Texas Instruments DS250DF210ABMT

Overview

DS250DF210ABMT from Texas Instruments is a dual-channel, multi-rate 25-Gbps retimer IC with integrated CDR, adaptive CTLE/DFE equalization, and 2×2 crosspoint switching. It operates from a single 2.5-V supply, supports data rates from 5.15 Gbps to 25.8 Gbps (full/half/quarter), delivers <500 ps typical latency at 25.78125 Gbps, and enables jitter cleaning in front-port optical modules and high-loss backplanes.

For engineers reviewing the DS250DF210ABMT datasheet, DS250DF210ABMT pinout, DS250DF210ABMT application, or DS250DF210ABMT equivalent, key selection considerations include its 101-pin fcBGA package, 25-MHz calibration clock requirement, SMBus-configurable address strapping, AC-coupled differential I/Os, and support for IEEE 802.3bj 100GbE, InfiniBand EDR, and OIF-CEI-25G-LR/MR/SR/VSR interfaces.

Technical Context

The DS250DF210ABMT implements independent per-channel CDRs with PLL bandwidths of 5.3–5.5 MHz across 10.3–25.8 Gbps, enabling robust lock acquisition (<100 ms) and ±115°C ambient temperature stay-in-lock range. Its signal conditioning stack combines adaptive CTLE, 5-tap DFE (configurable to 2-tap), and a low-jitter 3-tap FIR transmitter.

It integrates a 2×2 crosspoint for lane routing flexibility, on-chip eye opening monitor (EOM), PRBS generator/checker, and supports configuration via SMBus slave/master mode or external EEPROM. All high-speed I/Os are AC-coupled with internal 100-Ωdifferential input termination and 50-Ωoutput drivers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DS250DF210ABMT uses a 6.00 mm × 6.00 mm, 101-pin flip-chip BGA (fcBGA) package with 0.5-mm pitch and flow-through routing optimized for high-speed serial layout. Ground and power pins are distributed across all four sides to minimize impedance and improve decoupling.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with DS250DF230ABMT and DS125DF410ABMT, the DS250DF210ABMT uniquely balances dual-channel 25-Gbps capability, sub-rate flexibility (÷2/÷4), ultra-low latency, and integrated crosspoint - making it optimal for SFP28/QSFP28 optical modules and 100GbE KR4/KP4 line cards where channel count, speed, and timing are tightly constrained.

Availability

DS250DF210ABMT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed optical interconnects, active cable assemblies, and 100GbE infrastructure requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for DS250DF210ABMT 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 leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and high-speed interface solutions, with decades of expertise in signal integrity and retimer design.

The DS250DF210ABMT belongs to TI's DS250DF family of multi-rate retimers engineered for next-generation Ethernet, InfiniBand, and optical transport systems demanding 25+ Gbps per lane with minimal latency and maximum reach.

FAQ

What is the minimum input signal amplitude required for DS250DF210ABMT to assert signal detect at 25.78125 Gbps?

The DS250DF210ABMT asserts AC signal detect (ON) at a minimum input differential amplitude of 196 mVppd when operating at 25.78125 Gbps with a PRBS7 pattern and 20-dB channel loss. This threshold ensures reliable lock acquisition under realistic high-loss conditions. The de-assert (OFF) threshold is 147 mVppd, providing hysteresis to prevent false toggling. These values are measured directly at the device pins and assume proper AC coupling and termination.

Does DS250DF210ABMT support IEEE 802.3bj 100GbE KR4/KP4 electrical compliance?

Yes, the DS250DF210ABMT supports IEEE 802.3bj 100GbE KR4/KP4 compliance through its 25.78125-Gbps full-rate operation, 0.17 UIpp total jitter (TJ) output specification, and 9 UIpp input jitter tolerance at low-frequency sinusoidal jitter. Its adaptive CTLE/DFE and 35+ dB loss compensation capability meet the channel reach and signal integrity requirements defined in KR4/KP4 specifications for backplane and chip-to-chip interfaces.

Can DS250DF210ABMT operate with a 3.3-V SMBus interface while powered from 2.5 V?

Yes, the DS250DF210ABMT supports 3.3-V tolerant SMBus I/Os (SDA and SDC) while operating from a 2.5-V VDD supply. Its SMBus pins are specified for 3.3-V LVCMOS levels with VIH up to 3.6 V and VOL ≤ 0.4 V at 1.25 mA sink current. External 2–5 kΩpull-up resistors to 3.3 V are required per SMBus standard, and no level-shifting circuitry is needed.

What is the purpose of the CAL_CLK_IN pin on DS250DF210ABMT, and is a low-jitter source required?

The CAL_CLK_IN pin on DS250DF210ABMT accepts a 25-MHz ±100 PPM CMOS clock used solely for VCO frequency range calibration - not for data recovery timing. Because it does not feed the CDR PLL, phase noise or jitter performance is not critical; a standard low-cost 25-MHz crystal oscillator suffices. The buffered CAL_CLK_OUT enables daisy-chaining calibration clocks across multiple DS250DF210ABMT devices.

How does DS250DF210ABMT handle power sequencing and reset during startup?

The DS250DF210ABMT incorporates an internal power-on reset (PoR) with a 50-ms assertion time after VDD stabilizes to 2.375 V. SMBus address strapping (ADDR0/ADDR1/EN_SMB) is latched at PoR completion. In SMBus slave mode, asserting READ_EN_N low holds the device in reset; in master mode, it initiates EEPROM configuration load. ALL_DONE_N signals successful EEPROM load completion, ensuring deterministic initialization before data path activation.