PCI Power-Control Framework for PCIe Slots, M.2, and Power-Sequenced Endpoints
A small kernel framework that handles regulator and reset sequencing for PCIe devices not fully self-powered, including Qualcomm WCN/QCA Wi-Fi modules (QCA6390, WCN6855, WCN7850), Toshiba's TC9563 automotive PCIe-to-Ethernet bridge, and generic M.2 slots described in device tree. Mainly used on embedded and mobile ARM platforms where firmware doesn't handle PCIe power-up like a PC BIOS would.
recommendation
It should stay because the framework is new, actively developed, and supports hardware still shipping in 2025, including Qualcomm's FastConnect Wi-Fi modules and Toshiba's TC9563 automotive bridge. Upstream activity is expansionary rather than winding down: a TC9563 driver was added in mid-2025 and a December 2025 series proposes integrating pwrctrl more deeply with PCI controller drivers. Deployments are niche today, mostly device-tree-described ARM systems, but the trajectory is growth, not removal.
repository signals
sources
- lore-kernel.gnuweeb.org
April-July 2025 review thread adds the TC9563 pwrctrl driver and related PCI support, showing active upstream bring-up rather than retirement.
- lwn.net
A December 29, 2025 patch series proposes a major PCI/pwrctrl rework, explicitly stating pwrctrl is being integrated with controller drivers and tested on current Qualcomm platforms.
- cateee.net
LKDDb lists CONFIG_PCI_PWRCTRL in Linux 6.16 through 7.0-rc+HEAD, consistent with this being a very new in-tree subsystem.
- qualcomm.com
Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 product brief identifies WCN785x mobile/compute/XR connectivity hardware, matching the driver's WCN7850-compatible support and indicating contemporary deployment.
- toshiba.semicon-storage.com
Toshiba's live TC9563XBG product page with stock/purchase links indicates the supported TC9563 hardware is still being marketed/sold.
codex reasoning notes (technical)
Local `rg`/`sed` inspection shows this is real driver code with platform_driver entry points for generic PCI slot/M.2 power control, Qualcomm WCN/QCA WLAN packages (QCA6390/WCN6855/WCN7850), and Toshiba TC9563. Local `git log` shows substantive changes through 2026-03-23, including new M.2 support and API rework. URLs were obtained via web search/open: the 2025 TC9563 thread from a lore mirror search result, the Dec 2025 rework thread via LWN's archived posting page, LKDDb via search result, and Qualcomm/Toshiba deployment evidence from opened vendor pages. No removal/deprecation series was found; upstream activity is ongoing and expansionary. Deployment is still niche to DT-described PCIe power-sequenced systems, but the supported hardware is current, so keep rather than deprecate.