Fully Integrated 1Gbps Pin Electronics Solution

Semtech Corp., a supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for communications, portable devices, computers, and industrial equipment, recently released the E8400, believed to be the first off-the-shelf device to integrate all of the functionality needed for two complete channels of 500MHz/1Gbps pin electronics for high-performance system on chip (SoC), memory, and other testers.

According to Semtech Corp.:

• The E8400 supports both single-ended and fully differential drive and receive modes. In differential drive mode, precise complementary signals are created from adjacent channels on the chip. These signals are optimized to ensure less than 50ps of crossing point error for world-class timing accuracy. In differential receive mode, window comparators are configured to allow for a simple method of testing the differential signals common on many of today's most advanced electronic devices.
• The E8400 is capable of creating single-ended or differential signals with voltage swings as small as 50mV and up to 8V over a -2V to +7V possible common mode range. The small swing performance of the driver is world-class and allows for testing of next generation devices with sub-LVDS logic swings.
• In addition to a world-class driver and receiver, each channel of the E8400 features an extremely fast settling, 4-range PMU with a 16-bit ADC for best-in-industry system throughput and lowest cost of test. The PMU also features a Thevenin load function for terminating logic signals. The extremely low power dissipation of the entire E8400 solution allows it to be used in high-density applications without the need for costly and exotic thermal management solutions.
• The E8400 is designed to be a robust, best-in-class, pin electronics solution and, as such, it offers digitally configurable driver and PMU over-current protection, combined with on-chip ESD protection that is rated in excess of 2kV human body model (HBM).
• The E8400 is the first member in Semtech's pin-compatible and scaleable "Cobalt" pin electronics family of solutions that will span higher performance ranges and have additional features. Semtech offers a development system complete with a simple graphical user environment that can be used for rapid platform development and faster time to market.

Key features of the E8400:

• World-class small-swing performance and waveform integrity
• Tri-statable driver with selectable termination mode
• Extremely low per-channel power dissipation (less than 1W/100MHz, less than 1.25W/500MHz)
• Per-Channel 16-bit ADC for best-in-class system throughput
• Tiny 11mm x 11mm footprint for 2-complete pin-channels
• Integrated PMU range resistors/minimal external components required
• Differential drive and receive modes
• Programmable performance/power
• On-chip storage for offset and gain correction for all levels
• Comprehensive, easy to use Development System and Software

SOURCE: Semtech Corporation