Pericom has released four new PCI Express signal re-drivers. These components act as signal buffers that restore the signal integrity of high-speed differential signals that otherwise would be attenuated by long signal paths. The four new products are the PI2EQX3201 and PI2EQX3202, which support 3.2 Gbps operation, and the PI2EQX4501 and PI2EQX4502, for 4.5 Gbps systems. The devices can drive high-speed differential signals, such as those for PCI Express, on either PCB traces or data cables.

The devices feature programmable de-emphasis, amplification and equalization. The input and output are 100 Ω CML. The parts also feature one (PI2EQX3201 and PI2EQX4501) or two (PI2EQX3202 and PI2EQX4502) spread-spectrum clock buffer outputs. Supply voltage for the parts is 1.8 V.

Samples, demo boards, datasheets, application note, IBIS models, and additional information can be found by visiting the company website. The PI2EQX3201 and PI2EQX4501 are offered in 36-pad TQFN packaging, while PI2EQX3202 and PI2EQX4502 are offered in 84-ball LFBGA packaging. Pricing ranges from $4.00 to $7.00 in 10,000-unit quantities.