Diodes Incorporated PI6C20800BAEX

Overview

PI6C20800BAEX from Diodes Incorporated is a PCIe 3.0-compliant, 1:8 differential clock buffer with integrated PLL, designed as a companion to Intel server chipset clock generators. It distributes a 95–400 MHz differential SRC clock across eight HCSL output pairs, supports input divide-by-2, offers <50 ps output skew (PI6C20800B), and operates at 3.3 V for server motherboard timing distribution.

For engineers reviewing the PI6C20800BAEX datasheet, PI6C20800BAEX pinout, PI6C20800BAEX application, or PI6C20800BAEX equivalent, this device is selected for low-jitter PCIe 3.0 clock fanout in high-density server platforms requiring SMBus programmability, tristate control, and industrial-grade thermal stability.

Technical Context

The PI6C20800BAEX implements a dual-mode architecture: PLL mode (95–105 MHz input) for jitter cleanup and bypass mode (95–400 MHz) for zero-delay fanout. Its phase jitter filter meets PCIe 3.0 additive RMS phase jitter requirements (<1.5 ps over 2–5 MHz integration bandwidth).

It features SMBus-controlled register access for dynamic configuration of PLL bandwidth, output enable per channel, SRC_STOP# behavior, and power-down state. The device uses current-mode differential outputs with external IREF resistor (475 Ω) to set nominal 13.9 mA per HCSL pair (6 × IREF), ensuring consistent 100 Ω differential termination compliance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PI6C20800BAEX is housed in a 48-pin TSSOP (240 mil wide, package code A), with separate analog (VDD_A/VSS_A) and I/O (VDD/VSS) power domains to isolate PLL noise from output drivers.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PCIe 3.0 clock buffer applications.

Compared with IDT 8P34S1208NLGI and ON Semi NB3N551DR2G, the PI6C20800BAEX uniquely combines 8-channel HCSL output, integrated PCIe-optimized PLL, SMBus programmability, and per-output tristate control - making it the only solution meeting full Intel server platform clock distribution requirements in a single 48-TSSOP package.

Availability

PI6C20800BAEX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for server motherboard design, PCIe switch timing interfaces, Intel C620 chipset support, and enterprise SSD controller reference clocking requiring stable component supply across extended production cycles.

Supply support for PI6C20800BAEX 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, specializing in high-performance analog, logic, and timing solutions for computing, industrial, and communications markets.

The PI6C20800BAEX belongs to Diodes' Pericom timing product line, engineered specifically for PCIe 3.0 and server-grade clock distribution - emphasizing low jitter, high channel density, and robust power management for datacenter infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the function of the IREF pin on PI6C20800BAEX?

The IREF pin connects to an external 475 Ω ±1% resistor to set the internal reference current (2.32 mA), which scales the HCSL output drive strength to 13.9 mA per differential pair. This ensures precise 0.7 V differential swing into 100 Ω loads and maintains PCIe 3.0 electrical compliance across voltage and temperature variations.

How does the PLL/BYPASS# pin affect timing performance?

When PLL/BYPASS# is asserted low, the device operates in PLL mode with jitter filtering optimized for 95–105 MHz inputs, reducing additive phase jitter to ≤1.43 ps RMS. When deasserted high, it enters bypass mode for zero-delay fanout across 95–400 MHz, trading jitter cleanup for minimal propagation delay variation (±7.5 ns).

Can PI6C20800BAEX support both commercial and industrial temperature ranges?

The PI6C20800BAEX is rated for 0°C to +70°C (commercial). For industrial operation (–40°C to +85°C), the pin-compatible PI6C20800BIAEX variant must be used - it shares identical functionality and pinout but is characterized and screened for extended thermal reliability in harsher environments.

What happens to outputs when SRC_STOP# and PWRDWN# are both asserted?

When either SRC_STOP# or PWRDWN# is low, all outputs go to high-impedance (tristate). If both are asserted, outputs remain tristated, but PWRDWN# additionally forces SCLK/SDA to high-impedance and reduces supply current to ≤12 mA - entering deepest power-down state with fastest wake-up time (<1 ms).