Home > Pending > MAX4951AE: Industry's first eSATA redriver with cable-detect feature is optimized to support SATA II speeds

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MAX4951AE: Industry's first eSATA redriver with cable-detect feature is optimized to support SATA II speeds

7th January 2010

Maxim Integrated

ES Admin

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Maxim Integrated Products introduces the MAX4951AE, a dual-channel buffer designed to redrive SATA I and SATA II signals. This device preserves signal integrity at the receiver by reestablishing full output levels, and it can reduce total system jitter (TJ) by squaring the signal. By redriving signals on both the transmit and receive channels, the device supports SATA I and SATA II data rates (up to 3.0Gbps). The MAX4951AE is designed for applications such as notebook computers in which the user needs to push the signal through docking-station connectors, onto a mezzanine board, and through an external connector while being compliant with the SATA v3.0 specification. It is also well suited for desktops and servers that must carry signals over long cables and boards while overcoming losses on the PCB and in the eSATA connector.

The MAX4951AE supports SATA out-of-band (OOB) signaling by using high-speed amplitude detection on the inputs and amplitude squelch on the corresponding outputs. Input signals of 50mVp-p or less are detected as off and not passed to the output, whereas signals of 200mVp-p or more are detected as on and passed through the output. This approach prevents the system from responding to unwanted noise while still allowing OOB signals to transmit through the MAX4951AE.

The MAX4951AE is the only eSATA/SATA redriver in the industry that can enter a low-power standby mode when the integrated cable-detect pin is either pulled high or left unconnected. This capability reduces the supply current significantly and conserves power in mobile environments such as notebooks and netbooks.

The MAX4951AE also includes high ±8kV ESD (HBM) protection on all pins to prevent damage to the device and the eSATA port. The device operates from a single 3.3V supply, and is fully specified over the 0 degrees Celsius to +70 degrees Celsius commercial temperature range. It is available in an ultra-small, 4mm x 4mm, 20-pin TQFN package and is backwards compatible with the MAX4951.