Diodes Incorporated PI3PCIE2415ZHEX

Overview

PI3PCIE2415ZHEX from Pericom Semiconductor is a 4-channel (2-lane) bidirectional PCIe® 2.0 2:1 multiplexer/demultiplexer switch supporting 5.0 Gbps data rates, with 12 Ω on-resistance, 2.0 pF on-channel capacitance, and 35 ps max channel-to-channel skew. It routes differential PCIe signals between two downstream slots in server backplanes or add-in cards.

For engineers reviewing the PI3PCIE2415ZHEX datasheet, PI3PCIE2415ZHEX pinout, PI3PCIE2415ZHEX application, or PI3PCIE2415ZHEX equivalent, key selection criteria include differential insertion loss ≤ –5.0 dB at 5 GHz, off-isolation ≥ –20 dB up to 3 GHz, ESD tolerance of 2 kV HBM, and TQFN-42 (ZH42) package compatibility with high-density PCIe routing layouts.

Technical Context

The PI3PCIE2415ZHEX implements a passive analog signal path with flow-through latch control via single-ended SEL input, enabling deterministic 2:1 switching of four differential PCIe 2.0 lanes without protocol awareness or embedded logic. Its impedance-matched architecture minimizes signal attenuation and preserves eye integrity across all channels.

Designed specifically for PCIe 2.0 compliance, it delivers differential insertion loss of –5.0 dB at 5 GHz, return loss ≥ –8.0 dB up to 5 GHz, near-end crosstalk ≤ –26 dB at 5 GHz, and bit-to-bit skew ≤ 7 ps - meeting PCIe 2.0 electrical specifications for lane switching in host-to-peripheral interconnects.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 42-contact TQFN (ZH42), Pb-free & Green, 5 mm × 5 mm × 0.8 mm profile with exposed thermal pad.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PCIe 2.0 mux/demux applications.

Compared with TS3L110PWR and PI3DBS16412ZHEX, the PI3PCIE2415ZHEX uniquely balances PCIe 2.0 compliance, single 3.3 V supply simplicity, and ZH42 footprint compatibility - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained server and storage designs where 5.0 Gbps fidelity is mandatory.

Availability

PI3PCIE2415ZHEX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for server backplanes, PCIe riser cards, embedded test fixtures, and multi-slot add-in cards requiring stable component supply and PCIe 2.0 signal integrity.

Supply support for PI3PCIE2415ZHEX 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

Pericom Semiconductor (acquired by Diodes Incorporated in 2016) specialized in high-speed interface solutions, clock management, and signal-integrity ICs for computing, communications, and consumer electronics.

The PI3PCIE2415ZHEX belongs to Pericom's PCIe signal-switching product line, engineered specifically to solve lane-sharing challenges in dense server and storage platforms without compromising electrical compliance or adding protocol-layer complexity.

FAQ

Does PI3PCIE2415ZHEX require external termination resistors?

No. The device integrates matched 100 Ω differential input impedance and is designed to operate with standard 100 Ω PCB trace impedance. External termination is unnecessary and may degrade signal integrity due to added stubs or mismatch.

Can PI3PCIE2415ZHEX be used with PCIe 3.0 or later interfaces?

No. It is characterized and specified only for PCIe 2.0 (5.0 Gbps). At 8 Gbps, insertion loss exceeds –10 dB and eye closure violates PCIe 3.0 mask requirements. Use PI3DBS16412ZHEX for PCIe 3.0 compatibility.

What is the recommended PCB layout practice for minimizing skew?

Route all differential pairs with identical trace lengths, consistent 100 Ω impedance, and avoid vias within the switch's input/output sections. Place the PI3PCIE2415ZHEX symmetrically between source and destination connectors to balance path delay - achieving ≤35 ps channel skew as specified.

Is SEL input compatible with 1.8 V logic levels?

No. SEL accepts 3.3 V CMOS logic (VIH ≥ 2.0 V, VIL ≤ 0.8 V) and is 3.6 V tolerant. Driving SEL from a 1.8 V GPIO requires a level shifter; direct connection risks undefined switching behavior and increased propagation delay.