PCI Express 3.0 Packet Switcher from Diodes Incorporated Offers Design Flexibility and Advanced Power Management

     Diodes Corporation announces the PI7C9X3G816GP, a PCIe 3.0 packet switch with flexible 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- and 8-port configurations supporting 16-channel operation. The switch is designed to meet the demands of advanced performance, especially for networking and telecom infrastructure, security systems, failover systems, artificial intelligence and deep learning, NAS, HBA cards, and data center product applications. The wide operating temperature range from -40°C to +85°C also facilitates use in an increasing number of industrial product applications such as embedded, industrial PC (IPC) and industrial control.

     The PI7C9X3G816GP packet switch adopts a proprietary architecture to provide better flexibility and performance. It can be configured with various port/channel width combinations, such as upstream, downstream, and cross-domain termination (CDEP), to support fan-out and dual-host connections. It is packaged in a 324-ball BGA format high-performance flip-chip package with a size of 19mm x 19mm.

     The industry's only integrated PCIe 3.0 clock buffer reduces overall component count, simplifies product design, and helps reduce bill of materials (BOM) costs. The PI7C9X3G816GP supports three reference frequency structures: Generic, Independent Reference No Extension (SRNS), and Independent Reference Extension (SRIS). The switch has multiple Direct Memory Access (DMA) channels embedded within it to facilitate efficient communication between the host (or hosts) and the connected endpoints.

     Additional features such as error handling, advanced error reporting, end-to-end data protection with error correction, hot insertion, and accidental removal provide greater reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS). The built-in thermal sensor can also report the operating temperature in real time. Advanced power management features mean that the PI7C9X3G816GP meets the most stringent energy-saving requirements for building a green data center. Like this packet switcher, it supports seven power states to effectively match power requirements, and any unused hot-plug ports remain in a low-power state. Designers can use advanced diagnostic software tools, including PHY Eye, MAC Viewer (embedded LA) and PCIBUDDY, to develop complete systems.