Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX3784UTE+T
- Part No.:
- MAX3784UTE+T
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Specialized
- Package:
- 16-WQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX3784UTE+T.pdf
- Description:
- IC INTERFACE SPECIALIZED 16TQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,086
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Product details
Overview
MAX3784UTE+T from Maxim Integrated is a 5Gbps adaptive PCB equalizer IC designed to compensate for frequency-dependent loss in FR-4 backplane traces up to 40 inches (1m). It features differential CML I/O, 185mW power consumption at +3.3V, 0.18UI deterministic jitter at 5Gbps over 40in FR-4, and standby mode control via EN pin. It is deployed in 4×1.25Gbps Ethernet multiplexing and 4.25Gbps Fibre Channel line cards.
For engineers reviewing the MAX3784UTE+T datasheet, MAX3784UTE+T pinout, MAX3784UTE+T application, or MAX3784UTE+T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 5Gbps equalization capability, CML input/output compatibility, thermal performance with exposed-pad QFN, low-power standby behavior, and deterministic jitter specification under real FR-4 trace conditions.
Technical Context
The MAX3784UTE+T implements an adaptive equalizer control loop that detects spectral content of incoming NRZ/8b10b signals and dynamically adjusts equalization gain to counteract intersymbol interference caused by PCB trace loss. Its limiting output driver ensures clean CML-level signaling into 100Ω differential loads.
It operates exclusively from a single +3.3V supply, uses current-mode logic (CML) buffers with common-mode voltage >+2.5V, and requires AC-coupling when interfacing with lower-voltage terminated devices. The EN pin enables hardware-controlled entry into low-power standby mode, reducing supply current to 30mW.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Data Rate | 5Gbps nominal; optimized for automatic operation at this rate with guaranteed jitter performance on FR-4. |
| Max Trace Compensation | 40in (1m) of 6-mil edge-coupled FR-4 stripline (εr = 4.4–4.5, loss tangent = 0.02–0.022). |
| Deterministic Jitter | 0.18UIP-P at 5Gbps over 40in FR-4 - directly quantifies eye opening recovery after channel loss. |
| Supply Power | 185mW typical at +3.3V; drops to 30mW in standby mode - enables thermal management in dense line cards. |
| Input Swing Range | 400–1000mVP-P differential - supports robust signal reception across varying launch amplitudes. |
| Latency | 200ps fixed delay from IN to OUT - critical for timing-critical backplane interconnects with tight skew budgets. |
| Output Swing | 400–600mVP-P differential (MAX3784); compatible with standard CML receivers and 100Ω termination. |
Pinout & Package
MAX3784UTE+T is housed in a 4mm × 4mm, 16-pin TQFN-EP package (pkg code T1644-3) with exposed pad soldered to ground for thermal and electrical integrity.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 7, 12 | VCC | +3.3V supply pins - require local 0.1µF decoupling; multiple pins reduce supply inductance. |
| 2 | IN+ | Positive CML differential input - must be AC-coupled when interfacing with non-CML sources. |
| 3 | IN− | Negative CML differential input - paired with IN+; matched routing required for common-mode rejection. |
| 4, 6, 9 | GND | Supply ground connections - low-inductance return paths essential for high-frequency signal integrity. |
| 5, 8, 14, 15, 16 | N.C. | No internal connection - must remain unconnected per datasheet; no pull-up/down or routing allowed. |
| 10 | OUT− | Negative CML differential output - drives 100Ω differential load; AC-coupling recommended for level shifting. |
| 11 | OUT+ | Positive CML differential output - complements OUT−; maintains <5ps skew with OUT− under all conditions. |
| 13 | EN | Enable control input - logic high or open = active; logic low = standby (30mW), enabling dynamic power gating. |
| EP | Exposed Pad | Thermal & electrical ground - must be soldered to PCB ground plane; failure causes thermal runaway and jitter increase. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Adaptive equalization control loop | Automatically tunes gain based on input signal spectrum - eliminates manual tuning and supports variable trace lengths. |
| Low deterministic jitter floor | 0.18UIP-P at 5Gbps over 40in FR-4 - preserves eye height/width for reliable clock-data recovery in FC and Ethernet. |
| Standby mode with EN pin | Reduces power from 185mW to 30mW - enables per-channel power management in multi-lane backplanes. |
| CML I/O with >+2.5V common-mode | Ensures interoperability with PECL/LVPECL drivers and receivers - avoids level-shifter complexity in legacy systems. |
| Exposed-pad TQFN thermal design | Enables ≤45°C junction rise at full load - supports placement in thermally constrained line card hot zones. |
Applications
| 4.25Gbps Fibre Channel Line Cards | 4×1.25Gbps Ethernet Multiplexing |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Extending reach of optical-to-electrical interfaces in FC switch chassis where backplane traces exceed 20in. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adaptive equalizer placed between SERDES receiver and gearbox ASIC to restore degraded NRZ eye after FR-4 loss. Use Value: Enables reuse of existing FR-4 backplanes without redesign - achieves <10−12 BER at 4.25Gbps over 40in traces. |
Use Scenario: Aggregating four 1.25Gbps Ethernet lanes onto a single 5Gbps backplane link in modular routers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Equalizer compensates for cumulative loss across multiplexed lanes using 8b10b-encoded data. Use Value: Maintains deterministic jitter below 0.15UI at 1.25Gbps over 40in - ensures compliant lane alignment and deskew margin. |
| Chassis Life Extension | High-Density Telecom Backplanes |
|
Use Scenario: Upgrading legacy 1.25Gbps systems to support higher aggregate bandwidth without replacing backplanes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Drop-in equalizer on daughter cards to recover signal integrity degraded by aging FR-4 dielectric loss. Use Value: Delays chassis replacement by ≥3 years - validated for stable operation at 0.07UI jitter over 40in at 1.25Gbps. |
Use Scenario: Signal conditioning in compact 3U/6U telecom blades where trace lengths vary between slots due to stacking. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Per-slot equalizer adapting to slot-specific trace loss profiles in multi-drop backplane topologies. Use Value: Eliminates need for custom trace-length matching - supports ±15in length variation while maintaining <0.23UI jitter. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PCB equalizer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX3784AUTE+ | Higher output swing (550–750mVP-P vs. 400–600mVP-P) and improved jitter (0.13UI vs. 0.18UI at 5Gbps/40in). | Preferred for longer traces or marginal input amplitude; not drop-in due to different output drive strength. | Select MAX3784AUTE+ when system BER margin is <10−15 or input amplitude falls below 600mVP-P. |
| LMH0384SQ/NOPB | Fixed-gain equalizer (no adaptive loop); 3.125Gbps max; LVDS I/O (not CML); 2.5V supply only. | Suitable for SDI video backplanes but incompatible with 5Gbps NRZ or CML-based Fibre Channel/Ethernet. | Choose LMH0384SQ/NOPB only for 3G-SDI infrastructure with LVDS signaling and fixed-loss channels. |
Compared with MAX3784AUTE+, the MAX3784UTE+ offers lower power and sufficient jitter performance for most 40in FR-4 deployments, while LMH0384SQ/NOPB serves a distinct video domain with incompatible voltage, interface, and data-rate constraints.
Availability
MAX3784UTE+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 4.25Gbps Fibre Channel, 4×1.25Gbps Ethernet multiplexing, and chassis life extension applications requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.
Supply support for MAX3784UTE+T 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) designs precision analog, mixed-signal, and high-speed interface ICs for industrial, communications, and computing applications.
The MAX3784UTE+T belongs to Maxim's high-speed signal conditioning product line, engineered specifically for adaptive equalization in FR-4 backplane interconnects operating at 1.25–5Gbps.
FAQ
What is the primary function of the MAX3784UTE+T in a backplane system?
The MAX3784UTE+T functions as an adaptive PCB equalizer that compensates for frequency-dependent loss in FR-4 transmission lines up to 40 inches. It reduces intersymbol interference to restore signal integrity at 5Gbps, enabling reliable operation in 4.25Gbps Fibre Channel and 4×1.25Gbps Ethernet systems. Its CML I/O and low deterministic jitter make it ideal for high-density line cards where trace loss would otherwise close the data eye.
Does the MAX3784UTE+T require external configuration or calibration?
No, the MAX3784UTE+T operates autonomously using an internal adaptive control loop that continuously monitors input signal spectrum and adjusts equalization gain in real time. No external programming, register writes, or manual tuning is needed - it is fully functional upon power-up with proper CML biasing and EN pin assertion. This simplifies integration into space-constrained telecom and storage platforms.
Can the MAX3784UTE+T be used with 2.5Gbps or 1.25Gbps data rates?
Yes, the MAX3784UTE+T supports operation at 1.25Gbps and 2.5Gbps in addition to its 5Gbps optimization. Datasheet Typical Operating Characteristics show residual deterministic jitter of 0.07UI and 0.13UI respectively over 40in FR-4. Its adaptive architecture ensures effective equalization across this range without reconfiguration, making it suitable for mixed-rate backplane upgrades.
What is the role of the exposed pad (EP) on the MAX3784UTE+T package?
The exposed pad on the MAX3784UTE+T must be soldered directly to the PCB ground plane to ensure both thermal dissipation and electrical reference stability. It is not optional - omitting EP grounding causes junction temperature rise >20°C and increases deterministic jitter by up to 0.05UI. Proper soldering with ≥80% coverage and thermal vias is mandatory for specified 185mW operation and jitter performance.
How does the EN pin affect power consumption and functionality of the MAX3784UTE+T?
The EN pin controls standby mode: logic high (or open) enables normal operation at 185mW, while logic low reduces supply current to 30mW by disabling the equalizer core and output driver. This feature allows dynamic power gating per lane in multi-channel systems. The transition is monotonic with no glitching, and latency remains stable at 200ps in both states - critical for hot-plug and power-aware chassis designs.
MAX3784UTE+T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-WQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Applications:
- Data Transport
- Interface:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3V ~ 3.6V
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-TQFN (4x4)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
MAX3784UTE+T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX3784UTE+T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX3784UTE+T 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 MAX3784UTE+T reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX3784UTE+T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX3784UTE+T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX3784UTE+T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX3784UTE+T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX3784UTE+T?
MAX3784UTE+T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX3784UTE+T 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 MAX3784UTE+T?
For technical support, including MAX3784UTE+T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX3784UTE+T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX3784UTE+T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX3784UTE+T 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 MAX3784UTE+T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX3784UTE+T?
All MAX3784UTE+T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX3784UTE+T, 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 MAX3784UTE+T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX3784UTE+T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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