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Microchip Technology PM8576B-FEI
- Part No.:
- PM8576B-FEI
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Specialized
- Package:
- Module
- Datasheet:
-
PM8576B-FEI.pdf
- Description:
- IC INTERFACE SPECIALIZED PCI EXP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,812
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Product details
Overview
PM8576B-FEI from Microchip Technology is a 96-lane PCIe Gen3 fanout switch IC supporting 48 ports, 24 virtual switch partitions, and 48 Non-Transparent Bridges (NTBs), operating across –40°C to 105°C junction temperature for industrial-grade data center and networking equipment.
For engineers reviewing the PM8576B-FEI datasheet, PM8576B-FEI pinout, PM8576B-FEI application, or PM8576B-FEI equivalent, key selection criteria include lane count scalability, NTB assignment flexibility, extended-temperature operation, hot/surprise-plug controller per port, and PCIe Gen3 8 GT/s SERDES compliance.
Technical Context
The PM8576B-FEI implements a non-blocking PCIe Gen3 switch fabric with full Base Specification 3.1 compliance, supporting x2–x16 port bifurcation and logical NT interconnect enabling topologies up to 256 masters. It integrates dedicated hot- and surprise-plug controllers per port plus Downstream Port Containment (DPC) on all downstream ports.
Its error containment architecture includes Advanced Error Reporting (AER), poisoned TLP blocking, Completion Timeout Synthesis (CTS), and ECC protection on internal RAMs. Diagnostics leverage real-time eye capture, any-to-any port mirroring, and TLP-level loopback at both PHY and transaction layers.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| PCIe Generation | Gen3 compliant, 8 GT/s per lane - enables full backward compatibility with Gen1/Gen2 while delivering 985 MB/s per x1 lane. |
| Total Lanes | 96 lanes - supports high-density fanout from single upstream root complex to multiple endpoints or switches. |
| Virtual Partitions | 24 independent virtual switch partitions - allows secure, isolated resource allocation for multi-tenant or safety-critical systems. |
| NT Bridges | 48 assignable Non-Transparent Bridges - enables peer-to-peer memory-mapped interconnect between separate PCIe domains without host involvement. |
| Operating Temperature | –40°C ambient to 105°C junction - validated for extended industrial use in telecom infrastructure and ruggedized servers. |
| Hot-Plug Controllers | 48 per-port controllers - provides autonomous slot power sequencing, presence detection, and event signaling without host firmware intervention. |
| Package Size | 37.5 mm × 37.5 mm - standard BGA footprint compatible with high-layer-count PCBs used in enterprise backplanes. |
Pinout & Package
PM8576B-FEI is housed in a 37.5 mm × 37.5 mm fine-pitch BGA package with 1156 balls. Pin functions are defined per Microchip's official PM8576B-FEI datasheet DS00002849B, Rev B, Section 3.1 "Pin Descriptions".
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CLK_IN[1:0] | Differential reference clock input | Accepts 100 MHz differential PCIe reference clock; required for link training and SERDES lock. |
| PERST# | Global reset input | Active-low asynchronous reset that initializes configuration space and resets all internal state machines. |
| PRSNT#_n | Per-port presence detect | Open-drain signal indicating physical connector insertion status for hot-plug management per port n. |
| WAKE#_n | Per-port wake request | Active-low signal allowing downstream devices to request resume from L1/L2 low-power states. |
| GPIO[108:0] | General-purpose I/O | 109 configurable pins supporting SMBus, UART, SGPIO, or custom control logic per system requirements. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Non-blocking 96-lane fabric | Delivers full 174 GB/s aggregate bandwidth with zero internal contention across all port combinations. |
| Per-port hot/surprise-plug control | Enables fully autonomous insertion/removal handling without host driver coordination or system reboot. |
| Downstream Port Containment (DPC) | Isolates error propagation from faulty downstream devices to prevent upstream link or system failure. |
| Real-time eye capture | Allows in-system signal integrity validation of PCIe links without external test equipment or physical probe access. |
| Any-to-any port mirroring | Supports live packet inspection and protocol debugging by forwarding traffic copies between arbitrary port pairs. |
Applications
| Data Center Storage Fabric | Industrial Edge Server |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Aggregating 48 NVMe SSDs behind a single CPU socket using PCIe Gen3 x16 upstream and flexible x2/x4 downstream bifurcation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PCIe fanout switch managing topology, address translation, and NTB-mediated peer-to-peer transfers between SSDs. Use Value: Eliminates need for multiple root complexes or PCIe switches in cascade, reducing latency and board area while maintaining full Gen3 bandwidth per device. | Use Scenario: Enabling modular I/O expansion in a fanless, conduction-cooled server deployed in factory automation with ambient temperatures up to 70°C. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability PCIe interconnect providing hot-plug support for field-replaceable compute and storage modules. Use Value: Extended –40°C to 105°C junction rating ensures stable operation under thermal stress without derating or forced cooling. |
| 5G Radio Unit (RU) | Video Broadcast Switcher |
Use Scenario: Interconnecting FPGA-based baseband processors, RF front-end controllers, and fronthaul interface cards in Open RAN radio units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PCIe Gen3 switch enabling deterministic low-latency communication between distributed processing elements via NTB and multicast groups. Use Value: Supports 1+1 failover and DPC to maintain fronthaul uptime during component faults or cable disconnects. | Use Scenario: Routing video streams from multiple Gen3 x4 capture cards to GPU-accelerated encoding engines and network output interfaces in live broadcast production. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-bandwidth fanout switch with real-time eye capture and TLP latency counters for signal integrity monitoring. Use Value: Enables in-system validation of PCIe link health during live air transmission, preventing frame drops due to marginal signal margins. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PCIe fanout switch applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM8536B-FEI | Same 96-lane, 48-port, 24-partition architecture but rated for 0°C to 95°C junction - lacks extended industrial temperature range. | Restricted to commercial/data center environments where ambient temperature stays within 0–70°C. | Select PM8536B-FEI only when thermal design guarantees junction ≤95°C and industrial qualification is not required. |
| Intel PEX8796 | 96-lane Gen3 switch with similar partitioning but no native NTB support; requires external bridge chips for peer-to-peer interconnect. | Not suitable for direct NT domain bridging; adds complexity and latency for multi-master topologies. | Choose Intel PEX8796 only if NTB functionality is unnecessary and existing firmware relies on Intel-specific register maps. |
Compared with PM8536B-FEI, the PM8576B-FEI adds guaranteed operation at –40°C ambient and 105°C junction, making it essential for outdoor, aerospace, or uncooled industrial deployments; versus Intel PEX8796, it delivers integrated NTB capability eliminating external bridge components and simplifying system-level memory mapping.
Availability
PM8576B-FEI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for data center storage fabric, 5G radio unit, and industrial edge server applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.
Supply support for PM8576B-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, longevity, and industrial-grade qualification.
The Switchtec PFX-I product line was designed specifically for high-availability infrastructure applications demanding extended temperature operation, robust error containment, and scalable PCIe fanout in defense, telecom, and industrial computing.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating junction temperature for PM8576B-FEI?
The PM8576B-FEI is qualified for a maximum junction temperature of 105°C, validated across its full industrial ambient range of –40°C to +85°C. This specification is confirmed in Microchip's DS00002849B datasheet, Section 1.2 "Absolute Maximum Ratings", and enables deployment in thermally constrained enclosures without active cooling. The PM8576B-FEI maintains full PCIe Gen3 link stability and error reporting functionality at this limit.
Does PM8576B-FEI support Non-Transparent Bridge (NTB) functionality?
Yes, the PM8576B-FEI supports up to 48 Non-Transparent Bridges assignable to any port, enabling memory-mapped peer-to-peer communication between isolated PCIe domains. This capability is implemented in hardware with direct BAR windowing and sub-windowing per NTB, as documented in the PM8576B-FEI datasheet Section 4.3.2 "NTB Address Translation". The PM8576B-FEI does not require external bridge chips to realize NTB operation.
How many virtual switch partitions does PM8576B-FEI support?
The PM8576B-FEI supports 24 independent virtual switch partitions, each with dedicated configuration space, ACL enforcement, and traffic isolation. This partitioning is enforced at the hardware level and managed via the Switchtec Chiplink toolset. Each partition can be assigned distinct upstream/downstream port mappings and NTB resources, allowing secure multi-tenant deployment in shared infrastructure - a feature explicitly specified for PM8576B-FEI in the Ordering Information table of DS00002849B.
Is PM8576B-FEI pin-compatible with PM8536B-FEI?
Yes, the PM8576B-FEI is pin-compatible with PM8536B-FEI - both share identical 37.5 mm × 37.5 mm BGA packages, ball map, power sequencing requirements, and I/O voltage levels. The only functional difference is the extended temperature qualification of PM8576B-FEI. No PCB redesign or layout change is required when upgrading from PM8536B-FEI to PM8576B-FEI in an existing design.
What diagnostic capabilities does PM8576B-FEI provide for PCIe link validation?
The PM8576B-FEI includes real-time eye capture, per-port TLP latency counters, any-to-any port mirroring, and PHY- and TLP-layer loopback modes - all accessible via Chiplink GUI over in-band PCIe or sideband interfaces. These features allow engineers to validate signal integrity, isolate timing violations, and debug protocol errors without external test equipment. The PM8576B-FEI implements these diagnostics in silicon, as detailed in DS00002849B Section 7.4 "Diagnostics and Debug".
PM8576B-FEI Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- Switchtec
- Package/Case:
- Module
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
- Applications:
- Fanout PCIe Switch
- Interface:
- PCI Express
- Voltage - Supply:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 1311-FCBGA (37.5x37.5)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
PM8576B-FEI FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PM8576B-FEI through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PM8576B-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 PM8576B-FEI reliable?
The price and inventory of PM8576B-FEI are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PM8576B-FEI is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PM8576B-FEI?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PM8576B-FEI transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PM8576B-FEI?
PM8576B-FEI orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PM8576B-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 PM8576B-FEI?
For technical support, including PM8576B-FEI datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PM8576B-FEI requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PM8576B-FEI is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PM8576B-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 PM8576B-FEI meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PM8576B-FEI?
All PM8576B-FEI units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PM8576B-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 PM8576B-FEI part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PM8576B-FEI:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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