Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated DS3170N

Overview

DS3170N from Maxim Integrated is a single-chip DS3/E3 framer and line interface unit (LIU) transceiver for copper-based TDM transport. It performs receive clock/data recovery, transmit waveshaping, jitter attenuation (in either path), on-chip M23/C-bit DS3 and G.751/G.832 E3 framing, and supports 75Ω coaxial cable up to 440m for E3. It targets industrial-grade access concentrators and multiservice platforms requiring -40°C to +85°C operation.

For engineers reviewing the DS3170N datasheet, DS3170N pinout, DS3170N application, or DS3170N equivalent, key selection criteria include DS3/E3 dual-standard support, integrated CLAD clock rate adapter, JTAG test port, 8-/16-bit parallel and SPI microprocessor interface, and industrial temperature qualification.

Technical Context

The DS3170N integrates a full DS3/E3 LIU with B3ZS/HDB3 encoding/decoding, a configurable framer supporting M23, C-bit, G.751, and G.832 standards, and a flexible jitter attenuator that can be placed in either the receive or transmit path. Its CLAD block generates 44.736MHz (DS3) and 34.368MHz (E3) from a single reference clock (19.44–77.76MHz).

It includes an embedded HDLC controller with 256-byte FIFO for overhead byte insertion/extraction, on-chip BERT for PRBS pattern generation/detection, and comprehensive loopback modes (line, diagnostic, framer, payload, analog) with AIS insertion capability. The device uses 3.3V core supply with 5V-tolerant I/O and consumes 0.5W typical power.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DS3170N is housed in a 100-pin Chip-Scale Ball Grid Array (CSBGA) package measuring 11mm × 11mm × 1mm, optimized for high-density line card layouts and thermal performance in telecom applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar DS3/E3 transceiver applications.

Compared with DS3171N and ICS8430M-01LFT, DS3170N delivers optimal balance of integration, industrial temperature range, and proven field reliability for access-layer equipment - avoiding over-specification while eliminating external framer/LIU components.

Availability

DS3170N is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for access concentrators, multiservice access platforms (MSAPs), and SONET/SDH ADMs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and industrial temperature qualification.

Supply support for DS3170N 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 high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital ICs for communications, computing, and industrial systems.

The DS3170N belongs to Maxim's SCT (Serial Communications Transceivers) product family, designed specifically for carrier-grade TDM line interface applications requiring high integration, low power, and robust timing performance.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range of the DS3170N?

The DS3170N is rated for industrial operation from -40°C to +85°C. This specification is confirmed in the official Maxim ordering information table and applies to all DS3170N variants. The extended range enables deployment in uncontrolled environments such as outdoor cabinets or remote DSLAM sites without additional thermal management. DS3170N maintains full electrical performance across this range without derating.

Does the DS3170N support both DS3 and E3 standards simultaneously?

Yes, the DS3170N supports both DS3 and E3 standards in hardware, but not concurrently on the same port. It operates in either DS3 mode (44.736Mbps) or E3 mode (34.368Mbps), selected via configuration registers. Framing is software-configurable for M23/C-bit (DS3) or G.751/G.832 (E3). The CLAD clock adapter automatically adjusts internal timing based on the selected standard.

What clock frequencies does the DS3170N accept on its CLKIN pin?

The DS3170N accepts five standard reference clock frequencies on CLKIN: 19.44MHz, 34.368MHz, 44.736MHz, 51.84MHz, or 77.76MHz. These are explicitly listed in the Functional Diagram section and supported by the CLAD block to derive required system clocks. Using any other frequency may result in incorrect internal clock generation and loss of synchronization.

Is the DS3170N pin-compatible with other devices in the DS317x family?

Yes, the DS3170N is pin-compatible with DS3171N, DS3172N, DS3173N, and DS3174N within the same CSBGA package. All share identical pin assignments, power sequencing, and register maps. Software written for DS3170N runs unchanged on these variants, enabling seamless migration to higher-performance members of the SCT family.

What type of transformers are required for the DS3170N's line interface?

The DS3170N requires 1:2 impedance-ratio transformers on both transmit and receive paths, as specified in the Functional Diagram and Features sections. These match the device's differential 100Ω internal termination to standard 75Ω coaxial cable. Use of non-1:2 transformers will cause impedance mismatch, degrading return loss and increasing bit error rates beyond specification.