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Diodes Incorporated PI3EQX8904ZHEX
- Part No.:
- PI3EQX8904ZHEX
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- Signal Buffers, Repeaters, Splitters
- Package:
- 42-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
PI3EQX8904ZHEX.pdf
- Description:
- IC REDRIVER 4CHAN 8GBPS 42TQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,145
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Product details
Overview
PI3EQX8904ZHEX from Diodes Incorporated is a 4-channel PCIe/SATA ReDriver IC with linear equalization, supporting 2.5/5/8 Gbps data rates (PCIe Gen1–Gen3 & SATA III), 3.3 V supply, -40°C to +85°C operation, and 42-pin TQFN (9 mm × 3.5 mm) flow-through package. It compensates for channel loss in high-speed serial links between host and endpoint devices in server backplanes and storage subsystems.
For engineers reviewing the PI3EQX8904ZHEX datasheet, PI3EQX8904ZHEX pinout, PI3EQX8904ZHEX application, or PI3EQX8904ZHEX equivalent, key selection criteria include per-channel programmable equalization, CML I/O compatibility, EEPROM auto-configuration, PCIe Link Training compliance, and industrial temperature support.
Technical Context
The PI3EQX8904ZHEX implements four independent, fully differential CML channels with linear equalization architecture-no decision feedback-to preserve signal integrity without introducing timing jitter. Each channel supports receiver-side equalization, transmitter-side swing control, and flat gain adjustment via pin strap, I²C, or EEPROM.
It features per-channel activity detection with selectable input termination (50 Ω or 200 kΩ to VCC) and output termination detection at power-up (50 Ω to VCC or high-Z). The device operates natively in single-ended mode for PCIe receiver detection and includes input threshold monitoring.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Data Rate | Up to 8 Gbps per channel - supports PCIe Gen3 (8 GT/s) and SATA III (6 Gbps) without retiming or protocol awareness. |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V ±0.3 V - compatible with standard PCIe slot and board-level 3.3 V rails; no auxiliary voltage required. |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to +85°C - validated for industrial and enterprise server environments with airflow-constrained thermal profiles. |
| I/O Interface | Four 100 Ω differential CML pairs - matches standard PCIe/SATA physical layer impedance and drive strength requirements. |
| Configuration | Pin strap, I²C (4-bit address), or EEPROM - enables zero-software bring-up in embedded systems and flexible factory programming. |
| Compliance | Fully compliant with PCI-SIG Link Training - interoperates with root complex and endpoint devices during LTSSM negotiation. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 42-contact TQFN (9 mm × 3.5 mm), Pb-free and RoHS-compliant, flow-through pinout optimized for high-speed layout with minimal trace stubs and controlled impedance routing.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VCC, GND | Power & reference | Dedicated power/ground pairs per channel group reduce supply noise coupling and maintain CML common-mode stability. |
| CHx_IN+, CHx_IN- | Differential input | Accepts degraded CML signals from upstream source; internal linear equalizer compensates up to 20 dB loss at Nyquist. |
| CHx_OUT+, CHx_OUT- | Differential output | Drives downstream load with programmable swing (±100 mV to ±300 mV) and flat gain (0 to +12 dB). |
| ENx, SELx | Channel enable & mode select | Per-channel hardware control for power gating and pin-strapped configuration (e.g., EQ level, termination). |
| SCL, SDA | I²C interface | Supports master/slave configuration; 4-bit address allows up to 16 devices on same bus without conflict. |
| EE_CLK, EE_DATA | EEPROM interface | Loads configuration automatically at power-up; eliminates boot-time firmware dependency and simplifies system initialization. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Linear equalization per channel | Preserves signal phase linearity and avoids ISI-induced jitter accumulation-critical for PCIe Gen3 eye margin compliance. |
| Independent channel configuration | Enables mixed-media routing (e.g., one channel over FR4, another over flex cable) with tailored EQ/swing settings per path. |
| Single-ended mode receiver detection | Automatically identifies PCIe link partner presence without requiring active link training-reduces initialization latency. |
| Input threshold detection | Monitors signal validity before equalization; prevents false link establishment due to noise or floating inputs. |
| Flow-through TQFN package | Minimizes interconnect parasitics and enables straight PCB trace routing-essential for maintaining >8 GHz bandwidth integrity. |
Applications
| Enterprise SSD Backplane | Server PCIe Switch Fabric |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Extending PCIe Gen3 signals across 150 mm+ mid-plane traces between CPU riser and NVMe drive carrier. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ReDriver placed mid-path to restore eye opening degraded by FR4 loss and via stubs. Use Value: Enables reliable 8 GT/s signaling without redesigning stackup or adding costly low-loss laminates. | Use Scenario: Interfacing multiple PCIe switches in a modular blade server chassis with varying cable lengths. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Channel-isolated ReDriver per switch uplink/downlink to compensate asymmetric channel loss. Use Value: Maintains PCIe Link Training success rate >99.9% across hot-plug events and thermal cycling. |
| Industrial RAID Controller | Embedded Storage Appliance |
Use Scenario: Driving four SATA III ports from a SoC through 200 mm ribbon cables to hot-swap drive bays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear ReDriver replacing passive AC-coupled interconnects to meet SATA PHY spec eye mask. Use Value: Eliminates SATA link dropouts under vibration and wide temperature swings (-40°C to +85°C). | Use Scenario: Integrating dual M.2 slots into a fanless edge compute module with tight EMI constraints. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-jitter ReDriver enabling clean PCIe Gen3 routing without shielding or ground planes around traces. Use Value: Passes CISPR-32 Class B emissions testing while sustaining full 8 GT/s throughput. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PCIe/SATA ReDriver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TI TUSB546IRWBR | Retimer (not ReDriver); integrates protocol-aware SerDes, requires PCIe training state machine interaction. | Designed for USB-C alternate mode and PCIe tunneling; not drop-in for pure analog signal restoration. | Choose only when protocol handshaking visibility or USB-C integration is required-not for legacy PCIe backplane extension. |
| Maxim MAX3202EASA+ | Analog switch-based repeater; no equalization, fixed gain, limited to ≤3.125 Gbps (PCIe Gen2). | Targeted at lower-speed industrial buses; lacks CML I/O, Link Training support, and per-channel configurability. | Select only for cost-sensitive Gen2-only designs where channel loss is <12 dB and EEPROM-less operation is acceptable. |
Compared with TI TUSB546IRWBR and MAX3202EASA+, the PI3EQX8904ZHEX delivers true linear equalization without protocol dependency, supports PCIe Gen3 native link training, and enables per-channel optimization-making it uniquely suited for high-margin, thermally demanding enterprise storage interconnects.
Availability
PI3EQX8904ZHEX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for enterprise SSD backplanes, server PCIe switch fabrics, and industrial RAID controllers requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and guaranteed green/Pb-free sourcing.
Supply support for PI3EQX8904ZHEX 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, headquartered in Plano, Texas, with design centers across Asia and manufacturing in Taiwan and China.
The PI3EQX8904ZHEX belongs to Diodes' high-speed signal integrity product line, engineered specifically for PCIe and SATA physical-layer signal restoration in space-constrained, thermally aggressive server and storage platforms.
FAQ
Does PI3EQX8904ZHEX require external configuration firmware to operate?
No. The device supports pin-strapped default settings and automatic EEPROM loading at power-up, eliminating dependency on host processor initialization. I²C programming is optional for dynamic runtime reconfiguration-e.g., adapting to different cable types during field updates.
Can PI3EQX8904ZHEX be used with PCIe Gen4 or Gen5 interfaces?
No. Its specified maximum data rate is 8 Gbps (PCIe Gen3), and its linear equalization bandwidth is optimized for Nyquist frequencies up to 4 GHz. Gen4 (16 GT/s) and Gen5 (32 GT/s) require higher-bandwidth architectures and adaptive equalization not supported by this device.
What is the purpose of the per-channel activity detector?
The per-channel activity detector monitors input signal presence and valid transition density, enabling automatic channel power-down during idle periods. This reduces dynamic power consumption by up to 40% in multi-lane configurations where lanes may be individually inactive.
How does the input threshold detection function improve system reliability?
Input threshold detection validates signal amplitude against configurable thresholds before enabling equalization and output drive. This prevents false link establishment caused by noise, crosstalk, or unterminated connectors-ensuring PCIe Link Training only initiates on electrically valid signals.
PI3EQX8904ZHEX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 42-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Buffer, ReDriver
- Applications:
- PCIe
- Input:
- CML
- Output:
- CML
- Data Rate (Max):
- 8Gbps
- Number of Channels:
- 4
- Delay Time:
- -
- Signal Conditioning:
- Input Equalization, Output De-Emphasis
- Capacitance - Input:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3.3V
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 42-TQFN (9x3.5)
PI3EQX8904ZHEX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PI3EQX8904ZHEX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PI3EQX8904ZHEX on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for PI3EQX8904ZHEX reliable?
The price and inventory of PI3EQX8904ZHEX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PI3EQX8904ZHEX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PI3EQX8904ZHEX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PI3EQX8904ZHEX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PI3EQX8904ZHEX?
PI3EQX8904ZHEX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PI3EQX8904ZHEX order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for PI3EQX8904ZHEX?
For technical support, including PI3EQX8904ZHEX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PI3EQX8904ZHEX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PI3EQX8904ZHEX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PI3EQX8904ZHEX products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that PI3EQX8904ZHEX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PI3EQX8904ZHEX?
All PI3EQX8904ZHEX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PI3EQX8904ZHEX, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The PI3EQX8904ZHEX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PI3EQX8904ZHEX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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