Texas Instruments TLK6201EARGTRG4
- Part No.:
- TLK6201EARGTRG4
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Specialized
- Package:
- 16-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
TLK6201EARGTRG4.pdf
- Description:
- IC INTERFACE SPECIALIZED 16QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
TLK6201EARGTRG4 from Texas Instruments is a 6.25-Gbps multirate cable and PCB board equalizer with fixed receive-side high-frequency boost (13 dB at 3.125 GHz), four selectable transmit de-emphasis levels (0–12 dB), and CML I/O supporting FR4 backplanes up to 60 inches and 24-AWG cables up to 63 feet. It operates from a single 3.3-V supply and delivers low-jitter output with input sensitivity down to 40 mVP-P and overload tolerance up to 2000 mVP-P.
For engineers reviewing the TLK6201EARGTRG4 datasheet, TLK6201EARGTRG4 pinout, TLK6201EARGTRG4 application, or TLK6201EARGTRG4 equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world signal integrity performance data, package-validated layout guidance, and selection-critical comparisons against functionally aligned alternatives for high-speed serial interconnects in PCIe, SAS, InfiniBand, and Fibre Channel systems.
Technical Context
The TLK6201EARGTRG4 implements a fixed-gain, three-stage analog equalization path with on-chip offset cancellation and loss-of-signal detection. Its receive-side equalizer applies a fixed 13-dB boost at 3.125 GHz to compensate for frequency-dependent channel loss, while its transmit-side de-emphasis uses DE0/DE1 pins to select discrete 0/–4/–8/–12 dB high-frequency attenuation.
It features CML differential I/O with 50-Ω on-die back-termination to VCC, programmable output polarity (POL), output disable (DIS), swing enhancement (+50% via SWG), and LOS-driven squelch capability. The device supports DC-coupled operation with optional external COC filter capacitors for sub-3.5-kHz low-frequency cutoff extension.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Max Data Rate | 6.25 Gbps - supports full-rate operation for PCIe Gen2, SAS-2, XAUI, and CEI-3.125G links. |
| Receive Equalization | 13 dB boost at 3.125 GHz - compensates up to 13-dB channel loss on receive side of FR4 striplines or cables. |
| Transmit De-Emphasis | Selectable 0/–4/–8/–12 dB - mitigates intersymbol interference on long interconnects by pre-compensating high-frequency loss. |
| Input Sensitivity | 40 mVP-P min - enables reliable recovery of degraded signals after >13-dB channel attenuation. |
| Output Swing | 600–1500 mVP-P - configurable via SWG pin; meets CML interface requirements across standard load conditions. |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V ±10% - single-rail operation simplifies power delivery and reduces BOM count in dense high-speed boards. |
| Jitter Performance | ≤12 psP-P DJ / ≤1 psRMS RJ at 6.25 Gbps - ensures BER <10−12 in demanding serial link applications. |
Pinout & Package
TLK6201EARGTRG4 is housed in a 3-mm × 3-mm, 16-pin QFN package (RGT) with exposed thermal pad (EP), 0.5-mm pitch, and RoHS-compliant lead finish. The package requires soldering the EP to PCB ground for thermal and mechanical stability per TI SLUA271 guidelines.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| DIN+, DIN– | Differential analog input | Accepts ac-coupled CML or LVDS signals; on-chip 100-Ω termination enables direct connection to transmission lines. |
| DOUT+, DOUT– | Differential CML output | Provides 50-Ω back-terminated outputs to VCC; supports polarity inversion (POL) and disable (DIS) control. |
| DE0, DE1 | CMOS de-emphasis select | Set discrete 0/–4/–8/–12 dB transmit de-emphasis; internally pulled up for default 0 dB. |
| SWG | CMOS output swing control | Increases differential output swing by 50% when high; internally pulled down for nominal swing. |
| POL | CMOS polarity select | Inverts output data polarity when low; open or high selects normal polarity. |
| DIS | CMOS output disable | Shuts down CML output stage within 20 ns; internally pulled down for active-high disable. |
| LOS | CMOS loss-of-signal indicator | Asserts high when input amplitude falls below 40–75 mVP-P; enables hardware squelch when tied to DIS. |
| COC0, COC1 | Analog offset cancellation filter | Connect external capacitor between pins to extend low-frequency cutoff below 3.5 kHz; short to disable loop. |
| VCC (pins 9, 12) | Power supply | 3.3-V ±10% input; decoupling required per layout guidelines due to high-speed switching current. |
| GND (pins 1, 4, EP) | Ground reference | Three dedicated ground pins plus exposed pad; EP must be soldered to solid ground plane for EMI and thermal control. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Fixed 13-dB receive equalization | Compensates deterministic channel loss without adaptive overhead-ideal for stable, known-loss interconnects like FR4 backplanes. |
| Four-level transmit de-emphasis | Enables precise pre-distortion tuning for varying cable lengths and connector losses without external components or firmware. |
| On-chip offset cancellation | Maintains signal integrity with input swings as low as 40 mVP-P, eliminating need for external AC coupling or bias networks. |
| Integrated LOS detection + squelch | Reduces system-level noise propagation by enabling automatic output muting during link loss-no external comparator required. |
| Ultralow power consumption | 54–67 mA supply current at 3.3 V enables deployment in thermally constrained modules and multi-channel line cards. |
Applications
| PCI Express Gen2 Backplane | InfiniBand QDR Interconnect |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 6.25-Gbps serial lanes routed across 36-inch FR4 backplanes with 7-mil traces and through-hole SMA connectors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Receive-side equalizer restoring signal integrity at host controller input; transmit-side de-emphasis optimizing driver output for channel loss. Use Value: Enables error-free link training and stable 5.0 GT/s operation without redesigning stackup or adding repeaters. |
Use Scenario: Point-to-point 40-Gbps QDR InfiniBand links over 24-AWG passive copper cables up to 19.2 meters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional equalization node compensating asymmetric loss profiles on both ends of the cable. Use Value: Achieves <10−12 BER at full rate with no protocol-layer retransmission overhead. |
| SAS-2 Storage Backplane | Fibre Channel 4G/8G Links |
Use Scenario: Multi-lane SAS-2 expansion chassis connecting JBOD enclosures via 60-inch FR4 daughtercard interconnects. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Per-lane analog equalizer placed adjacent to SAS expander PHY to restore eye opening before clock-data recovery. Use Value: Extends usable trace length by >2× versus unequalized routing, reducing layer count and cost. |
Use Scenario: 4G/8G Fibre Channel optical transceiver modules requiring electrical-to-optical conversion with minimal jitter addition. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-jitter CML buffer and equalizer driving laser diode driver or limiting amplifier input. Use Value: Maintains jitter budget under 0.3 UI at 8.5 Gbps, meeting FC-PI-4 transmitter compliance masks. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-speed equalizer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX3802ETM+ | Single 3.3-V supply; 4-Gbps max rate; 10-dB fixed EQ; no de-emphasis; 100-mVP-P min input sensitivity. | Limited to lower-speed SAS-1 or Gigabit Ethernet; lacks transmit compensation for long cables. | Choose for cost-sensitive, lower-bandwidth applications where de-emphasis is unnecessary and power is less constrained. |
| DS100BR210SQ/NOPB | 2-channel, 10.3125-Gbps retimer with adaptive EQ and CDR; 2.5-V supply; higher power (120 mA/channel). | Supports PCIe Gen3/Gen4 and 10G-KR; adds clock recovery and protocol transparency but increases complexity and cost. | Choose when channel loss exceeds 20 dB or when deterministic jitter accumulation requires CDR-based cleanup. |
Compared with MAX3802ETM+ and DS100BR210SQ/NOPB, TLK6201EARGTRG4 offers optimal balance of fixed equalization precision, transmit de-emphasis flexibility, and ultra-low power for 6.25-Gbps links where adaptive logic or retiming is unnecessary-making it ideal for deterministic, low-latency interconnects in storage and HPC infrastructure.
Availability
TLK6201EARGTRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for PCIe Gen2 backplanes, SAS-2 storage interconnects, InfiniBand QDR links, and Fibre Channel 4G/8G systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent electrical performance across production batches.
Supply support for TLK6201EARGTRG4 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
Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and high-speed interface solutions, with decades of expertise in signal integrity ICs for communications infrastructure.
The TLK6201EARGTRG4 belongs to TI's high-speed equalizer product line, designed specifically for deterministic, low-power compensation of channel loss in multigigabit serial links used in enterprise storage, data center networking, and telecom equipment.
FAQ
What is the maximum supported data rate for TLK6201EARGTRG4?
The TLK6201EARGTRG4 supports a maximum data rate of 6.25 Gbps, validated with K28.5 patterns and BER <10−12 over standard FR4 striplines and 24-AWG cables. This rate aligns with PCIe Gen2, SAS-2, XAUI, and InfiniBand QDR specifications. Operation at lower rates (e.g., 2.125 Gbps or 4.25 Gbps) is fully supported with maintained equalization efficacy and reduced jitter.
Does TLK6201EARGTRG4 require external components for basic operation?
TLK6201EARGTRG4 requires only two external ac-coupling capacitors per differential pair (DIN+/DIN– and DOUT+/DOUT–) for standard operation. Optional external COC filter capacitors may be added between COC0 and COC1 pins to extend low-frequency response below 3.5 kHz. No external resistors, inductors, or power-supply sequencing circuitry are needed.
How does the loss-of-signal (LOS) detection work in TLK6201EARGTRG4?
The TLK6201EARGTRG4 monitors the second gain stage output to detect low-frequency signal amplitude collapse. LOS asserts high when input differential voltage falls below 40–75 mVP-P (depending on data rate and interconnect), with 2–4.5 dB hysteresis. It de-asserts above 130–250 mVP-P. Direct connection of LOS to DIS enables hardware squelch with <100 μs response time.
Can TLK6201EARGTRG4 be used in both receive and transmit positions in a link?
Yes - TLK6201EARGTRG4 is bidirectional in function: its fixed 13-dB receive equalization compensates channel loss on the receiver side, while its 4-level de-emphasis (0/–4/–8/–12 dB) optimizes transmitter output for the same channel. It is commonly deployed at both ends of long FR4 backplanes or passive copper cables to maximize total link margin.
What is the thermal pad (EP) requirement for TLK6201EARGTRG4?
The exposed thermal pad (EP) on TLK6201EARGTRG4 must be soldered to a solid PCB ground plane using ≥85% solder paste coverage. TI recommends following SLUA271 layout guidelines, including thermal vias under the pad filled or tented to ensure mechanical reliability and junction temperature control. Failure to connect EP results in elevated die temperature and potential parametric shift.
TLK6201EARGTRG4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- Applications:
- Digital High-Speed Link
- Interface:
- Differential
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3V ~ 3.6V
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-VQFN (3x3)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
TLK6201EARGTRG4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLK6201EARGTRG4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLK6201EARGTRG4 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 TLK6201EARGTRG4 reliable?
The price and inventory of TLK6201EARGTRG4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLK6201EARGTRG4 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLK6201EARGTRG4?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLK6201EARGTRG4 transactions.
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4.How is shipping managed for TLK6201EARGTRG4?
TLK6201EARGTRG4 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLK6201EARGTRG4 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 TLK6201EARGTRG4?
For technical support, including TLK6201EARGTRG4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLK6201EARGTRG4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLK6201EARGTRG4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLK6201EARGTRG4 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 TLK6201EARGTRG4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLK6201EARGTRG4?
All TLK6201EARGTRG4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLK6201EARGTRG4, 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 TLK6201EARGTRG4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLK6201EARGTRG4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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