink-, and active-cable-side signal paths. It supports 3.3 V supply, provides programmable input equalization, output swing, and flat gain, and enables AUX channel pass-through without link training intervention - deployed in USB Type-C DP Alt Mode systems with PD controllers.

For engineers reviewing the PI3DPX1203ZHEX datasheet, PI3DPX1203ZHEX pinout, PI3DPX1203ZHEX application, or PI3DPX1203ZHEX equivalent, key selection criteria include transparent DP 1.3 link training behavior, independent per-channel EQ/swing/gain control, TQFN-42 package compatibility, low-latency signal integrity restoration, and I²C/pin-strap configuration flexibility.

Technical Context

The PI3DPX1203ZHEX implements a fully transparent linear redriving architecture that preserves native DisplayPort 1.3 link training - eliminating need for AUX transaction interception or retraining logic. Its analog equalization compensates for high-frequency loss in long traces or cables without altering data encoding or timing alignment.

It features independent per-channel configuration of input equalization (4 settings), output swing (4 settings), and flat gain (4 settings), all controllable via I²C (4-bit address) or pin strapping. Channel order and polarity swap support enables physical layout flexibility in compact USB Type-C implementations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PI3DPX1203ZHEX is housed in a 42-pin TQFN package (3.5 mm × 9 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin assignment supports differential pair routing, I²C control, power/ground distribution, and channel-swapping flexibility for USB Type-C board layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar DisplayPort linear redriver applications.

Compared with TUSB544 and PS8315, PI3DPX1203ZHEX uniquely delivers DP 1.3 HBR3 transparency with per-channel programmability in a compact TQFN-42 - making it optimal for USB-C source/sink-side integration where latency, AUX pass-through, and layout flexibility are critical.

Availability

PI3DPX1203ZHEX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB Type-C DP Alt Mode systems, active DisplayPort cables, monitor sink-side signal conditioning, and projector internal DP routing requiring stable component supply and long-term design-in support.

Supply support for PI3DPX1203ZHEX 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, integrating its high-speed signal integrity portfolio into a broader mixed-signal solutions offering focused on interface, timing, and protection ICs.

The PI3DPX1203ZHEX belongs to Pericom's DisplayPort Linear ReDriver product line, engineered specifically to solve signal degradation in USB-C DP Alt Mode endpoints and active cables while preserving native DisplayPort protocol behavior.

FAQ

Does PI3DPX1203ZHEX require firmware or driver support to operate?

No. The device operates transparently in hardware - it does not intercept or modify DisplayPort AUX transactions, nor does it participate in link training. No host firmware, driver, or OS-level software is needed. Configuration is optional via I²C or pin strapping for EQ/swing/gain tuning, but default settings enable immediate plug-and-play operation.

Can PI3DPX1203ZHEX be used in DisplayPort 2.0 or UHBR systems?

No. PI3DPX1203ZHEX is specified only for DisplayPort 1.3 (HBR3, 8.1 Gb/s). It does not meet the electrical or protocol requirements of DP 2.0 UHBR10/13.4/20 signaling, which demands higher bandwidth, tighter jitter specs, and updated equalization architectures not present in this device.

What is the maximum supported trace length with PI3DPX1203ZHEX at 8 Gb/s?

With optimal PCB stack-up and controlled impedance, PI3DPX1203ZHEX restores margin sufficient for ≥12 inches of FR-4 microstrip (≈15 dB loss at 4 GHz) when configured with max input EQ and output swing. Actual reach depends on connector loss, via stubs, and crosstalk - validated reference designs show reliable operation across 8–10 inch host-to-connector paths in laptop dock applications.

Is thermal pad connection mandatory for PI3DPX1203ZHEX?

Yes. The exposed thermal pad is electrically connected to ground and thermally critical. It must be soldered to a minimum 100 mm² copper pour with ≥4 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter) to inner ground planes. Without proper thermal pad attachment, junction temperature exceeds 125°C under full 8 Gb/s operation, triggering thermal shutdown or reliability degradation.