PCIe 3.0 packet switches bring greater data lane versatility to automotive systems

Diodes Incorporated has a new series of automotive-compliant PCIe 3.0 technology packet switches for next-generation, in-vehicle networking applications. The architecture employed in these devices allows flexible port configuration with upstream, downstream, and CDEP ports being assigned according to needs.

The PI7C9X3G606GPQ offers six-port/six-lane operation, the PI7C9X3G808GPQ eight-port/eight-lane, and the PI7C9X3G816GPQ eight-port/16-lane. The switches are aimed at ADAS, telematics, infotainment systems, and controllers used as zonal networking architectures continue to emerge.

These PCIe packet switches' elevated signal integrity performance supports long trace lengths with losses of <30dB. They can connect with up to seven different endpoints and support multi-host applications. Each switch features a built-in low-power clock buffer, simplifying designs, saving space, and reducing the associated component count. Their typical latency is only 150ns.

The ability to choose between six and 16 lanes gives engineers employing these new packet switches broad flexibility to develop projects quickly and with the most appropriate options. Advanced power management functions provide constant energy-efficient operation.

"Diodes Incorporated's contributions to developing the PCIe specification-based products continuously bring new benefits to automotive and other markets, thus growing the PCIe ecosystem," said Al Yanes, PCI-SIG president and chairperson.

"The flexibility of these PCIe packet switches offers many advantages for automotive applications," adds Dr Jin Zhao, senior vice president, Analog Business Group, Diodes Incorporated. "This new series of automotive-compliant PCIe packet switches is designed to expand PCIe signal outreach in next-generation vehicle interconnections."

The PI7C9X3G606GPQ, PI7C9X3G808GPQ, and PI7C9X3G816GPQ are all AEC-Q100 Grade 3 qualified, manufactured in IATF 16949 certified facilities, and support PPAP documentation. They are supplied in 144-pin FCCSP, 196-pin HFCBGA, and 324-pin HFCBGA packages.