Active USB Type-C ReDriver for 8.1 Gbps signal integrity
The Texas Instruments TUSB544IRNQT is a 4-channel USB Type-C Buffer/ReDriver that supports data rates up to 8.1 Gbps per lane, covering USB 3.2 Gen 2 and DisplayPort Alt Mode over the USB-C connector. It integrates input equalization and output de-emphasis to compensate for PCB trace and cable losses, extending the reach of high-speed signals beyond the typical 10–15 cm budget.
8.1 Gbps data rate — USB 3.2 Gen 2 and beyond
The 8.1 Gbps per-lane data rate is the key performance spec: it supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps effective, 8.1 Gbps after 128b/132b encoding) and can also handle DisplayPort HBR3 (8.1 Gbps per lane) over the USB-C alternate mode. The 10 ns propagation delay is typical for a linear ReDriver at this speed — it adds a fixed latency that must be budgeted in the link timing, but is well within the USB 3.2 Gen 2 retimer tolerance. The 10 pF input capacitance is low enough to avoid loading the upstream transmitter's eye diagram.
Signal conditioning: input equalization and output de-emphasis
The TUSB544IRNQT applies input equalization to boost high-frequency content attenuated by the channel, and output de-emphasis to pre-compensate for downstream losses. These are configurable via control pins (not I²C), so the equalization and de-emphasis levels are set at board design time by resistor strapping. The part does not perform retiming (CDR), so it is a linear ReDriver, not a retimer; the clock is passed through without jitter cleaning.
This allows the TUSB544IRNQT to be used in outdoor telecom cabinets, automotive infotainment (non-safety), industrial control panels, and surveillance cameras where the ambient temperature can swing below freezing or above 70°C.
Active lifecycle, ROHS3 compliant
It is ROHS3 compliant, with no known end-of-life notice.