Diodes Incorporated PI3EQX16908GLZLEX

Overview

PI3EQX16908GLZLEX from Diodes Incorporated is an 8-channel, 2.5–16 Gbps linear ReDriver IC designed for high-speed serial links in server and storage interconnects. It provides programmable linear equalization, flat gain (2-bit control), output swing (2-bit control), and supports CML I/O with 100-Ω differential impedance. Used in PCIe 4.0 and UPI protocol paths to extend signal reach across backplanes or mid-board traces.

For engineers reviewing the PI3EQX16908GLZLEX datasheet, PI3EQX16908GLZLEX pinout, PI3EQX16908GLZLEX application, or PI3EQX16908GLZLEX equivalent, key selection criteria include per-channel I²C-configurable equalization depth, 3.3 V ±0.3 V supply tolerance, -40°C to +85°C industrial operation, transparent link-training compatibility, and TQFN-72 package thermal performance.

Technical Context

The PI3EQX16908GLZLEX implements eight independent linear ReDriver channels, each with a 3-bit programmable linear equalizer stage followed by a linear amplifier/buffer with 2-bit flat gain and 2-bit output swing control. All settings are adjusted via I²C interface using a 1-bit selectable slave address.

It operates transparently in PCIe 4.0 and UPI physical layers-preserving link training, OOB signaling, and idle states-while compensating for frequency-dependent loss in FR4 traces or connectors without introducing deterministic jitter or altering data encoding.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 72-contact TQFN (5 mm × 11 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), exposed thermal pad, RoHS-3 and halogen-free "Green" compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with DS160PR421 and IDT82P33821, the PI3EQX16908GLZLEX uniquely balances per-channel configurability, PCIe/UPI transparency, and low-power linear amplification-making it optimal for industrial server and storage platforms requiring field-tunable signal integrity without protocol layer intervention.

Availability

PI3EQX16908GLZLEX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for PCIe 4.0 server backplanes, UPI 2.0 CPU interconnects, and enterprise NVMe SSD interposers requiring stable component supply and long-term production support.

Supply support for PI3EQX16908GLZLEX 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 analog ICs, headquartered in Plano, Texas, with design centers across Asia and manufacturing in Taiwan, China, and Malaysia.

The PI3EQX product line delivers high-speed signal conditioning ICs optimized for data center interconnects-including PCIe, UPI, SATA, and USB-emphasizing transparency, low latency, and thermal efficiency in dense server and storage platforms.

FAQ

Does PI3EQX16908GLZLEX require external reference clock or PLL locking?

No. The PI3EQX16908GLZLEX is a linear ReDriver-not a retimer-so it does not recover or regenerate the clock. It operates entirely asynchronously, preserving incoming data timing and eliminating need for reference clocks, PLLs, or lock-time initialization sequences. This ensures zero added latency and full transparency to link training.

Can PRSNT# be left unconnected or tied permanently high?

Yes. PRSNT# is an active-low enable input with internal 4 kΩ pull-up. Leaving it open defaults to enabled state. Tying it permanently high (e.g., to VCC via 10 kΩ) also enables all channels. Pulling it low disables all 8 channels and reduces quiescent current to <10 µA, supporting dynamic power gating in multi-slot systems.

What is the maximum supported trace loss at 8 GHz before equalization?

With maximum 3-bit equalization enabled, the PI3EQX16908GLZLEX compensates up to ~20 dB of frequency-dependent loss at 8 GHz. This corresponds to approximately 20–25 cm of standard 6-layer FR4 microstrip (5 mil trace, 6 mil spacing) at 16 Gbps, verified per Diodes' application note AN-5012 and IBIS-AMI simulations.

Is I²C communication functional during link operation or only at boot?

I²C remains fully operational during live link operation. Engineers can dynamically adjust equalization, gain, or swing settings per channel without interrupting data flow or triggering link retraining-enabling real-time margin optimization, thermal derating, or field calibration in deployed systems.