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Diodes Incorporated PI3UPI1608ZXCEX
- Part No.:
- PI3UPI1608ZXCEX
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- Signal Buffers, Repeaters, Splitters
- Package:
- 116-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
PI3UPI1608ZXCEX.pdf
- Description:
- ACTIVE DISPLAY V-QFN70135-116 T&
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,708
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Product details
Overview
PI3UPI1608ZXCEX from Diodes Incorporated is an 8-channel linear PCIe 4.0 and UPI redriver supporting 16Gbps per channel, integrated 0.22µF AC-coupling capacitors on all Rx/Tx differential pairs, CTLE-based linear equalization, and 3.3V single-supply operation - deployed in high-speed server backplanes and CPU-IO interconnects.
For engineers reviewing the PI3UPI1608ZXCEX datasheet, PI3UPI1608ZXCEX pinout, PI3UPI1608ZXCEX application, or PI3UPI1608ZXCEX equivalent, key selection criteria include per-channel programmable CTLE gain, output swing (1200mVpp typical), flat gain linearity, I²C/pin-strapped configuration, and integrated coupling capacitance eliminating 16 external 0.22µF MLCCs.
Technical Context
The PI3UPI1608ZXCEX implements a protocol-transparent linear redriver architecture with per-channel CTLE compensation to restore signal integrity without altering link training behavior. It supports PCIe Gen1–Gen4 and UPI protocols by maintaining transparent data path timing and preserving embedded clock recovery.
Each of its eight differential channels features independent receiver termination selection (50Ω to VCC or 78kΩ to VbiasRX), output termination detection (50Ω to VCC, 4kΩ to VbiasTX, or Hi-Z), and single-ended input detection - enabling dynamic power-state adaptation across active and low-power modes.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Data Rate | 16 Gbps per channel - enables full PCIe 4.0 x4 lane operation without retiming or protocol awareness. |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V ±5% - single-rail operation compatible with standard server I/O voltage domains. |
| Integrated Capacitors | 0.22 µF ±20% AC-coupling caps on all 8 Rx inputs and 8 Tx outputs - eliminates 16 discrete 0402/0603 MLCCs and reduces PCB layer count. |
| CTLE Gain Range | Programmable per channel - compensates up to 20 dB of high-frequency loss at 8 GHz, improving eye height and reducing BER. |
| Output Swing | 1200 mVpp typical - meets PCIe 4.0 Tx compliance mask while maintaining linearity for DFE-friendly signaling. |
| Power Dissipation | 220 mW per channel - enables thermal management in dense 1U server mezzanine layouts with ≤1.76 W total device power. |
Pinout & Package
PI3UPI1608ZXCEX is housed in a 116-contact aQFN package (7 mm × 13.5 mm, 0.4 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin assignment follows Diodes' standard redriver layout: 16 differential I/O pairs (8 Rx + 8 Tx), dual VCC/VSS rails, I²C SDA/SCL, MODE/ADDR pins, and dedicated bias voltage terminals (VbiasRX/VbiasTX).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RxP[0:7], RxN[0:7] | Differential Receiver Inputs | AC-coupled inputs accepting 16Gbps signals; internal 0.22µF caps enable direct connection to upstream transmitter outputs. |
| TxP[0:7], TxN[0:7] | Differential Transmitter Outputs | AC-coupled outputs driving downstream receivers; integrated 0.22µF caps simplify routing to next-stage CEM connectors or ASICs. |
| VCC, VSS | Power and Ground Rails | Dual 3.3V supply and ground connections distributed across package edges for low-impedance PDN and EMI control. |
| SCL, SDA | I²C Interface Signals | Supports master/slave mode; 3.3V-tolerant, pull-up required externally; enables per-channel register programming. |
| MODE, ADDR[0:2] | Configuration Control | Pin-strappable interface selecting I²C vs. pin-mode and setting 3-bit slave address (up to 4 devices on same bus). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Protocol-agnostic linear redriving | Maintains native PCIe/UPI link training and LTSSM transparency - no firmware or PHY-layer intervention required. |
| Per-channel CTLE + flat gain + swing control | Enables independent optimization of each lane's signal integrity to compensate for asymmetric trace loss or connector skew. |
| Integrated 0.22µF coupling capacitors | Reduces BOM count by 16 MLCCs and eliminates associated placement, routing, and decoupling challenges on high-density substrates. |
| Dynamic termination selection | Supports 50Ω active termination or high-impedance power-save mode via I²C or pin-strap - cuts idle power by >60% per channel. |
| I²C address flexibility | Three address-select pins allow up to four PI3UPI1608ZXCEX devices on one bus - simplifies multi-lane redriver stacking in CPU socket interfaces. |
Applications
| Server CPU-to-IO Die Interconnect | PCIe 4.0 Switch Fanout |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-speed die-to-die interconnect between CPU and I/O die in 3D-stacked server processors, where trace lengths exceed 8 inches and loss exceeds 25 dB at 8 GHz. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear redriver restoring signal amplitude and eye opening without introducing deterministic jitter or disrupting PCIe link training. Use Value: Enables reliable 16Gbps operation over lossy organic substrate traces while avoiding retimer latency and protocol dependency. | Use Scenario: Fanout from a single PCIe 4.0 x16 root port to multiple downstream endpoints (NVMe SSDs, accelerators) in rack-scale modular servers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Transparent signal booster placed between switch and slot connectors to extend reach beyond PCIe 4.0 specification limits. Use Value: Eliminates need for expensive low-loss PCB materials by compensating for FR4 insertion loss up to 30 dB at Nyquist frequency. |
| UPI Link Extension for Multi-Socket Systems | High-Density Mezzanine Backplane Interface |
Use Scenario: Extending Intel UPI 1.1/2.0 links between two CPUs in 2S/4S server configurations where mid-board trace length exceeds 100 mm. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Protocol-transparent redriver preserving UPI packet structure, timing alignment, and error reporting mechanisms. Use Value: Maintains sub-10ns round-trip latency while recovering degraded eyes - critical for cache coherency performance. | Use Scenario: Signal conditioning at mezzanine card edge connectors in telecom baseband units, where daughterboard-to-backplane interconnect suffers from impedance discontinuities and crosstalk. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Redriver placed adjacent to high-speed edge connector to recondition signals before entering backplane vias and long parallel traces. Use Value: Improves margin against ISI-induced jitter and enables use of cost-effective 6-layer backplanes instead of 10+ layer alternatives. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar linear redriver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TI TUSB1002A | 2-channel USB 3.2 Gen 2 redriver (10Gbps); no integrated coupling caps; fixed CTLE settings. | Targeted at USB host/device ports - lacks PCIe/UPI protocol support and per-channel programmability. | Select only for USB-specific designs requiring lower channel count and simpler configuration. |
| Maxim MAX96752 | 8-channel GMSL2 serializer with redriver function; 3.125Gbps max; requires external clock and serializer-deserializer pairing. | Designed for automotive camera links - not protocol-agnostic and incompatible with PCIe timing requirements. | Not suitable for PCIe 4.0 or UPI; only applicable in GMSL2 video transport systems. |
Compared with TI TUSB1002A and Maxim MAX96752, the PI3UPI1608ZXCEX uniquely delivers 16Gbps per channel, integrated AC coupling, and full PCIe 4.0/UPI transparency - making it the only viable option for high-density server CPU-IO and multi-socket UPI extension where latency, protocol fidelity, and BOM reduction are mandatory.
Availability
PI3UPI1608ZXCEX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for server motherboard design, CPU socket interconnects, and PCIe 4.0 switch fanout applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS 3-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for PI3UPI1608ZXCEX 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 PI3UPI1608ZXCEX belongs to Diodes' ReDriver™ product line - engineered specifically for high-speed serial link extension in datacenter and enterprise computing infrastructure where protocol transparency and signal integrity preservation are critical.
FAQ
Does PI3UPI1608ZXCEX require external AC-coupling capacitors?
No. The device integrates 0.22 µF ±20% capacitors on all eight differential Rx inputs and eight Tx outputs. This eliminates the need for 16 external MLCCs, reduces PCB area, and avoids placement-related signal integrity degradation near connectors or vias.
Can PI3UPI1608ZXCEX be used in PCIe 5.0 systems?
No. Its specified maximum data rate is 16 Gbps, aligned with PCIe 4.0 (8 GT/s NRZ). PCIe 5.0 requires 32 Gbps (16 GT/s PAM4), exceeding the device's bandwidth and CTLE response range. Use Diodes' PI3DBxx family for PCIe 5.0 redriving.
What is the function of VbiasRX and VbiasTX pins?
VbiasRX provides a stable DC bias reference for 78 kΩ receiver termination in low-power mode; VbiasTX sets the common-mode voltage for 4 kΩ output termination. Both pins must be decoupled with 100 nF capacitors to VSS and sourced from a clean, low-noise LDO.
Is PI3UPI1608ZXCEX pin-compatible with earlier Diodes redrivers like PI3EQX12904?
No. PI3UPI1608ZXCEX uses a 116-pin aQFN (7×13.5 mm), whereas PI3EQX12904 is a 40-pin QFN (6×6 mm) with different pin mapping, power architecture, and feature set. Migration requires PCB redesign and firmware updates due to expanded channel count and I²C register structure.
PI3UPI1608ZXCEX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- ReDriver™
- Package/Case:
- 116-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Buffer, ReDriver
- Applications:
- PCI Express®
- Input:
- Differential
- Output:
- Differential
- Data Rate (Max):
- 16Gbps
- Number of Channels:
- 8
- Delay Time:
- -
- Signal Conditioning:
- Input Equalization
- Capacitance - Input:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3.3V
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- V-QFN70135-116
PI3UPI1608ZXCEX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PI3UPI1608ZXCEX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PI3UPI1608ZXCEX 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 PI3UPI1608ZXCEX reliable?
The price and inventory of PI3UPI1608ZXCEX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PI3UPI1608ZXCEX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PI3UPI1608ZXCEX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PI3UPI1608ZXCEX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PI3UPI1608ZXCEX?
PI3UPI1608ZXCEX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PI3UPI1608ZXCEX 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 PI3UPI1608ZXCEX?
For technical support, including PI3UPI1608ZXCEX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PI3UPI1608ZXCEX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PI3UPI1608ZXCEX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PI3UPI1608ZXCEX 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 PI3UPI1608ZXCEX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PI3UPI1608ZXCEX?
All PI3UPI1608ZXCEX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PI3UPI1608ZXCEX, 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 PI3UPI1608ZXCEX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PI3UPI1608ZXCEX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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