NXP Semiconductors PTN3944EWY
- Part No.:
- PTN3944EWY
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Signal Buffers, Repeaters, Splitters
- Package:
- 36-WFLGA Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
PTN3944EWY.pdf
- Description:
- IC PICE GEN 4 LIN EQUALIZER
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
PTN3944EWY from NXP Semiconductors is a 4-channel linear equalizer IC optimized for PCIe 4.0 (16 Gbps), UPI, and high-speed serial interfaces. It delivers programmable peaking gain up to 18.3 dB at 8 GHz, output swing linearity control (500–950 mVppd), and integrated termination for signal integrity enhancement in server backplanes and AI accelerator interconnects.
For engineers reviewing the PTN3944EWY datasheet, PTN3944EWY pinout, PTN3944EWY application, or PTN3944EWY equivalent, this device supports per-channel I2C or pin-strapped configuration of equalization gain and flat gain (±0.7 dB), operates from 1.7–1.9 V, and features flow-through layout with <−60 dB DDNEXT crosstalk up to 8 GHz - critical for PCIe Gen4 channel extension and ISI mitigation.
Technical Context
The PTN3944EWY implements a linear equalization architecture with four independent differential channels, each supporting receiver-side equalization and transmitter-side swing linearity control. Its peaking gain is programmable via LCTL[2:1] pins or I2C registers (0x07–0x0E), referenced to Nyquist frequency (8 GHz at 16 Gbps) and calibrated against 10 MHz baseline.
Configuration flexibility includes dual-mode operation: pin-strapped initialization at power-on (using LCTL1–LCTL3, FG1–FG2, ADDR pins) followed by dynamic I2C reprogramming. The HWFLGA36 package enables flow-through routing with dedicated VCCA/VCCB/VCCC/VCCD power domains per channel pair to isolate high-speed analog paths and suppress supply-induced jitter.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Interface Standard | PCIe Gen1–Gen4 (2.5–16 Gbps) and UPI; fully compliant with PCIe 4.0 electrical requirements for receiver equalization. |
| Equalization Gain | Up to 18.3 dB peaking at 8 GHz; adjustable in 16 discrete steps via LCTL[2:1] or I2C register writes. |
| Output Swing Range | 500–950 mVppd (-1 dB compression point); set per channel via LCTL3 (ternary input) or I2C register 0x08/0x0A/0x0C/0x0E. |
| Flat Gain Control | ±0.7 dB per channel; configured independently using FG1/FG2 pins or I2C offset register 0x03 bits [3:0]. |
| Power Supply | 1.7–1.9 V for all supplies (VDD, VCCA, VCCB, VCCC, VCCD); low active current: 250 mA typ @ 4-channel 950 mVppd mode. |
| Signal Integrity | Differential return loss < −15 dB up to 8 GHz; DDNEXT < −60 dB and DDFEXT < −50 dB up to 8 GHz. |
| Package | HWFLGA36 (SOT1948-1): 3.5 mm × 3.5 mm, 0.4 mm pitch, thermal-enhanced land grid array with six center GND pads. |
Pinout & Package
PTN3944EWY uses the HWFLGA36 plastic thermal-enhanced very thin fine-pitch land grid array package (SOT1948-1), featuring flow-through pin assignment to minimize trace length asymmetry and crosstalk. Six center GND pads ensure robust thermal dissipation and low-impedance grounding.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| IN0P/IN0N – IN3P/IN3N | Self-biasing differential inputs | Four high-speed RX pairs; each forms a differential channel with associated OUTxP/OUTxN; internally terminated. |
| OUT0P/OUT0N – OUT3P/OUT3N | Self-biasing differential outputs | Four high-speed TX pairs; output swing linearity and peaking gain configurable per channel. |
| VCCA, VCCB, VCCC, VCCD | High-speed analog power rails | Dedicated supplies per channel pair to isolate noise coupling and maintain signal integrity across lanes. |
| VDD | Digital/I2C supply rail | 1.8 V supply for internal logic, I2C interface, and control circuitry; decoupling required. |
| LCTL1–LCTL3 | Ternary control inputs | Set per-channel peaking gain (LCTL1/LCTL2) and output swing (LCTL3) at power-on; sampled once during POR. |
| FG1/FG2 | Ternary flat gain inputs | Select ±0.7 dB flat gain per channel; mapped to I2C register 0x03 bits [3:0] on startup. |
| SCL/SDA | I2C interface pins | Open-drain bidirectional bus; supports 16 slave addresses via ADDR1–ADDR4; external 1.8 V pull-ups required. |
| GND (pins 22–27, center pads) | Ground terminals | Six dedicated GND balls including center thermal pad; must be connected to solid PCB ground plane. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Per-channel programmability | Independent I2C register control (0x07–0x0E) for peaking gain and output swing on all four lanes - enables asymmetric channel tuning for non-uniform PCB trace loss. |
| Flow-through pinout | Input-to-output alignment minimizes layer transitions and stubs; reduces insertion loss and improves impedance continuity for PCIe 4.0 compliance. |
| Integrated termination | On-die 100 Ω differential termination on all RX/TX paths eliminates need for external resistors and saves board space. |
| Low crosstalk design | DDNEXT < −60 dB and DDFEXT < −50 dB up to 8 GHz ensures minimal inter-lane interference in dense x4 configurations. |
| Multi-mode configuration | Hardware pin strapping (LCTL/FG/ADDR) for boot-time setup + full I2C runtime reconfiguration - supports both fixed and adaptive system-level tuning. |
Applications
| PCIe 4.0 Server Backplane | AI Accelerator Interconnect |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Extending reach of PCIe 4.0 x16 links across multi-segment backplanes with >30 dB channel loss. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear equalizer placed between CPU/root complex and switch/expander to compensate for frequency-dependent attenuation and reduce ISI. Use Value: Enables reliable 16 Gbps operation over FR4 traces up to 30 inches; eliminates need for retimers in mid-board applications. |
Use Scenario: High-bandwidth interconnect between GPU clusters and NVMe storage in AI training racks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Per-lane signal conditioning IC on GPU-to-switch interposer to restore eye opening degraded by package parasitics and connector loss. Use Value: Maintains BER <1e-12 at 16 Gbps with 950 mVppd output swing and 18.3 dB peaking - critical for low-latency inference pipelines. |
| UPI-Based CPU-to-CPU Link | Edge Computing Hub Interface |
Use Scenario: Signal integrity enhancement for Ultra Path Interconnect (UPI) links between dual-socket Xeon Scalable processors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear equalizer deployed on UPI receive path to counteract channel loss from long on-board routing and socket-to-socket connectors. Use Value: Supports UPI 1.1/2.0 data rates up to 10.4 GT/s with flat gain ±0.7 dB and <−15 dB return loss - ensures deterministic link training. |
Use Scenario: Compact docking station aggregating PCIe, USB4, and DisplayPort signals from edge mobile devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Channel-specific equalization IC on PCIe lane paths to accommodate variable cable lengths and mixed-signal interference. Use Value: Delivers consistent 8–16 Gbps performance across hot-plug scenarios using pin-strapped LCTL/FG settings - no firmware dependency. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar linear equalizer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| IDT8P34S2108 | 4-channel PCIe 4.0 linear equalizer with identical HWFLGA36 package and 18 dB max peaking; lacks I2C interface - only pin-strapped configuration. | Fixed-gain deployment in cost-sensitive systems where runtime reconfiguration is unnecessary. | Choose IDT8P34S2108 when I2C control is not required and BOM simplification is prioritized over per-lane tuning flexibility. |
| TI DS160PR421 | 4-channel PCIe 4.0 linear redriver (not pure equalizer); integrates CDR functionality and supports higher power modes (300 mA typ); different pinout and package (WQFN-40). | Systems requiring clock-data recovery for severely degraded channels or longer reach (>40 inches). | Choose TI DS160PR421 only if CDR capability is needed; PTN3944EWY remains preferred for pure linear equalization with lower power and simpler layout. |
Compared with IDT8P34S2108 and TI DS160PR421, PTN3944EWY uniquely combines full I2C configurability, flow-through HWFLGA36 layout, and per-channel ternary control - delivering optimal trade-off between signal integrity headroom, layout simplicity, and firmware adaptability in PCIe 4.0 infrastructure.
Availability
PTN3944EWY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for servers, AI/ML hardware accelerators, and edge computing hubs requiring stable component supply, PCIe 4.0 signal integrity assurance, and long-term industrial temperature support (−20 °C to +85 °C).
Supply support for PTN3944EWY 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
NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and communications infrastructure markets.
The PTN3944EWY belongs to NXP's high-speed interface portfolio, designed specifically to address PCIe 4.0 and UPI signal integrity challenges in data center and AI hardware - emphasizing low-power linear equalization without CDR complexity.
FAQ
What is the maximum data rate supported by the PTN3944EWY?
The PTN3944EWY supports PCIe Gen1 through Gen4, operating at data rates up to 16 Gbps per lane (8 GT/s). Its equalization architecture is validated up to 8 GHz Nyquist frequency, meeting PCIe 4.0 specification requirements for receiver equalization and channel loss compensation. This makes PTN3944EWY suitable for high-bandwidth applications such as AI accelerator interconnects and server backplanes.
Does the PTN3944EWY require external termination resistors?
No, the PTN3944EWY integrates 100 Ω differential termination on all high-speed input and output channels. This eliminates the need for external termination resistors, reducing BOM count and PCB area while ensuring consistent impedance matching. The internal termination is optimized for PCIe 4.0 and UPI signaling standards and contributes to the device's flow-through pinout advantage.
How is the PTN3944EWY configured - via pins or I2C?
The PTN3944EWY supports dual-mode configuration: pin strapping (LCTL1–LCTL3, FG1–FG2, ADDR pins) sets initial values at power-on, while the I2C interface (SCL/SDA, 16 selectable addresses) enables full runtime reprogramming of all 4 channels' peaking gain and output swing. After POR, I2C writes override pin-strapped values, allowing dynamic adaptation to changing channel conditions - a key capability of PTN3944EWY.
What is the power consumption of the PTN3944EWY in full 4-channel operation?
In full 4-channel operation with 950 mVppd output swing linearity, the PTN3944EWY draws 250 mA typical from the 1.8 V supply (VDD and analog rails combined). Power scales linearly: 62 mA per active channel at 950 mVppd. The device also supports lane-count reduction via I2C register 0x06 to disable unused channels and further reduce active current - a feature unique to PTN3944EWY among PCIe 4.0 linear equalizers.
Is the PTN3944EWY compatible with PCIe 5.0 or higher standards?
No, the PTN3944EWY is specified and characterized for PCIe Gen1–Gen4 (up to 16 Gbps) and UPI interfaces only. Its 8 GHz bandwidth limit and 18.3 dB peaking gain profile are optimized for PCIe 4.0 Nyquist frequency (8 GHz), not the 16 GHz requirement of PCIe 5.0. For PCIe 5.0 applications, designers must select purpose-built redrivers or equalizers with ≥16 GHz bandwidth - PTN3944EWY does not meet PCIe 5.0 electrical specifications.
PTN3944EWY Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 36-WFLGA Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Equalizer
- Applications:
- PCIe
- Input:
- Differential
- Output:
- Differential
- Data Rate (Max):
- 16Gbps
- Number of Channels:
- 4
- Delay Time:
- 70ps
- Signal Conditioning:
- Input Equalization
- Capacitance - Input:
- 10 pF
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.7V ~ 1.9V
- Current - Supply:
- 250mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -20°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 36-HWFLGA (2.1x6)
PTN3944EWY FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PTN3944EWY through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PTN3944EWY 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 PTN3944EWY reliable?
The price and inventory of PTN3944EWY are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PTN3944EWY is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PTN3944EWY?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PTN3944EWY transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PTN3944EWY?
PTN3944EWY orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PTN3944EWY 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 PTN3944EWY?
For technical support, including PTN3944EWY datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PTN3944EWY requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PTN3944EWY is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PTN3944EWY 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 PTN3944EWY meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PTN3944EWY?
All PTN3944EWY units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PTN3944EWY, 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 PTN3944EWY part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PTN3944EWY:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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