Versatile dual channel SATA Express signal conditioner

The SN75LVPE802, from Texas Instruments, is a versatile dual channel, SATA Express signal conditioner supporting data rates up to 8Gbps. The device supports SATA Gen 1, 2, and 3 specifications as well as PCIe 1, 2, 3. The device operates from a single 3.3V supply and has 100ohm line termination with self-biasing feature, making the device suitable for AC coupling. The inputs incorporate an OOB detector, which automatically squelches the output when the input differential voltage falls below threshold while maintaining a stable common-mode voltage. The device is also designed to handle SSC transmission per SATA standard. The device handles interconnect losses at its input with selectable equalisation settings that can be programmed to match the loss in the channel. For data rates of 3Gbps and lower, the device equalises signals for a span of up to 50 inches of FR4 board material. For data rates of 8Gbps, the device compensates up to 40 in of FR4 material. The equalisation level is controlled by the setting of the signal control pin EQ. Two de-emphasis levels can be selected on the transmit side to provide 0 or 1.2dB of additional high-frequency loss compensation at the output. The device is hot-plug capable (requires use of AC coupling capacitors at differential inputs and outputs) preventing device damage under device hot-insertion such as async signal plug/removal, unpowered plug/removal, powered plug/removal, or surprise plug/removal.