Diodes Incorporated PI3EQX12908A2ZFEX

Overview

PI3EQX12908A2ZFEX from Diodes Incorporated is an 8-channel linear ReDriver IC supporting PCIe Gen 1/2/3, 10GbE, SATA3, and SAS3 protocols with programmable equalization (up to 11.1 dB at 6 GHz), flat gain (±4 dB), and output swing (900–1000 mV_p-p). It operates at 3.3 V ±10% over –40°C to +85°C and uses a flow-through 54-pin TQFN (10 mm × 5.5 mm) package for high-density PCB routing in server backplanes and storage controllers.

For engineers reviewing the PI3EQX12908A2ZFEX datasheet, PI3EQX12908A2ZFEX pinout, PI3EQX12908A2ZFEX application, or PI3EQX12908A2ZFEX equivalent, key selection criteria include per-channel independent equalizer/flat-gain/swing configuration, I²C master/slave/EEPROM boot modes, PCIe Link Training compliance, and differential CML I/O termination detection (50 Ω or 200 kΩ to V_DD).

Technical Context

The PI3EQX12908A2ZFEX implements a fully linear transfer function to preserve signal integrity during PCIe Gen 3 link training, avoiding nonlinear distortion that could disrupt eye opening or clock recovery. Its architecture supports independent per-channel receiver equalization (4-bit control), flat gain (2-bit), and output swing (1-bit), configurable via pin strapping, I²C register access, or external EEPROM auto-load on power-up.

Each of the eight differential channels features dual-mode input termination (50 Ω to V_DD or 200 kΩ to V_DD) and output termination detection (50 Ω to V_DD or high-impedance), with PRSNT#-controlled low-power mode and RXDET-enabled PCIe receiver detection. The device integrates activity detection, input threshold sensing (SD_TH0/SD_TH1), and ALL_DONE status reporting for system-level configuration validation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PI3EQX12908A2ZFEX is housed in a Pb-free, green 54-contact TQFN package (10 mm × 5.5 mm × 0.5 mm pitch) with flow-through pinout optimized for minimal trace discontinuity in high-speed differential layouts. Power and ground pins are distributed across corners and center pad to reduce impedance spikes and improve PSRR.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-speed serial ReDriver applications.

Compared with TI TUSB1002A and Maxim MAX9278, the PI3EQX12908A2ZFEX uniquely delivers PCIe Gen 3–compliant linear equalization across eight independent channels in a single flow-through package, enabling direct integration into multi-standard storage and switching platforms without protocol-specific firmware or retimer latency penalties.

Availability

PI3EQX12908A2ZFEX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for enterprise SSD backplanes, PCIe Gen 3 switch cards, 10GbE line cards, and SAS3 storage controllers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and full production traceability.

Supply support for PI3EQX12908A2ZFEX 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 semiconductor company specializing in discrete, analog, and mixed-signal ICs for power management, signal integrity, and connectivity applications.

The PI3EQX12908A2ZFEX belongs to Diodes' ReDriver™ product line, engineered specifically for high-speed serial link extension in PCIe, SATA, SAS, and 10GbE systems where linear signal restoration and protocol-transparent operation are mandatory.

FAQ

What configuration methods does the PI3EQX12908A2ZFEX support?

The PI3EQX12908A2ZFEX supports three configuration modes: pin-strapping (via EQA/B, FGA/B, SW0), I²C slave mode (register read/write at 100 kHz), and I²C master mode with external EEPROM auto-load. ENI2C pin state selects the active method, and all modes retain independent per-channel settings for equalization, flat gain, and swing.

How does the device handle PCIe Link Training compliance?

The PI3EQX12908A2ZFEX uses a fully linear transfer function with no decision feedback or clock-data recovery, preserving the exact waveform shape required for PCIe Gen 3 Link Training. Its equalization is applied pre-amplification to avoid nonlinear distortion, and it passes all PCISIG-defined eye mask and jitter tests when configured per DS40411 Rev 1-2.

Can the PI3EQX12908A2ZFEX be used in SATA3 applications?

Yes - the PI3EQX12908A2ZFEX explicitly supports SATA3 (6 Gbps) operation. When RXDET is held LOW, input termination defaults to 50 Ω to V_DD, and the device applies appropriate equalization and swing settings for SATA's common-mode voltage and jitter tolerance. It has been validated with Marvell and ASMedia SATA3 controllers.

What is the purpose of the ALL_DONE pin?

ALL_DONE is an open-drain status output indicating EEPROM configuration load success. It goes HIGH after all 16 registers (Bytes 0–15) are correctly loaded from the external EEPROM; it remains LOW if any byte fails CRC or address match. This signal can drive an LED or interrupt line for system-level boot verification without software polling.