Renesas QLX4600LIQT7

Overview

QLX4600LIQT7 from Renesas (formerly Intersil) is a quad-channel receive-side equalizer IC designed for high-speed serial interconnects, supporting line rates up to 6.25 Gb/s with CML I/O, 32-level programmable per-channel equalization, individual lane LOS detection, and operation on a single 1.2 V supply. It extends signal reach to 30 m over 24 AWG twin-axial cable and targets DisplayPort v1.2 active cables, QSFP modules, and InfiniBand SDR/DDR links.

For engineers reviewing the QLX4600LIQT7 datasheet, QLX4600LIQT7 pinout, QLX4600LIQT7 application, or QLX4600LIQT7 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact pin functions, real-world timing and jitter specs, confirmed alternative parts with functional distinctions, and design-meaningful specifications - all extracted from the official FN6981 Rev 2.00 datasheet and validated against Renesas product documentation.

Technical Context

The QLX4600LIQT7 implements four independent, non-adaptive CML-based equalizers each followed by a limiting amplifier, enabling deterministic signal restoration without convergence delay. Its architecture supports both pin-strapped (18 levels) and serial-bus-programmed (32 levels) boost control, with DT pin–based signal detection enabling line-silence preservation and LOS assertion.

Each channel features dedicated CML input/output buffers with 100 Ω differential input impedance and 105 Ω typical differential output impedance, integrated bandgap reference (BGREF), and CMOS serial interface (DI/DO/CLK/ENB) operating at up to 20 MHz. The device operates across 0°C to +70°C ambient and meets RoHS-compliant 46-lead QFN packaging requirements (4 mm × 7 mm, 0.4 mm pitch).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

QLX4600LIQT7 is packaged in a RoHS-compliant 46-lead QFN (4 mm × 7 mm, 0.4 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin numbering follows top-view layout per FN6981 Rev 2.00, Page 3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar quad-channel receive equalizer applications.

Compared with ISL36411 and QLX4600-S30, QLX4600LIQT7 uniquely balances moderate data rate (6.25 Gb/s), robust line-silence handling, and four dedicated LOS outputs - making it the only option among the three qualified for DisplayPort v1.2 active cables and InfiniBand SDR/DDR modules requiring protocol-aware signal conditioning.

Availability

QLX4600LIQT7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DisplayPort v1.2 active cable assemblies, QSFP copper modules, and InfiniBand SDR/DDR interconnects requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for QLX4600LIQT7 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

Renesas Electronics acquired Intersil in 2017 and maintains full product support, documentation, and qualification for the QLX4600 family. Renesas is a global semiconductor leader focused on embedded processing, analog, and power solutions.

The QLX4600-SL30 product line was engineered specifically for high-speed copper interconnects in active cable and module applications, emphasizing deterministic equalization, protocol-aware line-silence preservation, and minimal latency for DisplayPort, InfiniBand, and 10GBase-CX4 ecosystems.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported data rate for QLX4600LIQT7?

The QLX4600LIQT7 supports a maximum data rate of 6.25 Gb/s NRZ, fully compliant with DisplayPort v1.2 HBR2, InfiniBand SDR/DDR, and 10GBase-CX4 standards. It also operates reliably at lower rates including 5, 4.25, 3.125, and 2.5 Gb/s, with residual jitter specified across all supported speeds in the FN6981 datasheet.

Does QLX4600LIQT7 support line-silence preservation for InfiniBand protocols?

Yes, QLX4600LIQT7 explicitly supports line-silence preservation via its DT pin–controlled muting circuitry. When the equalized input amplitude falls below the DT threshold, outputs are muted to nominal common-mode voltage - maintaining InfiniBand quiescent state integrity and preventing false link-down events during electrical idle periods.

How many equalization levels does QLX4600LIQT7 offer, and how are they configured?

QLX4600LIQT7 offers 32 equalization levels per channel when programmed via its serial interface (DI/DO/CLK/ENB), and 18 levels when set using external CP[A–C] control pins. Configuration is per-channel and independent; MODE pin selects between pin-strapped and register-based operation, with default power-up behavior using CP pins.

What package type and thermal characteristics apply to QLX4600LIQT7?

QLX4600LIQT7 uses a 46-lead QFN package measuring 4 mm × 7 mm with 0.4 mm pitch and an exposed thermal pad. Its thermal resistance is θJA = 32°C/W and θJC = 2.3°C/W (measured at center of exposed pad), enabling operation from 0°C to +70°C ambient with proper PCB ground plane connection to the exposed pad.

Can QLX4600LIQT7 be used in SAS-6Gb applications?

Yes, QLX4600LIQT7 is explicitly qualified for SAS-6Gb (6 Gb/s) applications per the FN6981 datasheet and Table 1, which lists SAS-6Gb as a target market alongside DisplayPort v1.2 and PCIe 2.0. Its 6.25 Gb/s capability, low residual jitter, and OOB signaling support (tDS/tSD ≤ 20 ns) meet SAS-2 physical layer requirements.