PM8273B-F3EI

Overview

The PM8273B-F3EI is a SmartROC 3200e tri-mode storage controller featuring integrated PCIe Gen 4 switch technology. It supports up to 16 host lanes and 32 storage lanes with 16/16 port configuration. The device includes hardware-based encryption and utilizes 72-bit DDR4 memory interface. It operates in a 31 mm × 31 mm, 0.8 mm pitch, 1417-pin FCBGA package.

Feature Summary

• Tri-mode support for NVMe, SAS-4, and SATA media with automatic link negotiation
• Integrated Switchtec PCIe Gen 4 switch enabling low-latency NVMe connectivity
• Hardware root-of-trust with Secure Boot and firmware signing capabilities
• Dynamic Channel Multiplexing (DCM) for bandwidth aggregation across drive speeds

Applications

• Enterprise rack servers requiring high-density universal bay architectures
• Cloud data center storage solutions with NVMe SSD configurations
• Servers utilizing SAS-4 expanders for JBOD expansion via DCM

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific ordering suffix against official Microchip documentation to confirm feature sets such as encryption inclusion. Ensure compatibility with required DDR4 memory specifications and server backplane standards before procurement.

Selection Notes

Select this model for applications requiring integrated hardware encryption alongside high-performance tri-mode storage management. Compare lane counts and memory interfaces against other SmartROC 3200 variants to match specific server density and performance requirements.

Part Context

This component belongs to the Microchip SmartROC 3200 family, designed for next-generation enterprise storage. It represents the fifth generation of SmartROC controllers, focusing on security, versatility, and high throughput for modern data centers.

Replacement Considerations

Compatible substitutes within the SmartROC 3200 family include the PM8272B-F3EI (non-encrypted version). Verify pinout and feature parity before substitution.