Texas Instruments TMDS171RGZT

Overview

TMDS171RGZT from Texas Instruments is a 3.4 Gbps HDMI/DVI retimer IC with integrated adaptive equalization, inter-pair skew compensation, and dual-power (1.2 V / 3.3 V) operation. It supports 4K2K30p, WUXGA 12-bit color, and 1080p high-refresh video routing in digital TVs and projectors. The device automatically switches between redriver (<1 Gbps) and retimer (>1.2 Gbps) modes.

For engineers reviewing the TMDS171RGZT datasheet, TMDS171RGZT pinout, TMDS171RGZT application, or TMDS171RGZT equivalent, key selection criteria include TMDS input jitter tolerance (0.3 Tbit), output skew control (≤100 ps inter-pair), ARC/SPDIF audio return channel support, and I²C/pin-strap configuration flexibility for equalization and de-emphasis.

Technical Context

The TMDS171RGZT implements a CDR-based retiming architecture with programmable PLL bandwidth (0.4–1 MHz) and automatic redriver-to-retimer crossover at 0.75–1.25 Gbps. Its receiver includes adaptive or fixed-gain equalization (7.5 dB / 14 dB) per TMDS lane and supports intra-pair skew correction up to 5+ bits.

It integrates dual DDC interfaces (source-side and sink-side SDA/SCL), Hot Plug Detect (HPD_SRC/HPD_SNK), and single-ended ARC_OUT (3.687–13.517 MHz) with SPDIF_IN. Power management includes OE-controlled power-down (≤30 mW) and standby mode (≤100 mW) with fail-safe termination.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TMDS171RGZT uses a 48-pin VQFN package (7.0 mm × 7.0 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad grounded for thermal dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TMDS171RGZT, TMDS181RGZT delivers higher bandwidth and security features but increases BOM cost and layout complexity, while PS8409B reduces integration and power flexibility at the expense of audio return capability and adaptive signal conditioning.

Availability

TMDS171RGZT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for digital television, projector, and AV receiver designs requiring stable component supply, HDMI 1.4b compliance, and robust signal integrity restoration.

Supply support for TMDS171RGZT 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 connectivity technologies for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The TMDS171RGZT belongs to TI's HDMI interface product line, engineered specifically for high-fidelity video signal restoration in commercial and consumer display systems operating under HDMI 1.4b electrical specifications.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported data rate for TMDS171RGZT?

The TMDS171RGZT supports a maximum data rate of 3.4 Gbps per TMDS lane, enabling 4K2K30p resolution at 24 bits per pixel and WUXGA 12-bit color depth. This rating is validated per HDMI 1.4b electrical parameters and confirmed in TI's production datasheet revision E (September 2017). Operation above 3.4 Gbps is not supported and may result in link failure or undefined behavior in the TMDS171RGZT.

Does TMDS171RGZT support both HDMI and DVI protocols?

Yes, the TMDS171RGZT is electrically compatible with both HDMI 1.4b and DVI 1.0 standards, as explicitly stated in its official description and features list. It processes TMDS-encoded video streams regardless of protocol framing, and supports associated signaling such as HPD and DDC. However, TMDS171RGZT does not implement HDMI-specific packetized audio or auxiliary data - those functions remain in the host SoC or controller.

How does TMDS171RGZT handle power management during inactive periods?

The TMDS171RGZT provides two low-power states: Standby mode (OE = H, no valid clock) draws ≤100 mW, and PowerDown mode (OE = L) consumes ≤30 mW. Both retain fail-safe 90–115 Ω input termination to prevent signal reflections. These states are fully documented in Section 6.5 of the TMDS171RGZT datasheet and require no external sequencing - assertion of OE pin alone triggers transition.

Can TMDS171RGZT be configured via I²C or only through pin strapping?

The TMDS171RGZT supports both I²C and pin-strapping configuration. When I2C_EN/PIN is high, SDA_CTL and SCL_CTL become active I²C bus lines (address 0x58 default); when low, EQ_SEL/A0, PRE_SEL, and SWAP/POL pins define equalization, de-emphasis, and polarity settings. Pin-strapping takes priority when I2C_EN/PIN is low, and I²C writes have no effect - this dual-mode flexibility is confirmed in the Pin Functions table of the TMDS171RGZT datasheet.

What is the function of VSADJ on TMDS171RGZT?

VSADJ on the TMDS171RGZT sets nominal TMDS output voltage swing via an external 7.06 kΩ resistor to GND. It provides ±20 mV adjustment per 100 Ω change in resistance, enabling fine-tuning of differential amplitude (400–600 mVpp) to meet HDMI 1.4b compliance margins across process/voltage/temperature. This analog trim is independent of PRE_SEL and TX_TERM_CTL settings and is specified in Table 6-5 of the TMDS171RGZT electrical characteristics.