Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX3980UGH
- Part No.:
- MAX3980UGH
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Specialized
- Package:
- 44-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX3980UGH.pdf
- Description:
- XAUI QUAD EQUALIZER
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:882
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Product details
Overview
The MAX3980UGH from Maxim Integrated is a quad-channel adaptive CML equalizer IC designed for 3.125Gbps XAUI backplane links, providing receiver-side compensation for FR-4 dielectric/skin losses up to 40in (1.0m), with 100Ω differential I/O, 175mW/channel power consumption, and integrated signal detect on Channel 1.
For engineers reviewing the MAX3980UGH datasheet, MAX3980UGH pinout, MAX3980UGH application, or MAX3980UGH equivalent, key selection criteria include adaptive equalization depth for 10GbE backplanes, deterministic jitter reduction below 0.3 UIp-p, latency under 0.32ns, and standby mode control via TTL EN input.
Technical Context
The MAX3980UGH implements four matched CML receiver channels sharing a single adaptive control loop derived from Channel 1, enabling consistent equalization across all lanes without per-channel calibration. Its equalizer core targets frequency-dependent loss in DC-balanced 8b/10b encoded signals.
It features independent signal-detect circuitry on IN1± that asserts SDET at ≥100mVp-p and deasserts at ≤30mVp-p, operating fully functional even during TTL-enabled standby mode. Latency is fixed at 0.32ns with <±10ps variation over temperature.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Data Rate | 3.125Gbps per lane - supports IEEE-802.3ae XAUI and InfiniBand 2.5Gbps operation with margin. |
| Equalization Range | Compensates up to 40in FR-4 stripline - enables reliable 10GbE MAC-to-PMD links on standard backplanes. |
| Power per Channel | 175mW - allows full quad operation at 700mW total under +3.3V supply with thermal management via exposed pad. |
| Input/Output Impedance | 100Ω differential - matches standard XAUI CML interface requirements without external termination. |
| Signal Detect Threshold | 100mVp-p assert / 30mVp-p deassert - provides robust low-signal detection for link training and wake-up control. |
| Latency | 0.32ns - deterministic delay critical for timing-critical XAUI lane alignment and deskew. |
| Residual Jitter | ≤0.2 UIp-p deterministic + 1.5psRMS random - meets XAUI jitter budget after media-induced loss correction. |
Pinout & Package
The MAX3980UGH is housed in a 44-pin QFN package with exposed thermal pad (QFN-EP), requiring soldering to PCB ground plane for thermal dissipation and signal integrity. Package dimensions: 7mm × 7mm × 0.8mm, 0.5mm pitch.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| IN1+ / IN1− IN2+ / IN2− IN3+ / IN3− IN4+ / IN4− |
Differential CML inputs (4 channels) | Accept 200–800mVp-p NRZ data; high-impedance 100Ω differential input for minimal loading of upstream transmitter. |
| OUT1+ / OUT1− OUT2+ / OUT2− OUT3+ / OUT3− OUT4+ / OUT4− |
Differential CML outputs (4 channels) | Drive 550–850mVp-p into 100Ω load; output resistance 40–60Ω single-ended ensures proper termination matching. |
| VCC (Pins 1,5,9,13,23,27,31,35) | +3.3V supply | Eight dedicated supply pins minimize IR drop and noise coupling across high-speed lanes. |
| GND (Pins 4,8,12,16,26,30,34,38) | Supply ground | Eight ground pins provide low-inductance return paths, critical for CML signal integrity and EMI control. |
| EN (Pin 43) | TTL enable input | High = normal operation (700mW); Low = standby (250mW total) - independent of SDET functionality. |
| SDET (Pin 44) | TTL signal detect output | Asserts high when IN1± >100mVp-p; remains active in standby - enables automatic link wake-up. |
| N.C. (Pins 17–22,39–42) | No connection | Must be left unconnected; no internal bonding or function - avoids unintended parasitic coupling. |
| EP (Exposed Pad) | Thermal & electrical ground | Must be soldered to solid PCB ground plane - essential for thermal performance (derate 26.3mW/°C above +85°C) and reference stability. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Adaptive equalization per lane | Single-loop control from Channel 1 ensures matched response across all four XAUI lanes without per-lane tuning overhead. |
| Integrated signal detect | Hardware-level detection on IN1± with 70mV hysteresis enables autonomous link monitoring and wake-up without host intervention. |
| Low-power standby mode | TTL-controlled 250mW total standby power reduces system idle consumption while preserving SDET readiness. |
| Fixed-latency architecture | 0.32ns deterministic delay enables precise inter-lane deskew in multi-lane 10GbE systems without dynamic recalibration. |
| CML I/O compliance | 100Ω differential impedance, 2.5V+ common-mode, and AC-coupling support ensure seamless integration with standard XAUI PHYs. |
Applications
| 10GbE Backplane Interconnect | XAUI-to-SerDes Bridge |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Connecting 10GbE MAC to PMD across a 40in FR-4 backplane in telecom line cards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Quad-channel adaptive receiver equalizer restoring eye opening degraded by dielectric loss and skin effect. Use Value: Enables reliable 3.125Gbps operation over legacy FR-4 infrastructure without redesigning board stackup or layer count. |
Use Scenario: Bridging XAUI parallel lanes to a serial SerDes interface in switch fabric modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Signal conditioning front-end ensuring clean, low-jitter CML inputs to downstream clock-data recovery circuits. Use Value: Reduces deterministic jitter to ≤0.2 UIp-p, meeting SerDes input jitter tolerance for stable lock and BER <10−12. |
| InfiniBand Channel Extension | Test Equipment Signal Integrity |
|
Use Scenario: Extending InfiniBand 2.5Gbps links beyond standard cable length limits in HPC blade chassis. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adaptive equalizer compensating for channel loss in mid-plane connectors and daughterboard traces. Use Value: Restores eye height >50% at 2.5Gbps over 20in FR-4 + two Teradyne HSD connectors, verified in typical test setups. |
Use Scenario: Inserting into high-speed bit-error-rate tester (BERT) signal paths to emulate real-world channel loss. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Programmable-loss emulator with known, repeatable equalization profile for validation repeatability. Use Value: Provides calibrated 0.32ns latency and sub-1.5psRMS residual jitter baseline for accurate jitter tolerance testing. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar quad-channel high-speed equalizer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX3981UGH | Same pinout, identical 44-QFN-EP package, but supports 4.25Gbps data rate and wider equalization range (up to 60in FR-4). | Targets higher-speed 4G FC and 10G Fibre Channel applications where longer reach or higher margin is required. | Select MAX3981UGH if future-proofing for >3.125Gbps or extending beyond 40in FR-4 is needed; otherwise MAX3980UGH offers optimal cost/power for XAUI. |
| DS25BR100TSQ | Quad CML redriver (not adaptive equalizer); fixed gain, no signal detect, consumes 220mW/channel. | Suitable for short-reach (<15in) or pre-compensated channels where adaptive control is unnecessary. | Choose DS25BR100TSQ only for cost-sensitive, non-adaptive applications with known, stable channel loss profiles. |
Compared with MAX3981UGH and DS25BR100TSQ, the MAX3980UGH delivers adaptive equalization optimized specifically for 3.125Gbps XAUI with lower power (175mW/channel) and integrated SDET-making it the most balanced choice for standard 10GbE backplane designs requiring reliability, low jitter, and autonomous link management.
Availability
The MAX3980UGH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 10GbE line cards, XAUI-based switch fabrics, and InfiniBand interconnect modules requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for MAX3980UGH 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 MAX3980UGH belongs to Maxim's high-speed interface product line, engineered specifically for 10GbE XAUI and InfiniBand physical-layer signal conditioning in backplane and mid-plane interconnect systems.
FAQ
What is the primary function of the MAX3980UGH in a 10GbE system?
The MAX3980UGH functions as a quad-channel adaptive receiver equalizer that compensates for high-frequency loss in FR-4 backplane traces up to 40in, restoring signal integrity for 3.125Gbps XAUI lanes. It reduces intersymbol interference and deterministic jitter, enabling reliable communication between MAC and PMD layers. The MAX3980UGH achieves this with 0.32ns latency and 100Ω differential CML I/O compatible with standard XAUI PHYs.
Does the MAX3980UGH support adaptive equalization on all four channels independently?
No-the MAX3980UGH uses a single adaptive control loop derived exclusively from Channel 1 (IN1±) to configure all four equalizer channels. This design assumes uniform channel characteristics in frequency content, coding, and transmission length, which holds true for well-designed XAUI backplanes. The MAX3980UGH does not perform per-lane adaptation, reducing complexity while maintaining matched performance across lanes.
How does the signal detect (SDET) feature work on the MAX3980UGH?
The SDET pin on the MAX3980UGH is a TTL output asserted high when the differential peak-to-peak voltage on IN1± exceeds 100mVp-p, and deasserted low when it falls below 30mVp-p. This function operates continuously-even during TTL-enabled standby mode-and can be used to autonomously wake the device by connecting SDET directly to the EN input. The MAX3980UGH does not monitor signal presence on other input channels.
What is the recommended power supply decoupling for the MAX3980UGH?
Each VCC pin (eight total) of the MAX3980UGH requires local 0.1μF ceramic decoupling placed within 2mm of the pin, plus bulk capacitance (e.g., 4.7μF tantalum) near the package edge. Power planes must be solid and uninterrupted beneath the device, and the exposed pad must be soldered to a dedicated ground plane with ≥6 thermal vias. This layout minimizes supply noise, which the MAX3980UGH tolerates only up to 10mVp-p above 1MHz.
Can the MAX3980UGH be used with data rates other than 3.125Gbps?
Yes-the MAX3980UGH operates across 2Gbps to 4Gbps, though its adaptive equalization is optimized for 3.125Gbps XAUI. At 2.5Gbps (InfiniBand), it maintains full functionality including signal detect and standby mode. Performance metrics such as residual jitter and eye opening remain valid, but maximum supported trace length scales inversely with data rate. The MAX3980UGH is not specified for sub-2Gbps or >4Gbps operation.
MAX3980UGH Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 44-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Applications:
- Ethernet
- Interface:
- XAUI
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3V ~ 3.6V
- Supplier Device Package:
- 44-QFN (7x7)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
MAX3980UGH FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX3980UGH through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX3980UGH 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 MAX3980UGH reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX3980UGH are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX3980UGH is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX3980UGH?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX3980UGH transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX3980UGH?
MAX3980UGH orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX3980UGH 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 MAX3980UGH?
For technical support, including MAX3980UGH datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX3980UGH requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX3980UGH is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX3980UGH 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 MAX3980UGH meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX3980UGH?
All MAX3980UGH units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX3980UGH, 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 MAX3980UGH part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX3980UGH:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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