Texas Instruments TMDS171IRGZR

Overview

TMDS171IRGZR from Texas Instruments is a 3.4 Gbps HDMI/DVI retimer IC with integrated adaptive equalizer, four-channel TMDS re-timing, ARC/SPDIF audio support, and dual 1.2 V / 3.3 V power rails. It operates in automatic redriver-to-retimer mode crossover at 0.75–1.25 Gbps and supports 4k2k30p, WUXGA 12-bit color, and 1080p high-refresh applications in digital TVs and projectors.

For engineers reviewing the TMDS171IRGZR datasheet, TMDS171IRGZR pinout, TMDS171IRGZR application, or TMDS171IRGZR equivalent, key selection criteria include input jitter tolerance (0.3 Tbit), inter-pair skew compensation (≤1.8 ns), programmable EQ gain (7.5 dB / 14 dB fixed or adaptive), VSADJ-controlled output swing (400–600 mVpp), and I²C/pin-strap configuration flexibility for cable length and board trace compensation.

Technical Context

The TMDS171IRGZR implements a CDR-based retimer architecture with automatic mode switching: redriver below 1 Gbps and retimer above 1.2 Gbps, using PLL bandwidth of 0.4–1 MHz. It processes four differential TMDS lanes (D0–D2 + CLK) with fail-safe input termination (90–115 Ω) and supports both source-side (SDA_SRC/SCL_SRC/HPD_SRC) and sink-side (SDA_SNK/SCL_SNK/HPD_SNK) DDC/HPD interfaces.

It integrates ARC_OUT and SPDIF_IN for single-ended audio return channel operation (3.687–13.517 MHz), features intra-pair skew correction (≤0.15 Tbit) and inter-pair skew compensation (≤0.2 Tbit), and provides configurable TX termination (150–300 Ω) and de-emphasis (–2 dB / 0 dB).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TMDS171IRGZR uses a 48-pin VQFN package (RGZR suffix) with 7.00 mm × 7.00 mm body size and 0.5 mm pitch. The exposed thermal pad must be soldered to PCB ground for thermal management.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar HDMI retimer applications.

Compared with TMDS181IRGZR and MAX9278GTJ+T, the TMDS171IRGZR delivers optimal balance of HDMI 1.4b compliance, adaptive equalization, ARC audio integration, and low-power retimer operation - making it the preferred choice for digital TV, projector, and active-cable applications where HDCP 2.2 or automotive protocols are unnecessary.

Availability

TMDS171IRGZR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for digital television, projector, and active HDMI cable applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for TMDS171IRGZR 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 company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with leadership in high-speed interface solutions for consumer and industrial markets.

The TMDS171IRGZR belongs to TI's HDMI retimer product line, designed specifically to restore signal integrity in high-resolution video systems where PCB trace loss, cable attenuation, or connector reflections degrade TMDS eye diagrams.

FAQ

What is the maximum data rate supported by the TMDS171IRGZR?

The TMDS171IRGZR supports a maximum data rate of 3.4 Gbps per TMDS lane, enabling full compliance with HDMI 1.4b specifications including 4k2k30p at 24 bits per pixel and WUXGA 12-bit color depth. This rating is validated across temperature (0°C to 85°C) and supply conditions (VCC = 3.135–3.465 V, VDD = 1.1–1.27 V), and applies to both retimer and redriver operating modes.

Does the TMDS171IRGZR support automatic redriver-to-retimer mode switching?

Yes, the TMDS171IRGZR automatically switches between redriver and retimer modes based on input data rate: it operates as a redriver below 1 Gbps and transitions to retimer mode above 1.2 Gbps, with hysteresis (0.75–1.25 Gbps crossover range). This behavior is intrinsic to the device and requires no external configuration or firmware intervention - the TMDS171IRGZR performs real-time signal integrity assessment and mode selection internally.

How is TMDS output voltage swing controlled on the TMDS171IRGZR?

The TMDS171IRGZR uses the VSADJ pin to set output voltage swing: a nominal 7.06 kΩ resistor to ground configures the output to 400–600 mVpp (single-ended), meeting HDMI electrical compliance. Deviations in VSADJ resistance directly adjust swing - e.g., ±100 Ω changes yield ~20 mVpp variation - allowing fine-tuning for specific PCB trace impedance or connector losses without modifying layout or firmware.

Can the TMDS171IRGZR handle both source-side and sink-side DDC/HPD functions simultaneously?

Yes, the TMDS171IRGZR integrates dedicated bidirectional DDC and HPD interfaces for both source and sink sides: SDA_SRC/SCL_SRC/HPD_SRC connect to the HDMI source (e.g., SoC), while SDA_SNK/SCL_SNK/HPD_SNK interface with the sink (e.g., display panel). This dual-port architecture enables transparent EDID passthrough, hot-plug event forwarding, and independent I²C arbitration - essential for HDMI repeater and switch applications using the TMDS171IRGZR.

What audio interfaces does the TMDS171IRGZR support?

The TMDS171IRGZR supports Audio Return Channel (ARC) and SPDIF interfaces: ARC_OUT provides single-ended 3.687–13.517 MHz output (0.4–0.6 V swing) with 75 Ω termination, while SPDIF_IN accepts 7.373–27.034 Mbps input (0.2–0.6 V amplitude) with 75 Ω internal termination. These are electrically isolated from TMDS lanes and operate independently - enabling concurrent video retiming and bidirectional audio transport in the same TMDS171IRGZR device.