Microchip Technology EQCO400T8
- Part No.:
- EQCO400T8
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Specialized
- Package:
- 16-VQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
EQCO400T8.pdf
- Description:
- IC INTERFACE SPECIALIZED 16QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,925
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Product details
Overview
The EQCO400T8 from Microchip Technology is a multi-rate adaptive UTP cable equalizer IC designed for IEEE 1394b S100/S200/S400 data rates (100–500 Mbps) over Cat 5e/Cat 6 cable, featuring LVDS input/output, internal 50 Ω termination, 3.3 V single-supply operation, and integrated carrier detect with LED drive capability.
For engineers reviewing the EQCO400T8 datasheet, EQCO400T8 pinout, EQCO400T8 application, or EQCO400T8 equivalent, this device serves as a signal integrity restoration component in long-haul FireWire over UTP systems-requiring precise jitter tolerance analysis, CLI voltage interpretation, and compatibility verification with IEEE 1394b PHYs and PoE infrastructure.
Technical Context
The EQCO400T8 implements an auto-adaptive analog multiple-pole filter controlled by a time-continuous feedback loop that measures frequency components to restore NRZ-encoded, DC-balanced signals with 10-bit max run length. Convergence occurs within microseconds of valid signal detection.
It supports variable gain independent of transmit amplitude (475–800 mV differential), operates across 100–500 Mbps with native 8B/10B coding support, and integrates carrier-detect logic that disables the CML output driver when input swing falls below ~40 mV, reducing current draw from 42.5 mA to 4.25 mA.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V ±5% - powers all internal circuitry including adaptive equalizer core and CML output drivers |
| Data Rate Support | 100–500 Mbps - covers IEEE 1394b S100 (125 Mbps), S200 (250 Mbps), and S400 (500 Mbps) modes |
| Differential Input Swing | 40–800 mV - accepts low-amplitude degraded signals and high-amplitude clean inputs without external attenuation |
| Output Driver Type | CML with 110 Ω source matching - enables direct capacitive coupling to IEEE 1394b PHY RX inputs |
| Power Consumption | 140 mW active / 14 mW mute - dynamic power scaling reduces thermal load during idle link states |
| Cable Length Indicator | Analog voltage (1.2–2.6 V range) proportional to equalization effort - provides qualitative cable-length estimation |
| LED Drive Capability | 3 mA sink/source - directly drives indicator LEDs without external current-limiting resistors |
Pinout & Package
The EQCO400T8 is housed in a 16-pin, 4 mm × 4 mm × 0.9 mm QFN package with 0.65 mm pitch and exposed thermal pad. Pin 1 is marked by a corner chamfer or dot; the GND tab is electrically connected to the exposed pad.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 3 | SDIp / SDIn | Differential LVDS input pair - terminated on-chip to VCC with 50 Ω per side; connects to transformer-coupled UTP receive pair |
| 10, 12 | SDOp / SDOn | Differential CML output pair - 110 Ω source-matched for direct connection to PHY RX inputs |
| 2, 11 | VCC | +3.3 V supply pins - require local 0.1 μF decoupling each; ferrite bead recommended for noise isolation |
| 5, 13 | GND | Power ground pins - must connect to low-inductance ground plane with adjacent vias |
| 6 | CLI | Analog cable-length indicator - voltage scales with equalization gain; not calibrated for absolute distance measurement |
| 7 | LED | Carrier detect output - high = valid input detected (>40 mV), drives LED directly up to 3 mA |
| 4, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 | NC | No-connect terminals - must remain unconnected per datasheet; no internal functionality |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Multi-rate adaptive equalization | Automatically configures analog filter response for 100–500 Mbps NRZ signals without configuration registers or host control |
| Integrated 50 Ω input termination | Eliminates need for four external 50 Ω resistors, reducing BOM count and PCB area in UTP interface designs |
| Power-over-Ethernet compatibility | Fully compliant with IEEE 802.3-2008 clause 33; supports PoE delivery over unused UTP pairs without signal interference |
| Auto-mute with carrier detect | Reduces quiescent current by 90% (42.5 mA → 4.25 mA) when no valid input is present, lowering system power budget |
| Direct LED drive capability | Provides visual link status indication without external driver circuitry or current-limiting resistors |
Applications
| FireWire S400 Long-Haul Extension | Industrial Machine Vision Link |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Extending IEEE 1394b S400 (500 Mbps) connections beyond standard 4.5 m limits using Cat 6 UTP cabling up to 75 m in factory automation environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Signal integrity restoration IC placed between RJ45 connector and PHY; compensates for high-frequency attenuation and intersymbol interference. Use Value: Enables cost-effective reuse of existing Cat 6 infrastructure for high-speed camera-to-controller links without fiber conversion. |
Use Scenario: Connecting high-resolution line-scan cameras to frame grabbers over 50–85 m Cat 5e runs in semiconductor inspection equipment where EMI immunity is critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adaptive equalizer restoring edge fidelity of 8B/10B encoded video streams; CLI pin used to monitor cable degradation over time. Use Value: Maintains bit error rate <1e−12 at S400 rates despite >20 dB insertion loss at 250 MHz, avoiding retransmission overhead. |
| Medical Imaging Data Backhaul | Avionics Test Equipment Interface |
|
Use Scenario: Transmitting uncompressed ultrasound image data from probe head to processing unit over 60 m shielded Cat 6 cable in mobile diagnostic carts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Cable equalizer operating in S200 mode (250 Mbps); LED output drives front-panel link-status indicator. Use Value: Eliminates need for active repeaters or custom magnetics while meeting IEC 60601-1 creepage/clearance requirements via transformer isolation. |
Use Scenario: Interfacing legacy IEEE 1394b test instruments to modern UTP-based ATE racks using straight-through or crossover cabling per MIL-STD-1553B wiring conventions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Protocol-transparent physical-layer conditioner; supports S100/S200/S400 without firmware updates or configuration. Use Value: Provides deterministic latency (<5 ns jitter added) and eliminates manual cable-length calibration during instrument setup. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar UTP cable equalization applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TI TSB41AB3 | IEEE 1394a PHY with integrated equalizer; fixed-gain, non-adaptive; requires external termination; 5 V supply | Designed for short-reach 1394a (400 Mbps) only; lacks CLI, LED drive, and PoE compatibility | Select when integrating PHY + equalizer in one chip and operating at 1394a compliance level only |
| Maxim MAX3815 | Single-ended 100–622 Mbps equalizer; no LVDS I/O; 3.3 V supply; no carrier detect or LED drive | Targets SONET/SDH and Fibre Channel; requires external differential receivers/drivers and termination | Select for telecom backplane applications requiring higher data rates but no FireWire protocol awareness |
Compared with TSB41AB3 and MAX3815, the EQCO400T8 uniquely combines adaptive multi-rate equalization, integrated LVDS I/O, PoE compatibility, and embedded status signaling-making it the only solution optimized specifically for long-haul IEEE 1394b over UTP with minimal external components.
Availability
The EQCO400T8 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial machine vision, medical imaging backhaul, avionics test interfaces, and FireWire-based motion control systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for EQCO400T8 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
Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog devices, and connectivity solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations certified to ISO/TS 16949.
The EQCO400T8 belongs to Microchip's signal conditioning product line, engineered specifically to extend high-speed serial protocols over cost-effective UTP cabling in industrial, medical, and test equipment applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum supported cable length for EQCO400T8 at S400 data rate?
The EQCO400T8 supports up to 50 meters over Cat 5e and 75 meters over Cat 6 cable at 500 Mbps (S400). Performance depends on cable quality, connector integrity, and ambient temperature; actual reach must be validated with the specific UTP installation using CLI voltage monitoring and eye-diagram analysis per DS60001310B.
Does EQCO400T8 require external configuration or firmware loading?
No, the EQCO400T8 operates autonomously with no configuration registers, I²C/SPI interface, or firmware. Its adaptive equalization, carrier detect, and mute functions activate automatically upon power-up and valid signal detection. The EQCO400T8 requires only proper power sequencing and passive magnetics per Figure 2-1 in the datasheet.
Can EQCO400T8 be used with non-IEEE 1394b protocols?
Yes-the EQCO400T8 equalizes any NRZ-encoded, DC-balanced signal with 100–500 Mbps edge rate and ≤10-bit run length, including custom 8B/10B variants. However, its CLI and LED behavior are tuned for IEEE 1394b timing; non-standard protocols may require empirical validation of carrier detect thresholds and equalization convergence.
What is the purpose of the CLI pin on EQCO400T8 and how is it used?
The CLI (Cable Length Indicator) pin outputs an analog voltage (1.2–2.6 V) proportional to the amount of equalization applied. It provides qualitative insight into cable loss but is not calibrated for absolute distance measurement due to dependencies on temperature, connector quality, and unit-to-unit variation. In practice, CLI is monitored to detect gradual cable degradation in deployed systems.
Is EQCO400T8 compatible with Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems?
Yes, the EQCO400T8 is fully compatible with IEEE 802.3-2008 clause 33 PoE. Its design allows simultaneous transmission of 48 V DC power over unused UTP pairs (RJ45 pins 4/5 and 7/8) while maintaining signal integrity on data pairs. No modifications to the EQCO400T8 circuitry are required-PoE functionality is inherent and verified in the device's absolute maximum ratings and application notes.
EQCO400T8 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-VQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Applications:
- Cable Equalization
- Interface:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3.135V ~ 3.465V
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-QFN (4x4)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
EQCO400T8 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for EQCO400T8 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for EQCO400T8 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for EQCO400T8 reliable?
The price and inventory of EQCO400T8 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for EQCO400T8 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for EQCO400T8?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for EQCO400T8 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for EQCO400T8?
EQCO400T8 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your EQCO400T8 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for EQCO400T8?
For technical support, including EQCO400T8 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your EQCO400T8 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that EQCO400T8 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All EQCO400T8 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that EQCO400T8 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of EQCO400T8?
All EQCO400T8 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with EQCO400T8, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The EQCO400T8 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for EQCO400T8:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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