New long-reach USB 3.2 compatible reclocker/redrivers for auto and industrial applications

Update: May 20, 2023

Microchip Technology has released two new reclocker/redriver devices to provide long-distance and reliable USB solutions. The automotive EQCO510 and industrial EQCO5X31 reclocker/redriver devices extend USB coverage up to 15m for maximum reach and are compatible with the USB 3.2 Generation 1 SuperSpeed protocol.

The devices are USB reclocker/redriver devices that can send high-speed data signals with a rate of 5Gbps in either direction. The reclocking feature incorporates a bit-level CDR to restore signal timing and stop jitter accumulation. The redriving feature restores the levels and shape of the signal being driven into the next segment, such as a cable or PCB trace, therefore, compensating for signal degradation due to cable attenuation.

“Our customers now have the capability to implement a fast, reliable and long-distance USB connectivity solution of up to 15m, extending the 3m standard by five times,” said Matthias Kaestner, corporate vice president of Microchip’s automotive infotainment systems business unit. “These devices also provide our customers with a comprehensive option that reduces board space because of the on-chip clock and small form factor.”

The USB devices are provided with EyeOpen cable compensation at the receiver to automatically adjust for frequency-dependent losses in the cable and adjust the signal strength between 0 and 24dB with 1dB steps. The devices also feature MarginLink signal integrity testing, which allows runtime evaluation of the integrity of the whole signal path.

The EQCO510 and EQCO5X31 ICs support shielded twisted pair and coax cables. The devices incorporate an integrated crystal-less CDR, which reduces the need for additional components and overall board space.

The USB devices are available in a 20-pin, 4mm QFN package with wettable flanks. The automotive EQCO510 complies with automotive reliability standard AEC-Q100 Grade 2 and operates in temperatures ranging from -40C to 105C.

These USB devices can be employed in automotive applications, including infotainment systems, data communication modules and real-time video systems. Other use cases in industrial applications and consumer products comprise machine vision, gaming accessories and smart cables.

The EQCO5X31 is supported with two evaluation boards, including the EVB-EQCO5X31 USB Type-C Cable Extender and the EVB-EQCO5X31 USB Type-C Cable Repeater. These evaluation boards provide the ability to demonstrate use with longer cables.

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