Texas Instruments DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB

Overview

DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a Channel Link II serializer IC that converts 4-channel LVDS data + clock (24-bit color, 10–75 MHz) into a single high-speed CML serial stream for transmission over AC-coupled STP cable up to 10 m. It supports 1.8-V or 3.3-V LVCMOS I/O, integrates DC-balancing and scrambling, and features pin-selectable output VOD (±300 mV or ±450 mV) and de-emphasis for lossy interconnects in RGB display interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB datasheet, DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB pinout, DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB application, or DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB equivalent, key selection criteria include its 36-pin WQFN package, 100-Ω LVDS input termination support, programmable de-emphasis, at-speed BIST capability, and compatibility with DS92LV0422 deserializer in embedded video systems requiring EMI reduction and FPGA pin count minimization.

Technical Context

The DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB implements a 5-channel (4 data + 1 clock) Channel Link II serializer with embedded clock recovery architecture, eliminating need for separate reference clocks at the deserializer end. Its CML serial output operates at 28× input clock rate (e.g., 2.1–5.25 Gbps for 75 MHz parallel clock), with integrated 100-Ω differential termination on all LVDS inputs and configurable receiver equalization via external strap pins.

It supports dual-supply operation: 1.8-V domains for core logic (VDDP, VDDL, VDDHS, VDDRX) and flexible 1.8-V/3.3-V I/O (VDDIO), enabling direct interfacing to FPGAs or graphics processors. Control is implemented via strapping pins (CONFIG[1:0], MAPSEL, VODSEL, DE-EMPH, BISTEN) and optional I²C bus (SDA/SCL), with power-down mode reducing IDD when PDB = 0.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB uses a 36-pin WQFN (NJK) package, 6.00 mm × 6.00 mm, with exposed thermal pad (DAP) requiring ≥9 vias to ground plane. All LVDS inputs are differential pairs with integrated 100-Ω termination; CML output is single-ended differential (DOUT+/DOUT−).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with DS92LV2421 and DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB, the DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB offers optimal balance of integrated termination, BIST, and de-emphasis for industrial RGB links up to 10 m-while DS90UR124 trades those features for lower static power in short-reach portable use cases.

Availability

DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for embedded video interfaces, medical imaging subsystems, and factory automation vision systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB 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 connectivity technologies, with leadership in high-speed interface solutions for industrial and automotive markets.

The DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB belongs to TI's Channel Link II chipset family, designed specifically to replace wide parallel LVDS buses in display, imaging, and machine vision applications while maintaining backward compatibility with OpenLDI standards.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported cable length for DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB?

The DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB supports AC-coupled 100-Ω STP cable runs up to 10 meters when used with appropriate de-emphasis and receiver equalization settings. Performance depends on cable quality and frequency: at 75 MHz pixel clock (5.25 Gbps serial rate), verified operation is confirmed to 10 m with standard 26-AWG shielded twisted pair; shorter lengths apply for lossier cables or higher bit rates. The DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB datasheet specifies this limit under recommended operating conditions.

Does DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB require an external reference clock?

No, the DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB does not require an external reference clock. As a serializer, it derives its internal PLL timing directly from the incoming LVDS parallel clock (RXCLKIN±). The deserializer counterpart (DS92LV0422) performs clock recovery from the serial stream without needing a reference clock. This eliminates clock distribution complexity and jitter accumulation in the DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB-based system design.

Can DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB operate with both 1.8-V and 3.3-V I/O supplies?

Yes, DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB supports dual VDDIO configurations: 1.8 V ±5% or 3.3 V ±10%. The LVCMOS control pins (CONFIG[1:0], VODSEL, PDB, etc.) and LVDS parallel interface I/O are compatible with either rail. Core logic supplies (VDDP, VDDL, VDDHS, VDDRX) must remain at 1.8 V. This flexibility allows direct interfacing with both low-voltage FPGAs and legacy 3.3-V graphics processors in the same DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB design.

How is BIST functionality enabled on DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB?

BIST is enabled by asserting BISTEN = HIGH (logic 1) on pin 21 of the DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB. When active, the serializer generates a known pseudo-random test pattern and transmits it over the serial link. Link integrity is validated at the deserializer (DS92LV0422), which reports PASS/FAIL status on its dedicated PASS pin. The DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB itself does not provide PASS output - that function resides solely in the deserializer, making BIST a cooperative link-level diagnostic feature.

What package type and thermal characteristics does DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB use?

DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB uses a 36-pin WQFN package (NJK variant), 6.00 mm × 6.00 mm, with exposed thermal pad (DAP). Its junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) is 33.8°C/W, and junction-to-board (RθJB) is 7.2°C/W - measured with nine thermal vias to PCB ground. These values assume standard JEDEC 2-layer board conditions and define the maximum allowable power dissipation for reliable operation across −40°C to +85°C ambient. The DS92LV0421SQE/NOPB thermal metrics are published in Section 6.4 of the official datasheet.