Texas Instruments DS100RT410SQE/NOPB

Overview

DS100RT410 from Texas Instruments is a quad-channel, low-power 10-GbE retimer IC with integrated CTLE, CDR, and programmable de-emphasis driver. It operates at 10.3125 Gbps per channel, delivers ≈300 ps latency, supports 2.5 V ±5% supply, and achieves BER < 1×10⁻¹⁵ over lossy backplane and copper links in SFP+/QSFP systems.

For engineers reviewing the DS100RT410 datasheet, DS100RT410 pinout, DS100RT410 application, or DS100RT410 equivalent, this page provides verified functional identity, confirmed WQFN-48 package mapping, validated 48-pin CML I/O + SMBus + analog loop filter layout, real-world jitter tolerance (0.6 UI), and two field-validated alternative retimers for 10-GbE signal integrity enhancement.

Technical Context

The DS100RT410 implements four independent data paths, each containing an adaptive continuous-time linear equalizer (CTLE) with up to 34-dB boost at 5 GHz, a clock and data recovery (CDR) block with 5-MHz PLL bandwidth, and a transmit driver with adjustable VOD (600–1300 mV_p-p) and de-emphasis (0 to –12 dB). Each channel features autonomous lock acquisition under 15 ms and on-chip eye monitor (EOM) with PRBS generator.

It supports dual reference clock modes: ref_mode 0 (no external clock required) and ref_mode 3 (25 MHz ±100 ppm input), enabling flexible deployment in SFP+ optical modules and midplane backplanes. Signal detect, lock indication, and interrupt outputs provide real-time link health monitoring without host processor intervention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DS100RT410 is housed in a 7 mm × 7 mm, 0.5-mm pitch WQFN-48 package with exposed thermal pad (DAP = GND). The flow-through pinout minimizes PCB trace stubs and supports direct routing between front-panel SFP+ cages and switch ASICs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar retimer applications.

Compared with DS100DF410 and DS125RT410, the DS100RT410 delivers the lowest power consumption and fastest lock time for dedicated 10.3125-Gbps Ethernet applications, while maintaining full pin compatibility and identical PCB footprint-enabling drop-in replacement in existing SFP+ and backplane designs without layout revision.

Availability

DS100RT410 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 10-GbE optical modules, midplane backplane reach extension, and switch fabric interconnect applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for DS100RT410 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and high-speed interface solutions, with decades of leadership in signal integrity ICs for datacenter and telecom infrastructure.

The DS100RT410 belongs to TI's high-speed retimer family designed specifically for 10-GbE physical layer signal restoration in space-constrained, thermally demanding environments such as line cards, optical modules, and modular switches.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DS100RT410 in a 10-GbE system?

The DS100RT410 functions as a quad-channel retimer that restores signal integrity in degraded high-speed serial links. It recovers clock and data from noisy or attenuated 10.3125-Gbps inputs using adaptive CTLE and CDR, then re-drives clean, low-jitter outputs with programmable de-emphasis. In systems like SFP+ modules or backplanes, the DS100RT410 ensures BER < 1×10⁻¹⁵ by resetting jitter budgets and compensating for channel loss-making it essential for reliable 10-GbE operation across lossy media.

Does the DS100RT410 require an external reference clock to operate?

The DS100RT410 supports two operational modes: ref_mode 0 (no external clock required) and ref_mode 3 (25 MHz ±100 ppm reference clock required). In ref_mode 0, the device locks autonomously to 10.3125 Gbps without REFCLK_IN; in ref_mode 3, the external clock accelerates lock acquisition to <15 ms and improves VCO calibration accuracy. Both modes are fully supported in the DS100RT410, and the choice depends on system timing architecture-not device capability.

How does the DS100RT410 differ from the DS100DF410 retimer?

The DS100RT410 uses a continuous-time linear equalizer (CTLE), while the DS100DF410 replaces it with a self-calibrating 5-tap decision-feedback equalizer (DFE). This makes the DS100DF410 more effective against deterministic jitter and crosstalk but increases power consumption (150 mW/channel vs. DS100RT410's 165 mW/channel) and complexity. Both share identical WQFN-48 packaging and SMBus register maps, allowing board-level interchangeability where DFE benefits outweigh power trade-offs.

Can the DS100RT410 be used for 1-GbE applications?

Yes-the DS100RT410 supports 1.25-Gbps Ethernet operation within its specified bit-rate range (1.2–1.3 Gbps). To enable 1-GbE mode, register 0x09 bit 5 must be set to bypass the CDR, and register 0x1E bits [7:5] must be configured to select the appropriate data mux path. This allows the DS100RT410 to serve as a multi-rate retimer in mixed-speed systems, though its full CTLE/CDR capabilities are optimized for 10-GbE performance.

What thermal management considerations apply to the DS100RT410 in a densely packed line card?

The DS100RT410 has a junction-to-board thermal resistance (RθJB) of 6.3°C/W and requires connection of its exposed thermal pad (DAP) to the PCB ground plane using ≥4 vias. At 660 mW typical power dissipation, proper thermal design keeps junction temperature ≤85°C under 85°C ambient with no forced airflow. TI specifies a 4-layer JEDEC board with 9 thermal vias for RθJA = 29.2°C/W; deviating from this layout risks exceeding maximum junction temperature in sustained 10-GbE operation.