Diodes Incorporated PI3VT3245-ALE

Overview

PI3VT3245-ALE from Pericom Semiconductor is an 8-bit, 2-port bus switch IC with active-low Bus Enable (BE) control, 5 Ω typical on-resistance at 3.3 V supply, voltage translation capability (3.3 V ↔ 2.5 V and 2.5 V ↔ 1.8 V), and operates over –40°C to +85°C ambient. It serves as a bidirectional level-shifting interface between mismatched I/O domains in memory expansion and peripheral interconnect systems.

For engineers reviewing the PI3VT3245-ALE datasheet, PI3VT3245-ALE pinout, PI3VT3245-ALE application, or PI3VT3245-ALE equivalent, this device is selected for low-latency, zero-propagation-delay voltage translation where bidirectional signal integrity, sub-1 ns enable/disable timing, and rail-to-rail switching under 2.5 V/3.3 V supplies are required.

Technical Context

The PI3VT3245-ALE implements eight independent analog CMOS transmission gates controlled by a single active-low BE input, enabling simultaneous connection of A0–A7 to B0–B7. Its architecture supports true bidirectional operation without direction pins, relying solely on voltage-driven conduction across the switch channel.

It achieves voltage translation via pass-transistor behavior: when VCC = 3.3 V and VIN = 3.3 V, VO ≈ 2.5 V due to threshold drop; similarly, at VCC = 2.5 V and VIN = 2.5 V, VO ≈ 1.8 V. This behavior is intrinsic to its NMOS-only switch topology and requires no external biasing or level-shift circuitry.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PI3VT3245-ALE is packaged in a Pb-free, green 20-pin TSSOP (Package Code L), 173-mil wide, with 0.65 mm pitch and JEDEC MO-153F/AC compliance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bus switch and voltage translation applications.

Compared with SN74AVC8T245RHLR and FXMA2102UMX, the PI3VT3245-ALE uniquely delivers sub-0.3 ns propagation delay with active-low BE control and deterministic 5 Ω on-resistance-making it optimal for high-speed, dynamically isolated bidirectional buses requiring nanosecond-level timing predictability.

Availability

PI3VT3245-ALE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for memory expansion interfaces, peripheral I/O bridges, legacy system upgrades, and multi-voltage SoC subsystems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for PI3VT3245-ALE 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 was a fabless provider of high-performance interface, timing, and signal-integrity solutions, acquired by Diodes Incorporated in 2016; its legacy products remain widely deployed in industrial and computing infrastructure.

The PI3VT series targets low-latency, low-power bus switching and voltage translation in mixed-voltage digital systems, emphasizing minimal propagation delay, rail-to-rail compatibility, and robust ESD tolerance for board-level integration.

FAQ

What is the maximum capacitive load the PI3VT3245-ALE can drive while maintaining specified timing?

The device is characterized with CL = 50 pF and RL = 500 Ω, delivering 0.25 ns propagation delay and ≤9.8 ns enable time. Driving loads >50 pF increases RC delay linearly; for 100 pF, expected tPLH rises to ~0.5 ns. Layout best practices recommend keeping trace capacitance <15 pF per pin to preserve sub-nanosecond performance.

Can PI3VT3245-ALE translate between 3.3 V and 1.8 V directly?

No. The device performs only adjacent-rail translation: 3.3 V supply yields ~2.5 V output; 2.5 V supply yields ~1.8 V output. Direct 3.3 V → 1.8 V translation requires two cascaded stages or a different architecture (e.g., dedicated dual-supply translators like TXS0108E).

Is the BE pin 5 V tolerant when VCC = 2.5 V?

No. Absolute maximum DC input voltage is –0.5 V to +5.5 V, but VIH(min) = 2.0 V at VCC = 3.3 V and scales with supply. With VCC = 2.5 V, VIH(min) is not specified; applying 5 V to BE risks latch-up or damage. Always limit BE voltage to VCC +0.3 V per datasheet limits.

Does PI3VT3245-ALE support hot-swap or live-insertion?

It supports hot-swap only when BE is held HIGH (switches disabled) during insertion. Applying signal or supply before BE stabilization may cause bus contention or shoot-through current. Recommended practice is to assert BE HIGH before power-up and release only after VCC and all I/O rails are stable.