Diodes Incorporated PI3EQX6741STZDEX

Overview

PI3EQX6741STZDEX from Diodes Incorporated is a low-power, dual-channel SATA Gen 3i (6 Gbps) ReDriver™ with programmable equalization and pre-emphasis. It conditions differential CML signals between host and HDD in notebook, server, and storage platforms, supporting 100Ω differential I/O, OOB signaling, automatic rate detection, and termination-sensing power management. Typical active power is 254 mW at 3.3 V.

For engineers reviewing the PI3EQX6741STZDEX datasheet, PI3EQX6741STZDEX pinout, PI3EQX6741STZDEX application, or PI3EQX6741STZDEX equivalent, key selection factors include per-channel independent operation, adjustable receiver EQ (up to 9 dB), output swing control (550–750 mV_pp), slumber mode entry/exit timing (10–20 µs / 6–20 ns), and TDet# open-drain termination detect outputs for eSATA hot-plug power savings.

Technical Context

The PI3EQX6741STZDEX implements two fully independent CML signal paths with integrated limiting amplifiers, DC-coupled 100Ω differential input/output impedance, and tri-level configurable equalization (A_EQ/B_EQ) and binary pre-emphasis (A_EM/B_EM) controls. Each channel supports signal-detect thresholding (V_TH-SD = 50–200 mV_ppd) and squelch to common-mode voltage when input falls below threshold.

Termination detection (TDet_A#/TDet_B#) operates via open-drain outputs synchronized to TDet_EN control, enabling host- or HDD-initiated power saving modes including Auto-Slumber (36 mW typical) and standby (0.7 mW max). Latency is fixed at 0.7 ns with <0.24 UI total jitter on 36-inch FR4 traces.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 20-pin Thin Quad Flat No-Lead (TQFN), 4 mm × 4 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad (GND).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar SATA ReDriver applications.

Compared with IDT PI3EQX6741AZDE, the PI3EQX6741STZDEX offers identical signal conditioning but with verified tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume SMT lines; versus TI TUSB544RGET, it delivers native SATA Gen 3i features-OOB, auto-rate detection, and termination sensing-that eliminate firmware overhead and ensure link reliability in storage subsystems.

Availability

PI3EQX6741STZDEX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook storage interfaces, enterprise server backplanes, eSATA docking stations, and set-top box internal storage requiring stable component supply and industrial-temperature operation.

Supply support for PI3EQX6741STZDEX 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, specializing in high-performance signal integrity, power management, and interface solutions for computing and storage markets.

The PI3EQX6741STZDEX belongs to Diodes' ReDriver™ product line, engineered specifically for high-speed serial interconnects-including SATA, SAS, and PCIe-where signal restoration, low latency, and adaptive power management are critical in space-constrained, thermally sensitive systems.

FAQ

What is the function of the TDet_EN pin, and how should it be configured?

The TDet_EN pin enables or disables termination detection logic. When pulled high (e.g., via 0Ω resistor to VDD), it activates TDet_A# and TDet_B# outputs for eSATA hot-plug applications to sense external HDD attachment. For internal SATA connections where termination is always present, TDet_EN must be pulled low to prevent spurious power-state transitions. The internal 200 kΩ pull-up requires explicit grounding for low state.

How does the Auto-Slumber Mode reduce power, and what triggers its activation?

Auto-Slumber Mode reduces power from 254 mW to 36 mW by disabling internal bias circuits and clock recovery when both channels detect electrical idle for ≥10 µs. Activation is automatic and transparent-no software or register access required. Exit occurs within ≤20 ns of first valid data edge, ensuring zero link-layer disruption during bursty storage traffic.

Can A_EQ and B_EQ be set to different values for independent channel tuning?

Yes-A_EQ and B_EQ are fully independent tri-level inputs, allowing asymmetric equalization: for example, Channel A can be set to 4 dB (logic '1') to compensate for longer trace loss, while Channel B uses 2.5 dB (floating) for shorter path. Each setting directly maps to defined EQ gain values per the Configuration Table (1.5/3/6 Gbps), with no coupling or shared registers between channels.

What is the recommended AC coupling capacitor value on AO+/AO− and BO+/BO− outputs?

The datasheet specifies a recommended AC coupling capacitor range of 2–12 nF per output line, with 4.7 nF as the typical value used in reference designs. This value balances high-pass filtering of common-mode offset while preserving low-frequency components essential for SATA OOB (ALIGNp/D24.3) pattern detection and link initialization stability.