Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated DS26401N+

Overview

DS26401N+ from Maxim Integrated is an octal, software-selectable T1/E1/J1 framer IC with eight independent framer/formatters, full-feature BERT, internal clock adapter (CLAD), and 8-bit parallel control interface supporting Intel/Motorola bus modes. It operates from a single 3.3V supply with 5V-tolerant inputs and targets telecom line cards requiring synchronized TDM backplane timing at 1.544–16.384MHz.

For engineers reviewing the DS26401N+ datasheet, DS26401N+ pinout, DS26401N+ application, or DS26401N+ equivalent, key selection criteria include its octal T1/E1/J1 framing capability, per-framer HDLC controller, elastic store buffers, BERT mapping flexibility, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) in a 256-pin BGA package.

Technical Context

The DS26401N+ integrates eight fully independent T1/E1/J1 framers, each with dedicated transmit/receive paths, two-frame elastic store buffers, and programmable signaling extraction/insertion for DS0, FDL (T1), or Sa (E1) bits. Its HDLC controllers support frame-level protocol handling per channel.

It features a shared full-feature BERT mapped to any of the eight ports, a flexible TDM backplane interface supporting 1.544MHz to 16.384MHz bus rates, and an internal clock adapter (CLAD) generating 2.048MHz, 4.096MHz, 8.192MHz, or 16.384MHz synchronous clocks for backplane timing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DS26401N+ is housed in a 17mm × 17mm, 256-pin fine-pitch ball grid array (BGA) with 1.00mm pitch, optimized for high-density telecom PCB layouts and thermal dissipation in line card applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar octal T1/E1 framer applications.

Compared with DS26401N+, DS26504N+ halves channel count and board area while retaining core diagnostics and timing features, whereas MC26401P offers identical functionality but lacks industrial temperature qualification - making DS26401N+ the sole choice for ruggedized telecom infrastructure.

Availability

DS26401N+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for line cards, routers, add-drop multiplexers, DSLAMs, and ATM switches requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for DS26401N+ 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 analog, mixed-signal, and high-reliability ICs for communications, industrial, and automotive markets.

The DS26401N+ belongs to Maxim's Telecom Framer product line, designed specifically for carrier-class TDM infrastructure requiring software-configurable, multi-standard, high-channel-count framing with integrated diagnostics and timing.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range of the DS26401N+?

The DS26401N+ is rated for –40°C to +85°C operation, qualifying it for industrial and carrier-grade telecom environments including central office equipment, outdoor cabinets, and transport nodes where ambient temperatures exceed commercial limits. This extended range ensures reliable framer functionality under thermal stress conditions that would disable standard commercial-grade alternatives like the DS26401.

Does the DS26401N+ support both T1 and E1 framing in the same device?

Yes, the DS26401N+ supports software-selectable T1, E1, and J1 framing per channel - each of the eight framers can be independently configured for any of these standards via register programming. This eliminates the need for separate T1-only or E1-only devices and simplifies inventory management for global telecom equipment vendors deploying in mixed-standard regions.

How does the internal clock adapter (CLAD) function in the DS26401N+?

The CLAD in the DS26401N+ generates precise synchronous clocks - 2.048MHz, 4.096MHz, 8.192MHz, or 16.384MHz - from a single crystal or external reference, eliminating external clock synthesizers. These outputs directly drive the TDM backplane interface and elastic store logic, ensuring deterministic timing alignment critical for jitter-sensitive T1/E1 transport applications.

Can the BERT in the DS26401N+ be used simultaneously on multiple ports?

No - the DS26401N+ contains one shared full-feature BERT resource that can be dynamically mapped to any single T1/E1 port at a time via register configuration. While it cannot operate on multiple ports concurrently, its flexibility enables comprehensive per-port loopback testing and BER measurement without external test gear across all eight channels sequentially.

What package type and pin count does the DS26401N+ use?

The DS26401N+ uses a 17mm × 17mm, 256-ball fine-pitch BGA package with 1.00mm pitch. This high-density interconnect supports thermal management in compact line card designs and aligns with industry-standard layout practices for telecom ASICs - distinct from QFP or LQFP packages used in lower-performance framing solutions.