Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated DS21Q48A3N
- Part No.:
- DS21Q48A3N
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Telecom
- Package:
- 144-BBGA
- Datasheet:
-
DS21Q48A3N.pdf
- Description:
- IC TELECOM INTERFACE 144BGA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:674
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Product details
Overview
DS21Q48A3N from Maxim Integrated is a quad-channel 5V E1/T1/J1 Line Interface Unit (LIU) supporting long- and short-haul trunks, with software-selectable 75Ω/100Ω/120Ω receive termination, crystal-less 32-bit or 128-bit jitter attenuation using only 2.048MHz MCLK, and full ANSI T1.403-1999, ITU G.703/G.775, and ETSI ETS 300 166 compliance for telecom line interface applications.
For engineers reviewing the DS21Q48A3N datasheet, DS21Q48A3N pinout, DS21Q48A3N application, or DS21Q48A3N equivalent, key selection criteria include quad-channel LIU integration, 5V-only operation, 144-ball CSBGA package, E1/T1/J1 waveform encoding (AMI/HDB3/B8ZS), and hardware/parallel/serial control interface flexibility.
Technical Context
The DS21Q48A3N implements four independent LIU channels in a single 144-ball CSBGA package, each featuring clock/data recovery with programmable receive sensitivity (–43dBm E1, –36dBm T1), transformer-coupled analog I/O (RTIP/RRING, TTIP/TRING), and selectable line build-out (0dB to –22.5dB) for E1 and T1 physical layer compliance.
Its crystal-less jitter attenuator operates at 32-bit or 128-bit depth in either transmit or receive path, synthesizes backplane clocks (2.048/4.096/8.192/16.384MHz) locked to RCLK, and supports diagnostics including PRBS generation/detection, in-band loop code handling (1–16 bits), and multiple loopback modes (local, remote, analog, dual).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Channels | Four independent E1/T1/J1 LIUs in one device - enables compact quad-line telecom interface cards without channel stacking. |
| Supply Voltage | 5.0V ±5% - requires single-rail 5V power design; no 3V or mixed-voltage support. |
| Jitter Attenuation | 32-bit or 128-bit FIFO depth, crystal-less - eliminates need for external VCXO/TCXO; accepts only 2.048MHz (E1/T1) or optional 1.544MHz (T1) MCLK. |
| Encoding Support | AMI, HDB3 (E1), B8ZS (T1) - ensures full physical layer compatibility with CEPT, ANSI, and ITU line standards. |
| Receive Termination | Software-selectable 75Ω/100Ω/120Ω - adapts to coaxial (75Ω), balanced twisted-pair (120Ω), or legacy 100Ω systems without hardware change. |
| Line Build-Out | E1: 0dB to –22.5dB per G.703; T1: DSX-1/CSU options - meets long-haul and short-haul cable loss compensation requirements per standard. |
| Package | 144-ball CSBGA, 17mm × 17mm - provides high I/O density for quad-channel analog + digital interface; RoHS-compliant. |
Pinout & Package
DS21Q48A3N uses a 144-ball CSBGA (17mm × 17mm) package with 4 rows × 4 columns of solder balls (A1–P16 layout), optimized for thermal dissipation and high-density telecom PCB layouts. Pin functions are mode-dependent (parallel/serial/hardware), with shared I/O for control and data paths.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RTIP / RRING | Analog receive inputs | Differential transformer-coupled inputs for E1/T1/J1 line signal acquisition; support internal 75/100/120Ω termination. |
| TTIP / TRING | Analog transmit outputs | Differential line driver outputs; drive CEPT 30/ISDN-PRI (E1) or DSX-1/CSU (T1) lines via step-up transformer. |
| RPOS / RNEG | Bipolar/NRZ receive data | Output recovered data in bipolar format (or NRZ if NRZE=1); synchronized to RCLK edge (configurable rising/falling). |
| TPOS / TNEG | Bipolar/NRZ transmit data | Input data for line transmission; sampled on TCLK edge (configurable rising/falling); supports framing/unframed modes. |
| MCLK | Master clock input | 2.048MHz (±50ppm) TTL-level reference for clock recovery and jitter attenuation; 1.544MHz optional for T1-only use. |
| RCLK | Recovered receive clock | Buffered line-recovered clock output; used as timing reference for host system and BPCLK synthesis. |
| BPCLK | Synthesized backplane clock | Programmable 2.048/4.096/8.192/16.384MHz output derived from RCLK - supplies synchronous timing to backplane logic. |
| INT* | Active-low interrupt | Open-drain status flag for alarms (AIS, RCL, LOS), error events, or loopback completion - reduces polling overhead. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Quad-channel LIU integration | Four fully independent E1/T1/J1 interfaces in one 144-ball CSBGA - cuts board space by ~75% vs. four DS2148s and simplifies thermal management. |
| Crystal-less jitter attenuation | 32/128-bit FIFO with MCLK-only dependency - removes external oscillator BOM cost and layout area while meeting G.823 jitter tolerance specs. |
| Multi-standard encoding/decoding | Native AMI (E1/T1), HDB3 (E1), B8ZS (T1) support - eliminates need for external encode/decode logic or firmware translation layers. |
| Programmable line build-out | G.703-compliant E1 (0 to –22.5dB) and T1 DSX-1/CSU options - matches exact cable length and impedance without external passive networks. |
| Hardware/parallel/serial control | Three interface modes (BIS0/BIS1 configurable) - enables direct GPIO control (hardware), microcontroller bus (Intel/Motorola parallel), or minimal-pin SPI-like serial access. |
Applications
| DSLAM Line Card | Enterprise TDM Gateway |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Aggregating 4 E1/T1 lines from remote DSLAM cabinets into a central office switch. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Quad LIU providing physical layer interface, clock recovery, and jitter cleanup for each line; generates stable RCLK and BPCLK for upstream framing logic. Use Value: Enables single-chip support for four simultaneous E1 or T1 feeds, reducing component count and improving timing integrity across all channels. | Use Scenario: Converting legacy T1/E1 trunk lines to VoIP/Packet networks in enterprise PBX gateways. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Physical layer transceiver converting bipolar line signals to NRZ data streams; detects AIS/RCL alarms and injects loop codes for remote diagnostics. Use Value: Provides standards-compliant line interface with integrated PRBS testing and in-band loopback - accelerates field troubleshooting without external test gear. |
| Mobile Backhaul Node | Industrial SCADA RTU |
Use Scenario: Connecting cellular base stations to aggregation routers over leased E1 lines in remote cell sites. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: E1 LIU with –43dBm receive sensitivity and long-haul line build-out - recovers weak signals over 2.5km of 22AWG cable. Use Value: Eliminates need for external repeaters or amplifiers in extended-range deployments, lowering power and maintenance costs. | Use Scenario: Monitoring and controlling utility substations via T1 leased lines in harsh industrial environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: T1 LIU with CSU line build-out, blue alarm (AIS) detection, and transmit open-circuit monitoring - ensures link integrity under voltage fluctuations and EMI. Use Value: Delivers G.775-compliant carrier loss indication and robust fault reporting - critical for unattended remote terminal uptime and regulatory compliance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar line interface unit applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| DS21Q48N | Same quad LIU functionality and 144-ball CSBGA package, but rated for –40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range; DS21Q48A3N is identical except for date code/lot traceability. | No functional difference; both support identical E1/T1/J1 features, pinout, and register map. | Select DS21Q48A3N when full Maxim traceability and latest production lot are required; DS21Q48N is suitable for general industrial deployment. |
| DS21Q52 | Quad LIU with integrated T1/E1 framer (beyond DS21Q48A3N's LIU-only function); larger 196-ball CSBGA; supports extended jitter attenuation and enhanced diagnostics. | Replaces DS21Q48A3N only when framer-level processing (e.g., D4/ESF, CAS signaling) is needed alongside physical layer interface. | Choose DS21Q48A3N for pure line interface tasks; upgrade to DS21Q52 only if framing, HDLC, or channelized TDM processing is required. |
Compared with DS21Q48N, DS21Q48A3N offers identical electrical and thermal performance with enhanced manufacturing traceability; versus DS21Q52, it provides lower-cost, lower-power LIU-only operation without framer overhead - ideal for applications where external FPGA or ASIC handles higher-layer TDM processing.
Availability
DS21Q48A3N is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DSLAM line cards, enterprise TDM gateways, mobile backhaul nodes, and industrial SCADA RTUs requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and guaranteed RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for DS21Q48A3N 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
Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) is a semiconductor company specializing in precision analog, mixed-signal, and high-reliability ICs for communications, industrial, and automotive markets.
The DS21Q48A3N belongs to Maxim's telecom line interface product line, designed specifically for carrier-grade E1/T1/J1 physical layer interfacing in space-constrained, multi-channel infrastructure equipment.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for DS21Q48A3N?
The DS21Q48A3N is rated for –40°C to +85°C industrial temperature operation, validated per its 144-ball CSBGA package thermal characteristics (θJA = 12.5°C/W at 200 LFM airflow). This range ensures reliable performance in outdoor DSLAM cabinets, base station shelters, and factory-floor SCADA RTUs without derating.
Does DS21Q48A3N support both E1 and T1 standards simultaneously?
Yes, DS21Q48A3N supports E1 and T1 standards per channel - each of its four LIUs can be independently configured for E1 (2.048Mbps, HDB3) or T1 (1.544Mbps, B8ZS) operation via software registers. J1 (Japanese T1 variant) is also supported wherever T1 is specified in the datasheet.
Can DS21Q48A3N operate without an external crystal oscillator?
Yes, DS21Q48A3N features a crystal-less jitter attenuator that requires only a 2.048MHz master clock (MCLK) for both E1 and T1 operation; a 1.544MHz MCLK is optional for T1-only use. No VCXO, TCXO, or crystal is needed - simplifying BOM and layout.
What package type and dimensions does DS21Q48A3N use?
DS21Q48A3N uses a 144-ball CSBGA package measuring 17mm × 17mm with 0.8mm ball pitch. It is lead-free/RoHS-compliant and thermally optimized for telecom applications, with documented θJA of 12.5°C/W under 200 LFM airflow per Maxim's package data.
How does DS21Q48A3N handle receive carrier loss detection?
DS21Q48A3N implements G.775-compliant Receive Carrier Loss (RCL) detection on each channel, signaled via the RCL/LOTC pin. When enabled (CCR2.7 = 0), it asserts high upon loss of valid line signal at RTIP/RRING; status is also readable in Status Register bits SR.6/SR.7 for software polling or interrupt-driven response.
DS21Q48A3N Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 144-BBGA
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Function:
- Line Interface Unit (LIU)
- Interface:
- LIU
- Number of Circuits:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.75V ~ 5.25V
- Current - Supply:
- 95mA
- Power (Watts):
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 144-PBGA (17x17)
DS21Q48A3N FAQ
1.How can I place an order for DS21Q48A3N through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for DS21Q48A3N on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for DS21Q48A3N reliable?
The price and inventory of DS21Q48A3N are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for DS21Q48A3N is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for DS21Q48A3N?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for DS21Q48A3N transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for DS21Q48A3N?
DS21Q48A3N orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your DS21Q48A3N order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for DS21Q48A3N?
For technical support, including DS21Q48A3N datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your DS21Q48A3N requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that DS21Q48A3N is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All DS21Q48A3N products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that DS21Q48A3N meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of DS21Q48A3N?
All DS21Q48A3N units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with DS21Q48A3N, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The DS21Q48A3N part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for DS21Q48A3N:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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