PM40068B1-FEI

Overview

The PM40068B1-FEI is a high-reliability PCIe switch from the Switchtec PFX Gen 4 Fanout family. It supports up to 68 lanes and provides 36 downstream ports with 34 non-transparent bridges (NTBs). The device includes 18 virtual switch partitions and hot-plug controllers for each port. It operates at PCIe Gen 4 speeds of 16 GT/s, featuring an integrated MIPS processor, advanced error containment mechanisms like AER and DPC, and comprehensive diagnostics including real-time eye capture.

Feature Summary

• Supports flexible port bifurcation into x1, x2, x4, x8, or x16 configurations without restrictions on upstream/downstream mapping.
• Integrates an ultra-low latency DMA controller and up to 48 assignable NTBs for logical non-transparent interconnects.
• Provides robust error containment through Advanced Error Reporting, Downstream Port Containment, and Completion Timeout Synthesis.
• Includes extensive diagnostic capabilities such as real-time eye capture, external loopback modes, and per-port performance counters.

Applications

• Data center equipment
• Defense and industrial servers
• Cellular infrastructure

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific ordering suffix against official Microchip documentation to ensure correct package type and temperature range. Confirm that the B1 variant matches the required pinout and electrical specifications for your design. Cross-reference the datasheet revision date to ensure compatibility with current manufacturing standards.

Selection Notes

Select this model when 68 lanes and 36 downstream ports are required within the PFX Gen 4 family. Consider the number of necessary NTBs and virtual partitions to ensure the 34/18 limits meet system topology requirements. Evaluate power management needs against ASPM support if low-power states are critical for the application environment.

Part Context

This component belongs to the Switchtec PFX Gen 4 Fanout PCIe Switch Family, which also includes variants supporting 100, 84, 52, 36, and 28 lanes. The family shares common features such as integrated MIPS processors, high-speed SERDES, and advanced error handling. The PM40068B1-FEI serves as a mid-range option balancing lane count and port density for complex server architectures.

Replacement Considerations

Direct substitutes within the same family include PM40084B-FEI for higher capacity or PM40052B-F3EI for lower lane counts. Ensure pin compatibility and software driver support remain consistent across these variants during migration.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of non-transparent bridges supported by the PM40068B1-FEI?

The PM40068B1-FEI supports up to 34 non-transparent bridges (NTBs) that can be assigned to any port.

Does the PM40068B1-FEI support hot-plugging?

Yes, the device includes hot- and surprise-plug controllers for each of its 36 downstream ports.

What diagnostic tools are available in the PM40068B1-FEI?

It features real-time eye capture, external loopback capability, per-port performance and error counters, and access to configuration data via ChipLink Diagnostic Tools.