Maxim Integrated Products has released MAX3984, a 1G bps to 10 G bps pre-emphasis driver with receive equalizer. While the first-generation pre-emphasis driver MAX3982 set the industry benchmark for low-jitter, high-performance cable drivers, particularly in 4.25 Gbps Fibre Channel applications, the next generation MAX3984 utilizes advanced, analog equalization technology to set the performance benchmark for 8.5 Gbps and 10 Gbps applications, according to Maxim. A single MAX3984 increases the reach of, and reduces jitter in, system interconnect applications by compensating for up to 10 m of 24 AWG cable or 30 in of FR4 printed circuit board. Consequently, it is suitable for emerging generations of 8.5 Gbps Fibre Channel, 10 Gbps Ethernet, SFP active copper-cable assemblies, and system-backplane drivers/receivers, Maxim said.

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The MAX3984 provides four pre-emphasis settings on the transmit side to optimize signal quality for different transmission environments, while SFP-compliant loss-of-signal (LOS) detection on the receive side simplifies system design. The device's small, 3 mm x 3 mm, 16-pin TQFN package enables compact board layout and provides flexibility in chip placement and signal routing. Additionally, its wide, 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps operating range allows backward compatibility for applications that require support for multiple generations of standards, the supplier stated. The MAX3984 is fully specified over the 0 °C to +85 °C temperature range, and achieves excellent performance down to -40 °C. Prices start at $6.95, in 1000 pieces and up. According to Maxim, an evaluation board that allows complete exercise of the MAX3984's features is available.