Texas Instruments DS250DF230RTVR

Overview

DS250DF230RTVR from Texas Instruments is a dual-channel, multi-rate retimer IC designed for high-speed serial link regeneration in 25-Gbps interconnects. It supports independent channel locking from 19.6 to 25.8 Gbps (including sub-rates like 12.16512 Gbps and 9.8304 Gbps), delivers ultra-low latency (<500 ps typical at 25.78125 Gbps), integrates adaptive CTLE and DFE equalization, and features an on-chip eye-opening monitor and PRBS generator/checker - deployed in QSFP28 optical modules and 100GbE backplane interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the DS250DF230RTVR datasheet, DS250DF230RTVR pinout, DS250DF230RTVR application, or DS250DF230RTVR equivalent, key selection considerations include its 32-pin QFN (RTV) package with 5×5 mm body, single 2.5-V supply operation, integrated 2×2 cross-point, recovered clock availability on Channel 0, and thermal performance supporting PCB temperatures up to 105°C without heatsink.

Technical Context

The DS250DF230RTVR implements a full CDR-based retiming architecture with independent per-channel lock control, enabling simultaneous operation across heterogeneous data rates (e.g., one channel at 25.78125 Gbps, another at 12.16512 Gbps). Its signal conditioning stack combines adaptive CTLE (continuous-time linear equalizer) and continuous adaptive DFE (decision feedback equalizer), jointly supporting up to 35 dB of channel loss at 12.9 GHz.

It operates in either SMBus slave mode (with configurable 4-level address straps) or SMBus master mode (using external EEPROM), and supports raw-mode bypass of CDR for low-latency applications. The device provides programmable 3-tap FIR transmit filtering, on-the-fly EQ adaptation, and diagnostic capabilities via integrated PRBS pattern generation/checking and real-time eye monitoring.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DS250DF230RTVR is housed in a 32-pin QFN (RTV) package with 5.0 × 5.0 mm body and exposed thermal pad (DAP) connected to ground via 3×3 via array. Pin pitch is 0.5 mm. Thermal resistance: RθJA = 30.3°C/W (4-layer JEDEC board).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with DS250DF230ZLS, the DS250DF230RTVR offers superior thermal performance for high-power-density modules, while DS125DF410 serves distinct lower-speed use cases - neither is pin-compatible nor functionally interchangeable with DS250DF230RTVR in 25-Gbps deployments.

Availability

DS250DF230RTVR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 100GbE backplane interconnects, QSFP28 optical transceiver modules, active high-speed cable assemblies, and InfiniBand EDR switch interconnects requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for DS250DF230RTVR 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 over 90 years of innovation in signal integrity and timing products.

The DS250DF230RTVR belongs to TI's high-speed retimer product line, engineered specifically for 25-Gbps and multi-rate serial link extension in cloud infrastructure, AI/ML accelerators, and telecom optical systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported data rate for DS250DF230RTVR?

The DS250DF230RTVR supports a continuous full-rate data range from 19.6 Gbps to 25.8 Gbps, including standardized sub-rates such as 12.16512 Gbps (100GbE), 9.8304 Gbps (40GbE), and 6.144 Gbps (25GbE). It achieves this using independent per-channel CDR lock and adaptive equalization - all verified per OIF-CEI-25G-LR/MR/SR specifications in the official DS250DF230RTVR datasheet.

Does DS250DF230RTVR require an external reference clock?

No, DS250DF230RTVR operates with a single 2.5-V supply and does not require an external low-jitter reference clock. It uses internal calibration circuitry synchronized to a 30.72-MHz (±100 ppm) or 25-MHz (±100 ppm) LVCMOS clock applied to CAL_CLK_IN - a low-cost, relaxed-jitter oscillator suffices, unlike traditional clock-dependent retimers.

How does DS250DF230RTVR handle thermal management in compact modules?

DS250DF230RTVR uses a 32-pin QFN (RTV) package with an exposed thermal pad (DAP) connected to PCB ground via a 3×3 via array. Its RθJB of 10.7°C/W enables operation at PCB temperatures up to 105°C without heatsink - validated in TI's SNLS590C datasheet under Recommended Operating Conditions and Thermal Information sections.

Can DS250DF230RTVR be configured without an external EEPROM?

Yes, DS250DF230RTVR supports SMBus slave mode configuration using address straps (ADDR0/ADDR1) and direct register writes - eliminating need for external EEPROM. EEPROM is optional and used only in SMBus master mode for factory-programmed settings; both methods are fully documented in Section 8.4 of the DS250DF230RTVR datasheet.

What diagnostic capabilities does DS250DF230RTVR provide for in-system validation?

DS250DF230RTVR integrates an on-chip eye-opening monitor (EOM), PRBS9 generator and checker, and programmable interrupt outputs (INT_N). These allow real-time eye measurement, bit-error detection, and event-triggered diagnostics - all accessible via SMBus registers - enabling automated validation in QSFP28 modules and active cables without external test gear.