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:
- IC INTERFACE SPECIALIZED 24TQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,897
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Product details
Overview
The MAX3801UTG+ from Maxim Integrated is a +3.3V adaptive cable equalizer IC designed for high-speed point-to-point copper interconnects using coaxial or twin-axial cables. It features differential CML I/O, 3.2Gbps data rate support, automatic 0–30dB equalization at 1.6GHz, integrated loss-of-signal (LOS) and cable integrity monitor (CIM) outputs, and operates over 0°C to +85°C in a 24-pin thin QFN package.
For engineers reviewing the MAX3801UTG+ datasheet, MAX3801UTG+ pinout, MAX3801UTG+ application, or MAX3801UTG+ equivalent, this device is critical for extending usable cable length in SDH/SONET backplanes, high-speed communications links, and serial interconnects where skin-effect attenuation degrades signal integrity above 1GHz.
Technical Context
The MAX3801UTG+ implements a dual-power-detector feedback loop with 200MHz and 600MHz detectors to dynamically adjust equalization gain based on real-time spectral power ratio analysis. Its functional architecture includes separate flat-response and skin-effect compensation amplifiers whose output currents are combined via a current-steering network controlled by variable attenuators.
It uses CML input/output buffers with on-chip 50Ω single-ended termination (typical 53Ω), supports both differential and single-ended operation (with reduced 4–30dB equalization range in single-ended mode), and delivers 500–1000mVP-P differential output swing into 50Ω loads while maintaining ≤200mUIP-P residual jitter after 30dB cable loss at 3.2Gbps.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Data Rate | Up to 3.2Gbps - enables compatibility with OC-48/STM-16 and 10GbE physical layer signaling over copper. |
| Equalization Range | 0dB to 30dB at 1.6GHz - compensates skin-effect losses in up to ~288ft RG59 coax or ~115ft Gore-89 cable at 3.2Gbps. |
| Supply Current | 37mA to 60mA - enables low-power system design with only 125mW typical dissipation at +3.3V. |
| Input Sensitivity | 650mVP-P min differential - ensures reliable LOS assertion and link monitoring even under marginal signal conditions. |
| Output Swing | 500–1000mVP-P differential - provides robust CML-compatible drive level for downstream receivers without external amplification. |
| Residual Jitter | 100–200mUIP-P at 30dB loss - maintains eye opening sufficient for <10−12 BER in high-speed serial links. |
| Operating Temp | 0°C to +85°C - qualifies for commercial-grade telecom and industrial backplane applications. |
Pinout & Package
The MAX3801UTG+ is housed in a 24-pin thin QFN package (4mm × 4mm × 0.8mm) with exposed thermal pad, requiring soldering of the EP pad to PCB ground for thermal and electrical performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 3, 7, 12, 16, 18, 19, 24 | GND | Ground reference for analog and digital circuitry; multiple pins reduce ground inductance for high-frequency stability. |
| 2, 4, 8, 11, 17, 20, 23 | VCC | +3.3V supply input; distributed across 7 pins to minimize IR drop and improve PSRR at RF frequencies. |
| 5, 6 | CIM− / CIM+ | Differential analog current output proportional to applied equalization gain; used for real-time cable health diagnostics. |
| 9, 10 | EOUT− / EOUT+ | CML differential output; 50Ω single-ended termination internally, compatible with standard CML receivers. |
| 13, 14 | N.C. | No internal connection; must remain unconnected per datasheet to avoid parasitic coupling. |
| 15 | LOS | Active-low open-drain output indicating loss of valid input signal below 650mVP-P threshold. |
| 21, 22 | EIN− / EIN+ | CML differential input; accepts 650–1100mVP-P signals with 53Ω typical input impedance. |
| EP | Exposed Pad | Thermal and electrical ground connection; mandatory soldering required for specified thermal resistance and jitter performance. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Adaptive Equalization | Self-adjusting 0–30dB gain at 1.6GHz eliminates manual tuning and supports dynamic cable-length changes in field-deployed systems. |
| Integrated LOS Detection | On-chip comparator asserts active-low signal when input falls below 650mVP-P, enabling automated link-failure reporting without external circuitry. |
| Cable Integrity Monitor | Differential current output (CIM±) directly tracks equalizer gain setting, allowing remote assessment of cable degradation or connector wear. |
| On-Chip Termination | 50Ω single-ended input/output impedance reduces external component count and improves impedance matching on high-speed PCB traces. |
| Low Power Operation | 125mW typical consumption at +3.3V enables dense placement in power-constrained backplane and module designs. |
Applications
| SDH/SONET Line Cards | Backplane Interconnects |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Extending reach of OC-48/STM-16 signals over legacy coaxial cabling between line cards in telecom chassis. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adaptive equalizer placed at receiver end to restore high-frequency content attenuated by skin effect in long coax runs. Use Value: Enables reuse of existing RG59 infrastructure up to 288ft at 3.2Gbps without redesigning cabling or upgrading transceivers. | Use Scenario: Compensating insertion loss in FR-4 stripline backplanes connecting FPGA or ASIC modules operating at 2.5–3.2Gbps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Signal integrity conditioner inserted between midplane connectors and SERDES receivers to maintain eye margin. Use Value: Improves jitter tolerance by reducing deterministic jitter from frequency-dependent loss, supporting <10−12 BER in multi-slot systems. |
| Video Broadcast Equipment | Industrial Camera Links |
Use Scenario: Maintaining signal fidelity in HD/3G-SDI serial digital video transmission over 75Ω coaxial cables in broadcast trucks or studio routers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adaptive equalizer deployed at display or recording endpoint to recover degraded SMPTE 424M signals. Use Value: Eliminates need for repeaters or active cables by restoring 3G-SDI eye diagrams after >100ft RG179B runs. | Use Scenario: Enabling long-reach machine vision links between GigE Vision cameras and host PCs using Category 5e UTP cabling in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Equalizer integrated into camera interface board to compensate for twisted-pair attenuation at 1.25Gbps. Use Value: Supports 70ft CAT5e runs at full resolution without sacrificing frame rate or introducing packet loss due to signal degradation. |
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 24-pin thin QFN package and core architecture, but rated for 2.5Gbps max data rate and 25dB equalization at 1.25GHz. | Lower bandwidth limits use in OC-48/3G-SDI systems; suitable for STM-64 edge nodes or lower-speed backplanes. | Select MAX3800UTG+ when system data rate is ≤2.5Gbps and power budget is tighter (110mW typical). |
| LMH0384SQ/NOPB | 3G-SDI-specific equalizer with integrated reclocker; fixed 20dB equalization, no CIM/LOS outputs, 16-pin WQFN package. | Optimized for broadcast video only; lacks adaptive control and diagnostic outputs needed for general-purpose copper links. | Choose LMH0384SQ/NOPB only for SMPTE-compliant video routing where reclocking is required and adaptability is unnecessary. |
Compared with MAX3800UTG+, the MAX3801UTG+ delivers higher 3.2Gbps data rate and 30dB equalization for next-gen telecom links; versus LMH0384SQ/NOPB, it offers broader protocol agnosticism, real-time cable diagnostics, and adaptive response essential for non-video high-speed interconnects.
Availability
MAX3801UTG+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for SDH/SONET transmission equipment, high-speed backplane interconnects, and broadcast video systems requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
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) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF ICs for communications, computing, and industrial applications.
The MAX3801UTG+ belongs to Maxim's high-speed signal conditioning product line, engineered specifically to solve copper cable attenuation challenges in telecom, broadcast, and datacom systems operating above 1GHz.
FAQ
What is the maximum supported data rate for the MAX3801UTG+?
The MAX3801UTG+ supports a maximum data rate of 3.2Gbps, validated at 3.2Gbps with 213−1 PRBS pattern and 30dB skin-effect cable loss at 1.6GHz. This enables direct use in OC-48/STM-16, 3G-SDI, and 10GbE PHY-level applications without retiming.
How does the cable integrity monitor (CIM) output function in the MAX3801UTG+?
The CIM output of the MAX3801UTG+ provides a differential current proportional to the equalizer's applied gain. By measuring voltage across 100kΩ resistors tied to CIM+ and CIM−, designers obtain an analog indication of real-time cable degradation-enabling predictive maintenance in field-deployed telecom or broadcast gear using the MAX3801UTG+.
Can the MAX3801UTG+ operate with single-ended inputs?
Yes, the MAX3801UTG+ supports single-ended operation: connect the unused input to ground via a series capacitor and 50Ω resistor. However, equalization range is reduced to 4–30dB at 1.6GHz (vs. 0–30dB differential), and performance is not fully characterized per datasheet-designers should validate eye opening and jitter in actual single-ended layouts using the MAX3801UTG+.
What is the recommended power-supply decoupling for the MAX3801UTG+?
Per Maxim's layout guidance, place 0.1µF ceramic capacitors as close as possible to each VCC pin (pins 2, 4, 8, 11, 17, 20, 23) of the MAX3801UTG+, with short low-inductance traces to adjacent GND pins. A bulk 4.7µF tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the device further stabilizes supply under high-frequency switching transients.
Does the MAX3801UTG+ require external termination resistors?
No-the MAX3801UTG+ integrates on-chip 50Ω single-ended terminations for both inputs and outputs, eliminating the need for external 50Ω resistors in standard CML configurations. This reduces BOM count and PCB area while ensuring consistent impedance matching critical for 3.2Gbps signal integrity in the MAX3801UTG+.
MAX3801UTG+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Applications:
- Adaptive Equalizer
- Interface:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3.3V
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-TQFN (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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