Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX3787AWL+T

Overview

MAX3787AWL+T from Maxim Integrated is a passive 1Gbps–12.5Gbps differential equalization network for high-speed serial links, designed to compensate FR4 backplane and twin-ax cable losses without power. It delivers 6dB compensation at 5GHz, maintains 100Ω differential input/output impedance, and operates across –40°C to +125°C in a 1.5mm × 1.5mm WLP package. It is used in Fibre Channel host bus adapters to restore eye opening on 12in FR4 or 3m cable at 12.5Gbps.

For engineers reviewing the MAX3787AWL+T datasheet, MAX3787AWL+T pinout, MAX3787AWL+T application, or MAX3787AWL+T equivalent, key selection criteria include passive operation, 100Ω differential impedance matching, deterministic jitter reduction (≤0.10UI at 12.5Gbps), placement flexibility along transmission paths, and compatibility with 8b/10b and scrambled NRZ data.

Technical Context

The MAX3787AWL+T implements a symmetric-H passive filter topology composed solely of resistive and reactive elements, optimized to counteract frequency-dependent loss in 100Ω differential interconnects. Its bidirectional symmetry allows signal flow from IN to OUT or OUT to IN with identical equalization performance.

It integrates ESD protection diodes that bypass the equalization network during static discharge events, preserving robustness without active circuitry. No DC bias or control signals are required-operation is purely analog and transparent to coding schemes including 8b/10b and scrambling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX3787AWL+T uses a 4-bump wafer-level package (WLP) with 0.5mm pitch, designated W91B1+3 per Maxim's package documentation. The device has no active silicon-only passive RLC elements-and requires no power or ground connections.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX3787ABL, the MAX3787AWL+T offers identical performance in a smaller, lead-free WLP package with tighter assembly tolerances; compared with LMH0387SQ/NOPB, it eliminates power dependency and reduces system complexity but lacks programmability.

Availability

MAX3787AWL+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed backplane interconnects, Fibre Channel cable extensions, chip-to-chip SerDes links, Ethernet 10GBase-KR implementations, and industrial telecom chassis requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for MAX3787AWL+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 markets.

The MAX3787AWL+T belongs to Maxim's high-speed passive equalizer product line, engineered specifically to extend reach of NRZ serial links over lossy FR4 and copper cables without power or configuration.

FAQ

What is the function of the MAX3787AWL+T in a high-speed serial link?

The MAX3787AWL+T is a passive differential equalization network that compensates for frequency-dependent loss in FR4 backplanes and twin-ax cables. It boosts high-frequency signal components to restore eye opening and reduce deterministic jitter-enabling reliable 1Gbps to 12.5Gbps NRZ data transmission without power, configuration, or protocol dependencies. The MAX3787AWL+T achieves this using a symmetric-H RLC topology with 100Ω differential I/O.

Does the MAX3787AWL+T require a power supply or control interface?

No, the MAX3787AWL+T is entirely passive and requires no power supply, ground connection, or control signals. It contains no active transistors-only resistive and reactive components-and functions transparently across its 1Gbps–12.5Gbps operating range. This eliminates supply noise coupling, thermal management, and layout complexity. The MAX3787AWL+T draws 0mA under all conditions and operates from –40°C to +125°C.

Can the MAX3787AWL+T be used bidirectionally in a signal path?

Yes, the MAX3787AWL+T is fully bidirectional due to its symmetric-H network architecture. Signals propagate with identical equalization performance whether applied to IN+/IN− (forward) or OUT+/OUT− (reverse). This enables dual-use in transceiver modules-e.g., one MAX3787AWL+T per lane for both transmit and receive paths-without polarity or orientation constraints.

What are the maximum FR4 and cable lengths the MAX3787AWL+T supports at 12.5Gbps?

At 12.5Gbps, the MAX3787AWL+T compensates for up to 12in of FR4 microstrip (6mil, 100Ω differential) and up to 3m of 100Ω twin-ax cable (e.g., Amphenol Spectra-Strip Skewclear 24AWG). These values are measured with PRBS stress patterns and verified via residual deterministic jitter ≤0.10UI and eye diagram analysis. Performance scales with bit rate-e.g., extends to 18in FR4 at 8.5Gbps.

Is the MAX3787AWL+T compatible with 8b/10b encoding and scrambled data streams?

Yes, the MAX3787AWL+T is coding-independent and functions identically with 8b/10b encoded, 64b/66b scrambled, or any other NRZ data format. Its passive analog filtering responds only to spectral content-not data pattern-so it preserves timing relationships and does not introduce pattern-dependent distortion. This makes the MAX3787AWL+T suitable for Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and InfiniBand applications regardless of line coding scheme.