PCIe packet switches meet automotive demands for advanced features

Diodes Incorporated has launched the PI7C9X2G304EVQ and PI7C9X2G404EVQ PCIe 2.0 packet switches, providing three-ports/four-lanes and four-ports/four-lanes, respectively. The packet switches are automotive-compliant for use in telematics/ADAS, in-vehicle wireless routers, navigation systems, and emerging applications such as V2V and V2X communications.

The parts are intended to give a simple solution to increase the fan-out of PCIe ports on SoCs, MPUs, ASSPs, and FPGAs, supporting advanced features in the industry. The devices are qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 2, provide an operating temperature range of -40C to +105C, are PPAP-capable, and are produced in IATF 16949 certified facilities.

Interoperability at the system level is guaranteed through compliance with the PCI-SIG PCIe Rev 2.1 standard. At the component level, pin-compatibility with existing Grade 3 solutions from Diodes Incorporated provides an easy migration path to higher performance for existing designs.

Advanced features incorporate an integrated clock buffer and support for peer-to-peer traffic, giving greater system performance. The low-power operation is complemented by link power management, incorporating active-state power management L0 and L1, device-state power management D0, D3Hot and D3Cold. Power dissipation in L0 is 300mW (typical), dropping to 35mW in PCI-PM L1.1 D3Hot PM sub-state mode.

Latency for a packet running through the switch with no blocking is 150ns, and latency tolerance reporting enhances platform power management. While the default mode is cut-through, store and forward modes are also supported. Peer-to-peer traffic is facilitated through access control service support.