Microchip introduces two new clock restorer and signal repeater devices

     A standard universal serial bus or USB connection is the industry's dominant way to transfer data between two devices. The large number of electronic components in automotive, industrial and consumer applications has stimulated the demand for remote USB cabling products. In an effort to deliver remote and reliable USB solutions to the market.

     Microchip Technology announced the launch of two new clock restorer/signal repeater devices. The EQCO510 for automotive and EQCO5X31 clock recoverer/signal repeater devices for industrial use extend USB coverage up to 15 meters for maximum coverage and are compatible with the USB 3.2 first generation ultra-high speed protocol.

     The EQCO510 and EQCO5X31 are USB clock recoverer/signal repeater devices that can transmit high-speed data signals at a rate of 5 Gbps in both directions. The clock recovery feature includes a Bit-level Clock Data Recovery (CDR) to restore signal timing and prevent jitter accumulation. The relay function restores the signal level and shape that is transmitted to the next segment, such as a cable or printed circuit board (PCB) track, compensating for signal attenuation due to cable degradation.

     Matthias Kaestner, corporate vice president of Microchip's Automotive infotainment Systems business unit, said: "Our customers now have the ability to implement fast, reliable and long-distance USB connectivity solutions that support up to 15 meters, extending the 3-meter standard to five times. These devices also provide customers with a more comprehensive selection, with reduced board footprint thanks to on-chip clocks and small form factors."

     These USB devices are equipped with EyeOpen™ cable compensation on the receiver to automatically adjust frequency losses in the cable and to adjust signal strength between 0 and 24 dB in 1 dB units. These devices also feature MarginLink™ signal integrity testing for real-time assessment of the integrity of the entire signal path.

     The EQCO510 and EQCO5X31 integrated circuits support shielded twisted pair and coaxial cables. Both devices include an integrated crystalloless CDR, reducing the need for additional components and overall board space. Both USB devices are available in a 20-pin, 4-mm QFN wettable wing package. The EQCO510 for automotive meets the automotive reliability standard AEC-Q100 Class 2, with an operating temperature range of -40℃ to 105℃.

     Microchip's USB devices can be used in a wide range of automotive applications, such as infotainment systems, data communication modules, and real-time video systems. Other use cases in industrial applications and consumer products include machine vision, gaming accessories, and smart cables.