10.3125 Gb/s Retiming Dual-Channel Transceiver
ISL37231
Features
• Industry’s lowest power and highest performance
10.3125Gbps active cable solution for STP and twin-axial
cables
The ISL37231 is an advanced dual-channel, dual-simplex
retimer for active copper cable applications. Endowed with
sophisticated functions, such as media optimized (PCB or
Cable) and adaptive equalization, de-emphasis, and signal
retiming, this IC fortifies sensitive links that break with lesser
retiming solutions. The device contains high performance
mixed signal processing technology to provide a maximally
robust signal integrity solution for datacenter and consumer
applications. Such processing includes up to 25dB of
media-optimized equalization and versatile retiming
capabilities to reset link jitter budgets.
• Supports 64b/66b encoding
• Fully retimed low jitter outputs
• Up to 16.5dB of adjustable (or adaptive) receiver-side
equalization
• 9dB output de-emphasis
• Supports independent SSC on each channel
• On-chip microcontroller and eye monitor
• Multiple loopback modes
The ISL37231 provides this high level of performance while
significantly reducing power consumption relative to other
active cable solutions. At well below 500mW, the operating
power is the lowest in class, and a sleep mode function can be
invoked to reduce the power to a miniscule 3mW.
• Low power (<420mW) operation with 3mW sleep mode
• Ultra-small 5mmx5mm aQFN package
To facilitate ease of system integration, the ISL37231 provides
advanced diagnostic capabilities in the form of loopback and
high-resolution on-chip eye monitor functions, both accessed
via a UART interface.
Applications
• Thunderbolt™ active cables
• Proprietary high-speed active cable assemblies
The ISL37231 is optimized to work in conjunction with the
ISL80083 power management IC, however, it will also operate
with appropriate discrete components (voltage regulators and
a 33Mhz crystal oscillator).
Benefits
• Thinner gauge cable
• Extends cable reach
• Improved BER
ACTIVE CABLE
CABLE CONNECTOR
ISL37231
CABLE CONNECTOR
CABLE MEDIA
ISL37231
EQ CDR
TX1
RX1
EQ CDR DE
AI1
DE
AO1
BI1
BI1
AO1
BI2
BO1
DE
CDR EQ
CDR EQ
DE
RX1
TX2
BO1
AI2
AI1
TX1
RX2
EQ CDR
EQ CDR
DE
AO2
BI2
DE BO2
CDR EQ
µC
DE CDR EQ
AI2
DE
AO2
BO2
TX2
RX2
GND
GND
µC
PWR
PWR
ISL80083
EEPROM
EEPROM
ISL80083
FIGURE 1. TYPICAL APPLICATION
January 25, 2013
FN8266.1
CAUTION: These devices are sensitive to electrostatic discharge; follow proper IC Handling Procedures.
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Intersil (and design) is a trademark owned by Intersil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries.
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