Multi-rate two-channel retimer with integrated signal conditioning

The Texas Instruments DS250DF210 device is a two-channel, multi-rate retimer with integrated signal conditioning. It is used to extend the reach and robustness of long, lossy, crosstalk-impaired, high-speed serial links while achieving a bit error rate (BER) of 10–15 or less. Each channel of the device independently locks to serial data rates in a continuous range from 20.6Gbps to 25.8Gbps or to any supported sub-rate (÷2 and ÷4), including key data rates such as 10.3125Gbps and 12.5Gbps, which allows the device to support individual lane FEC pass-through. The device has a single power supply and minimal need for external components. These features reduce PCB-routing complexity and BOM cost. The advanced equalization features of the device include a low-jitter three-tap transmit finite impulse response filter, an adaptive continuous-time linear equalizer, and an adaptive decision feedback equalizer. This enables reach extension for lossy interconnect and backplanes with multiple connectors and crosstalk. The integrated CDR function is ideal for front-port optical module applications to reset the jitter budget and retime the high-speed serial data. It implements a 2x2 cross-point, providing the host with lane crossing, fanout, and multiplexing options The device can be configured either through the SMBus or through an external EEPROM. Up to 16 devices can share a single EEPROM using Common Channel format. A non-disruptive, on-chip eye monitor and a PRBS generator or checker allow for in-system diagnostics.