Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX3801UTG
- Part No.:
- MAX3801UTG
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Specialized
- Package:
- 24-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX3801UTG.pdf
- Description:
- ADAPTIVE EQUALIZER
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:12,579
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Product details
Overview
The MAX3801UTG from Maxim Integrated is a +3.3V adaptive cable equalizer IC for high-speed coaxial and twin-axial point-to-point links, supporting data rates up to 3.2Gbps, providing 0–30dB equalization at 1.6GHz, featuring differential CML I/O, LOS indicator, and CIM monitor output. It extends usable copper cable length in backplane and SDH/SONET interconnects.
For engineers reviewing the MAX3801UTG datasheet, MAX3801UTG pinout, MAX3801UTG application, or MAX3801UTG equivalent, key selection criteria include adaptive equalization range (0–30dB), CML-compatible 24-pin thin QFN package, residual jitter ≤200mUIP-P at 30dB loss, and integrated cable integrity monitoring for real-time link health assessment.
Technical Context
The MAX3801UTG implements a dual-power-detector feedback loop with 200MHz and 600MHz frequency-specific detectors driving a differential loop amplifier that controls variable attenuators in a current-steering network. Its flat-response and skin-effect compensation amplifiers operate in parallel to reconstruct high-frequency signal content degraded by copper cable attenuation.
It uses CML input/output buffers with on-chip 50Ω single-ended termination to VCC, supports both differential and single-ended operation (with external biasing), and delivers regulated output common-mode voltage at VCC – 0.2V. The exposed-pad 24-pin thin QFN package ensures thermal stability under 125mW typical power dissipation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Data Rate | Up to 3.2Gbps - supports SONET OC-48, Gigabit Ethernet, and high-speed backplane signaling. |
| Equalization Range | 0dB to 30dB at 1.6GHz - compensates skin-effect losses in RG59, RG179, and Cat 5e cables up to 288ft. |
| Residual Jitter | 100–200mUIP-P at 30dB loss - maintains eye opening for reliable clock-data recovery at full rate. |
| Supply Current | 37–60mA at +3.3V - enables low-power system-level power budgeting without external regulators. |
| Input Voltage Range | 650–1100mVP-P differential - accommodates degraded signals from long-cable or marginally driven sources. |
| Operating Temp | 0°C to +85°C - qualified for commercial-grade communications equipment and industrial embedded chassis. |
| Power Dissipation | 125mW typical - allows use in dense PCB layouts without forced air or heatsinking. |
Pinout & Package
The MAX3801UTG is housed in a 24-pin thin QFN package (4mm × 4mm × 0.8mm) with exposed thermal pad soldered to ground. Pin pitch is 0.5mm; package code T2444-2 per Maxim ordering guide.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 3, 7, 12, 16, 18, 19, 24 | GND | Signal and power ground reference; all eight pins must be low-inductance connected to PCB ground plane. |
| 2, 4, 8, 11, 17, 20, 23 | VCC | +3.3V supply input; requires local 0.1µF + 1µF decoupling per VCC pin for high-frequency stability. |
| 5, 6 | CIM− / CIM+ | Differential analog current output proportional to applied equalization; used for real-time cable health diagnostics. |
| 9, 10 | EOUT− / EOUT+ | CML differential output; 50Ω single-ended termination to VCC; swing 500–1000mVP-P. |
| 13, 14 | N.C. | No internal connection; must remain unconnected and unstubbed to avoid impedance discontinuity. |
| 15 | LOS | Active-low open-drain loss-of-signal flag; asserts low when input falls below ~650mVP-P. |
| 21, 22 | EIN+ / EIN− | CML differential input; accepts 650–1100mVP-P; internally terminated to 62.5Ω single-ended. |
| EP | Exposed Pad | Thermal and electrical ground; must be soldered to solid ground plane for thermal performance and EMI control. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Adaptive Equalization | Self-adjusting 0–30dB gain at 1.6GHz via dual-band power detector feedback-no external configuration required. |
| Cable Integrity Monitor (CIM) | Differential analog current output directly tracks equalizer gain setting-enables remote cable degradation trending. |
| Loss-of-Signal Detection | Integrated comparator asserts active-low LOS when input drops below 650mVP-P-supports automatic link failover. |
| On-Chip Termination | Internal 62.5Ω single-ended input and 50Ω output terminations reduce external component count and layout sensitivity. |
| ESD Protection | ±2kV HBM on all I/O pins-meets IEC 61000-4-2 Level 2 for robust field deployment. |
Applications
| SDH/SONET Line Cards | Backplane Interconnects |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Extending reach of OC-48 (2.488Gbps) signals across 100+ ft of RG59 coax within telecom line cards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adaptive equalizer restoring high-frequency content lost to skin-effect attenuation in legacy coax infrastructure. Use Value: Enables reuse of installed coax cabling without upgrading to fiber, reducing CAPEX while maintaining BER <10−12. | Use Scenario: Compensating insertion loss in FR-4 stripline backplanes between FPGA and ASIC in enterprise switches. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed serial link conditioner placed at receiver end to recover degraded 3.2Gbps NRZ signals. Use Value: Improves eye height by >80% after 2.16m stripline, enabling reliable SerDes lock without retiming. |
| Video Surveillance Systems | Industrial Camera Links |
Use Scenario: Transmitting uncompressed HD-SDI (1.485Gbps) over 200ft of RG179 coax in security camera installations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adaptive cable equalizer at camera head-end, restoring signal integrity before digitization. Use Value: Eliminates need for repeaters or fiber converters-reduces system BOM cost by 35% and installation labor. | Use Scenario: Bridging 125ft Cat 5e twisted-pair between machine vision camera and frame grabber running at 1.25Gbps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-ended equalizer stage accepting AC-coupled input, delivering clean CML output to FPGA transceiver. Use Value: Maintains jitter <150psP-P at receiver, ensuring pixel-perfect image capture without frame drop. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar adaptive equalizer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX3800UTG | Same architecture but rated for 2.5Gbps max; 20dB max equalization at 1.25GHz; lower power (95mW). | Suitable for SDI, CPRI, and lower-rate backplanes where 3.2Gbps headroom is unnecessary. | Select MAX3800UTG when cost sensitivity outweighs need for OC-48/10GbE support. |
| LMH0384SQ/NOPB | 3Gbps HD/SD-SDI equalizer with integrated reclocker; fixed 15dB EQ; no CIM or adaptive feedback. | Targeted specifically at broadcast video; lacks diagnostic outputs and wide-range adaptability. | Choose LMH0384SQ/NOPB only for dedicated SDI infrastructure with strict SMPTE compliance requirements. |
Compared with MAX3800UTG and LMH0384SQ/NOPB, the MAX3801UTG uniquely combines full 3.2Gbps adaptability, real-time CIM diagnostics, and SONET-grade jitter performance-making it optimal for multi-standard, field-upgradable copper interconnects.
Availability
MAX3801UTG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for SDH/SONET transmission equipment, high-speed backplane interconnects, and industrial camera links requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX3801UTG 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 communications, computing, and industrial systems.
The MAX3801UTG belongs to Maxim's high-speed signal conditioning product line, engineered specifically to restore integrity in degraded copper-based serial links operating up to 3.2Gbps.
FAQ
What is the maximum supported data rate for the MAX3801UTG?
The MAX3801UTG supports data rates up to 3.2Gbps, verified with 213−1 PRBS patterns and confirmed across multiple cable types including RG59, RG179, and Cat 5e. This rating applies under standard operating conditions (VCC = +3.3V, TA = 0°C to +85°C) and is specified in the AC Electrical Characteristics table of the MAX3801UTG datasheet.
Does the MAX3801UTG require external configuration or programming?
No, the MAX3801UTG operates autonomously using an internal dual-power-detector feedback loop. It automatically adjusts equalization gain based on real-time analysis of 200MHz and 600MHz spectral components-no I²C, SPI, or pin-strapping is needed. The MAX3801UTG achieves full adaptation within 5µs of signal presence.
How is the Cable Integrity Monitor (CIM) output used in practice?
The CIM output of the MAX3801UTG provides a differential analog current proportional to applied equalization gain. In practice, designers connect 100kΩ resistors from CIM+ and CIM− to ground, then measure the resulting voltages to derive equalization level-enabling predictive maintenance of coaxial links. This function is unique to the MAX3801UTG among Maxim's equalizer portfolio.
What is the recommended PCB layout practice for the MAX3801UTG exposed pad?
The exposed pad (EP) of the MAX3801UTG must be soldered to a solid, low-impedance PCB ground plane using ≥9 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter) distributed evenly under the pad. This ensures thermal resistance <15°C/W and minimizes ground bounce-critical for maintaining sub-200mUI jitter performance at 3.2Gbps. Failure to properly attach EP degrades both thermal stability and signal integrity.
Can the MAX3801UTG operate with single-ended inputs?
Yes, the MAX3801UTG supports single-ended operation: tie the unused input pin to ground through a series combination of a capacitor (matching AC-coupling value) and 50Ω resistor. However, equalization range is reduced to 4–30dB at 1.6GHz, and jitter performance may degrade slightly versus differential mode. Full specifications for single-ended use are documented in the MAX3801UTG Applications Information section.
MAX3801UTG Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Applications:
- Adaptive Equalizer
- Interface:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3.14V ~ 3.46V
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-TQFN-EP (4x4)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
MAX3801UTG FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX3801UTG through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX3801UTG 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 MAX3801UTG reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX3801UTG are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX3801UTG is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX3801UTG?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX3801UTG transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX3801UTG?
MAX3801UTG orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX3801UTG 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 MAX3801UTG?
For technical support, including MAX3801UTG datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX3801UTG requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX3801UTG is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX3801UTG 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 MAX3801UTG meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX3801UTG?
All MAX3801UTG units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX3801UTG, 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 MAX3801UTG part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX3801UTG:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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