My Inquiry
My Account
Microchip Technology PM40084B-FEI
- Part No.:
- PM40084B-FEI
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Specialized
- Package:
- 1467-BBGA
- Datasheet:
-
PM40084B-FEI.pdf
- Description:
- PFX 84XG4, 84-LANE GEN4 FANOUT P
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,903
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
PM40084B-FEI from Microchip Technology is a PCIe Gen 4 fanout switch 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 PM40084B-FEI datasheet, PM40084B-FEI pinout, PM40084B-FEI application, or PM40084B-FEI equivalent, key selection criteria include lane count scalability, NTB assignment flexibility, DPC/AER error containment compliance, and support for optical cable PHY configuration in telecom and data center topologies.
Technical Context
The PM40084B-FEI implements a non-blocking PCIe Gen 4 switch fabric with 16 GT/s SERDES, full link training compliance, and manual PHY configuration capability for passive/managed/optical cables. It supports up to 44 downstream ports with Downstream Port Containment (DPC) and Completion Timeout Synthesis (CTS) on all ports.
Its integrated MIPS processor enables firmware-based management, boot image authentication, and real-time diagnostics including per-port performance counters and eye capture. The device provides 11 TWI/SMBus interfaces, 4 SGPIO ports, and up to 4 UARTs for system-level control and monitoring.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| PCIe Generation | Gen 4 (16 GT/s) - enables 2 GB/s per x16 upstream link with backward compatibility to Gen 1–3 |
| Lane Count | 84 lanes - supports flexible topology distribution across 44 ports with no fixed upstream/downstream port assignment |
| Non-Transparent Bridges | 42 NTBs - allows secure peer-to-peer memory-mapped interconnect between isolated domains without host involvement |
| Virtual Switch Partitions | 22 partitions - enables hardware-isolated switching contexts for multi-tenant or safety-critical workloads |
| Error Containment | DPC + AER + CTS - prevents error propagation across ports and avoids upstream timeout lockups during incomplete transactions |
| Hot-Plug Support | 44 dedicated controllers - enables safe insertion/removal of PCIe devices on all ports without system reset |
| Peripheral I/O | 11 TWI/SMBus + 4 SGPIO + 4 UART - provides direct BMC, LED, and debug interface connectivity without external bridge ICs |
Pinout & Package
PM40084B-FEI is housed in a 27 mm × 27 mm, 1156-ball FC-BGA package with 0.8 mm pitch. Pin functions are defined per Microchip's official PM40084B-FEI datasheet DS00002866D, Rev D.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CLK_IN[0:1] | PCIe Reference Clock Input | Accepts 100 MHz differential reference clock for Gen 4 link initialization and timing recovery |
| PERST# | PCIe Reset Input | Active-low global reset signal that synchronously resets all PCIe logic and SERDES blocks |
| PRSNT#_A/B | Hot-Plug Presence Detect | Per-port presence detection inputs used by hot-plug controllers to initiate safe enumeration sequence |
| SGPIO[0:3] | Serial GPIO Interface | Four independent SFF-8485-compliant buses for LED status control and slot management in storage enclosures |
| TWI_SCL/SDA[0:10] | Two-Wire Interface Bus | 11 bidirectional SMBus-compatible interfaces for connecting temperature sensors, power monitors, and EEPROMs |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Flexible Port Bifurcation | Each of 44 ports supports dynamic x1/x2/x4/x8/x16 lane allocation - eliminates fixed topology constraints in NVMe JBOD or GPU expansion chassis |
| Integrated DMA Engine | Ultra-low latency DMA controller offloads host CPU for large-block memory transfers between NTB-linked endpoints |
| Real-Time Eye Capture | On-die SERDES eye diagram acquisition enables field-deployable signal integrity validation without external test equipment |
| Boot Image Authentication | HMAC-SHA256-verified firmware loading prevents unauthorized or corrupted configuration code execution at power-on |
| Optical Cable PHY Control | Manual SERDES equalization and pre-emphasis tuning per port - required for stable operation with SFF-8643/OCuLink active optical cables |
Applications
| Data Center NVMe Storage Expansion | 5G Radio Unit (RU) Baseband Interconnect |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 1U rack-mount NVMe JBOD with 24 U.2 SSDs connected via x4 links to host CPU through a single x16 upstream port. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PCIe fanout switch providing lane multiplication, NTB isolation between SSD groups, and hot-swap-safe port management. Use Value: Enables concurrent SSD firmware updates without host reboot using 42 NTBs and per-port surprise-plug controllers. | Use Scenario: Distributed unit (DU) to radio unit (RU) fronthaul aggregation using multiple x4 optical links over OCuLink cables. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability PCIe Gen 4 interconnect managing deterministic low-latency traffic between FPGA-based baseband processors and RFICs. Use Value: Real-time eye capture and manual PHY tuning ensure >10-12 BER over 30 m optical runs in outdoor RU environments. |
| Defense-Avionics Secure Partitioning | Broadcast Video Processing Chassis |
Use Scenario: Multi-function avionics display system requiring MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, and PCIe peripherals on shared hardware with strict domain separation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Virtual switch partitioning engine enforcing hardware-enforced isolation between mission-critical and non-critical subsystems. Use Value: 22 independent partitions prevent fault propagation while enabling shared PCIe root complex resources across certified software stacks. | Use Scenario: 4K/8K video I/O chassis with 12 SDI input/output cards, each requiring x4 PCIe bandwidth and independent thermal management. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fanout switch distributing x16 host link to 44 x4 endpoints with per-port thermal-aware power gating. Use Value: 44 hot-plug controllers allow live card replacement during broadcast without interrupting video pipeline synchronization. |
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 with identical feature set and pin-compatible footprint | Supports larger topologies requiring >44 ports or >42 NTBs - e.g., dual-host NVMe storage arrays | Select when scaling beyond 84 lanes or needing additional virtual partitions without redesigning board layout |
| PM40068B-FEI | 68-lane, 36-port, 18-partition variant with same SERDES architecture and firmware compatibility | Targeted at cost-sensitive edge servers with fewer expansion slots - e.g., compact 1U hyperconverged nodes | Choose for reduced BOM cost and lower power consumption where 84 lanes exceed system requirements |
Compared with PM40084B-FEI, PM40100B-FEI offers higher lane/port density for scale-out infrastructure, while PM40068B-FEI reduces thermal and routing complexity in space-constrained deployments - both share identical diagnostic tooling and firmware update paths.
Availability
PM40084B-FEI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for data center NVMe expansion, 5G fronthaul interconnect, defense avionics partitioning, and broadcast video processing systems requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for PM40084B-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 fanout in infrastructure-grade systems where error containment, hot-plug resilience, and secure firmware execution are mandatory.
FAQ
What PCIe generation and data rate does the PM40084B-FEI support?
The PM40084B-FEI supports PCIe Gen 4 with a data rate of 16 GT/s per lane. It maintains full backward compatibility with Gen 1, Gen 2, and Gen 3 devices and implements PCIe-compliant link training. The PM40084B-FEI achieves this using high-quality low-power SERDES with real-time eye capture capability for signal integrity validation.
How many non-transparent bridges (NTBs) does the PM40084B-FEI provide, and what is their function?
The PM40084B-FEI provides 42 assignable non-transparent bridges (NTBs). These NTBs enable secure, memory-mapped peer-to-peer communication between isolated PCIe domains without host CPU intervention. Each NTB supports address translation and doorbell messaging, making the PM40084B-FEI suitable for secure multi-tenant storage and defense computing applications.
Does the PM40084B-FEI support hot-plug and surprise removal of PCIe devices?
Yes, the PM40084B-FEI includes dedicated hot-plug and surprise-plug controllers for all 44 ports. These controllers manage presence detection, power sequencing, and enumeration to ensure safe insertion and removal of PCIe devices without system reset. This capability is validated per PCI-SIG specifications and is integral to the PM40084B-FEI's use in carrier-grade and broadcast equipment.
What peripheral interfaces are integrated into the PM40084B-FEI?
The PM40084B-FEI integrates 11 Two-Wire Interfaces (TWI/SMBus), 4 SGPIO ports compliant with SFF-8485, up to 4 UARTs, JTAG/EJTAG debug interfaces, and a 10/100 Ethernet MAC (MII/RMII) in higher-density variants. These interfaces eliminate the need for external I/O expanders in system management applications, directly supporting sensors, LEDs, and BMC communication in the PM40084B-FEI design.
Is the PM40084B-FEI compatible with optical PCIe cables such as OCuLink and SFF-8643?
Yes, the PM40084B-FEI supports passive, managed, and optical PCIe cables including OCuLink and SFF-8643. Its manual PHY configuration capability allows precise tuning of equalization and pre-emphasis per port - a requirement for stable operation with optical interconnects. This functionality is documented in the PM40084B-FEI datasheet DS00002866D and verified using ChipLink diagnostic tools.
PM40084B-FEI Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- Switchtec
- Package/Case:
- 1467-BBGA
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Applications:
- Fanout PCIe Switch
- Interface:
- 2-Wire, JTAG, UART
- Voltage - Supply:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 1467-BBGA (40x40)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
PM40084B-FEI FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PM40084B-FEI through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PM40084B-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 PM40084B-FEI reliable?
The price and inventory of PM40084B-FEI are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PM40084B-FEI is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PM40084B-FEI?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PM40084B-FEI transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PM40084B-FEI?
PM40084B-FEI orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PM40084B-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 PM40084B-FEI?
For technical support, including PM40084B-FEI datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PM40084B-FEI requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PM40084B-FEI is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PM40084B-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 PM40084B-FEI meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PM40084B-FEI?
All PM40084B-FEI units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PM40084B-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 PM40084B-FEI part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PM40084B-FEI:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
PM40084B-FEI Tags
-
NVT4857UKAZ
NXP Semiconductors
-
TCA8418RTWR
Texas Instruments
-
PCA9546APWR
Texas Instruments
-
MD0100N8-G
Microchip Technology
-
PCA9548APW,118
NXP Semiconductors
-
PCA9540BDP,118
NXP Semiconductors
-
PCA9548APWR
Texas Instruments
-
PCA9546APW,118
NXP Semiconductors
-
PTN3360DBS,518
NXP Semiconductors
-
PCA9546ABS,118
NXP Semiconductors
-
PCA9518PWR
Texas Instruments
-
PCA9545APW,118
NXP Semiconductors
Tech Hub
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
