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Microchip Technology PM40084B1-FEI
- Part No.:
- PM40084B1-FEI
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Specialized
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
PM40084B1-FEI.pdf
- Description:
- IC PFX 84XG4, 84-LANE PCIE SWITC
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Inventory:3,355
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Product details
Overview
PM40084B1-FEI from Microchip Technology is a PCIe Gen 4 fanout switch IC with 84 lanes, 44 ports (including 42 non-transparent bridges), 22 virtual switch partitions, and per-port hot- and surprise-plug controllers. It integrates a MIPS processor, supports x1/x2/x4/x8/x16 port bifurcation, and delivers end-to-end data integrity for high-reliability server interconnects.
For engineers reviewing the PM40084B1-FEI datasheet, PM40084B1-FEI pinout, PM40084B1-FEI application, or PM40084B1-FEI equivalent, key selection criteria include lane count scalability, NTB assignment flexibility, DPC/AER error containment compliance, and support for SFF-8644/OCuLink passive and optical cable interfaces in data center and telecom infrastructure designs.
Technical Context
The PM40084B1-FEI implements a non-blocking PCIe Gen 4 switch fabric operating at 16 GT/s with full link training compliance and manual PHY configuration capability for optical interconnects. It embeds a MIPS-based management processor enabling autonomous firmware execution and real-time diagnostics.
It supports up to 42 assignable NTBs across 44 ports, 22 virtual switch partitions for multi-tenant isolation, and Downstream Port Containment (DPC) on every downstream port - all while maintaining PCIe 4.0 specification compliance for root complex, endpoint, and switch roles.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| PCIe Generation | Gen 4 (16 GT/s) - enables full bandwidth for NVMe SSDs, GPUs, and accelerators in modern servers. |
| Lane Count | 84 lanes - provides scalable interconnect capacity for multi-device fanout without external lane expansion. |
| Port Count / NTBs | 44 ports / 42 NTBs - allows flexible topology partitioning and peer-to-peer communication between isolated domains. |
| Virtual Partitions | 22 virtual switch partitions - supports secure multi-tenancy and resource allocation in cloud and telecom edge systems. |
| Error Containment | DPC + AER + CTS - prevents error propagation across domains and ensures upstream host stability during downstream failures. |
| Hot-Plug Support | 44 per-port controllers - enables live insertion/removal of PCIe devices without system reset in storage and networking chassis. |
| I/O Interfaces | Up to 11 TWI/SMBus, 4 SGPIO, 4 UART, MII/RMII Ethernet - simplifies sideband management and BMC integration. |
Pinout & Package
PM40084B1-FEI is housed in a 27 mm × 27 mm, 780-pin FC-BGA package (package code: FCBGA780). Pinout information is not publicly documented in available Microchip datasheets or evaluation kit documentation for this specific variant; official pin assignment requires access to the confidential Switchtec PFX Gen 4 BGA pinout specification under NDA.
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Per-port hot- and surprise-plug controllers | Enables field-serviceable PCIe device replacement in carrier-grade servers and telecom equipment without power cycling. |
| Downstream Port Containment (DPC) | Isolates faulty downstream links to prevent cascading errors - critical for fault-tolerant data center switches. |
| Real-time eye capture | On-die SERDES signal integrity analysis eliminates need for external BERT scopes during bring-up and validation. |
| Integrated MIPS processor | Executes embedded firmware for autonomous configuration, diagnostics, and PCIe link health monitoring without host CPU involvement. |
| Flexible port bifurcation | Any port configurable as x1/x2/x4/x8/x16 upstream or downstream - maximizes layout reuse across platform variants. |
Applications
| Data Center Storage Fabric | 5G Radio Unit Interconnect |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Aggregating 12+ NVMe SSDs behind a single CPU socket in hyperscale rack servers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PCIe fanout switch providing lane-splitting, NTB-mediated peer-to-peer SSD communication, and hot-swap support for maintenance. Use Value: Eliminates need for multiple discrete switches or PLX-style bridging, reducing latency and board area by consolidating 84 lanes into one IC. | Use Scenario: Connecting distributed unit (DU) and active antenna unit (AAU) baseband processors via high-bandwidth optical PCIe links. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Gen 4 switch enabling deterministic low-latency inter-processor communication with DPC and CTS for RAN reliability. Use Value: Supports OCuLink/SFF-8644 optical cabling with real-time eye capture for field-deployable 5G infrastructure validation. |
| Defense-Avionics Backplane | Video Production Switching Matrix |
Use Scenario: Reconfigurable I/O backplane in ruggedized airborne mission computers requiring SWaP-C optimization. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Virtual switch partitioning isolates safety-critical flight control functions from payload processing domains. Use Value: 22 partitions enforce strict domain separation per DO-254/DO-178C certification requirements without external FPGA logic. | Use Scenario: High-resolution video routing between GPU-accelerated encoders, decoders, and frame buffers in broadcast OB vans. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-latency PCIe Gen 4 switch enabling direct GPU-to-GPU memory access via NTBs for real-time compositing. Use Value: x16 bifurcation and ultra-low DMA latency reduce frame jitter below 1 µs - meeting SMPTE ST 2110 timing constraints. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PCIe fanout switch applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM40100B-FEI | 100-lane, 52-port, 26-partition variant - higher lane/port count and larger thermal envelope. | Suitable for top-tier data center switches and core network routers requiring maximum fanout density. | Select when >84 lanes or >44 ports are required; otherwise PM40084B1-FEI offers better cost and thermal efficiency. |
| PM40068B-FEI | 68-lane, 36-port, 18-partition variant - smaller BGA footprint and lower power consumption. | Better fit for space-constrained edge servers, industrial controllers, and compact test equipment. | Choose for SWaP-optimized designs where 84 lanes exceed system requirements and board area is constrained. |
Compared with PM40100B-FEI and PM40068B-FEI, the PM40084B1-FEI strikes a balance between lane scalability and thermal/power budget - delivering 84 lanes in a 27 mm × 27 mm FC-BGA without requiring derating or forced airflow in mid-tier server platforms.
Availability
PM40084B1-FEI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for data center storage fabrics, 5G radio unit interconnects, and defense-avionics backplanes requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and NDA-compliant technical support.
Supply support for PM40084B1-FEI 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
Microchip Technology is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog, FPGA, and connectivity solutions with emphasis on reliability and long-life support.
The Switchtec PFX Gen 4 family was designed specifically for high-availability PCIe switching in data center, telecom, and defense infrastructure - prioritizing error containment, virtual partitioning, and optical interconnect readiness.
FAQ
What is the PCIe generation and lane count supported by PM40084B1-FEI?
The PM40084B1-FEI supports PCIe Gen 4 at 16 GT/s and provides 84 total lanes. This enables high-bandwidth fanout to multiple endpoints such as NVMe SSDs, GPUs, and FPGAs. The lane count is fixed per device variant and cannot be increased via firmware or configuration. PM40084B1-FEI delivers deterministic throughput across all 44 ports with non-blocking architecture.
Does PM40084B1-FEI support non-transparent bridging (NTB)?
Yes, PM40084B1-FEI supports up to 42 non-transparent bridges (NTBs) assignable to any of its 44 ports. This enables peer-to-peer memory-mapped communication between isolated domains - essential for multi-tenant servers and RAN equipment. NTB configuration is managed through the integrated MIPS processor and Switchtec firmware tools.
What error containment features does PM40084B1-FEI implement?
PM40084B1-FEI implements Downstream Port Containment (DPC), Advanced Error Reporting (AER), and Completion Timeout Synthesis (CTS). These features isolate faults at the port level, prevent error propagation to upstream hosts, and maintain system stability during incomplete transactions - critical for carrier-grade and defense applications.
Is PM40084B1-FEI compatible with optical PCIe cables?
Yes, PM40084B1-FEI supports optical PCIe interconnects via manual PHY configuration and compliance with SFF-8644, OCuLink, and SFF-8639 standards. Real-time eye capture capability allows in-system validation of optical link integrity without external test equipment - a key advantage for field-deployable 5G and broadcast gear.
What peripheral interfaces are integrated into PM40084B1-FEI?
PM40084B1-FEI integrates up to 11 Two-Wire Interfaces (TWI/SMBus), 4 SGPIO ports, 4 UARTs, and an MII/RMII 10/100 Ethernet MAC. These interfaces enable sideband communication with BMCs, LED controllers, and management microcontrollers - reducing external component count in server and telecom chassis designs.
PM40084B1-FEI Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
- Applications:
- -
- Interface:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
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- Mounting Type:
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PM40084B1-FEI FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PM40084B1-FEI through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PM40084B1-FEI 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 PM40084B1-FEI reliable?
The price and inventory of PM40084B1-FEI are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PM40084B1-FEI is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PM40084B1-FEI?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PM40084B1-FEI transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PM40084B1-FEI?
PM40084B1-FEI orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PM40084B1-FEI 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 PM40084B1-FEI?
For technical support, including PM40084B1-FEI datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PM40084B1-FEI requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PM40084B1-FEI is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PM40084B1-FEI 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 PM40084B1-FEI meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PM40084B1-FEI?
All PM40084B1-FEI units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PM40084B1-FEI, 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 PM40084B1-FEI part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PM40084B1-FEI:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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