QLx411GRx
CML Input and Output Buffers
The input and output buffers for the high-speed data
channels in the QLx411GRx are implemented using CML.
Equivalent input and output circuits are shown in
Figures 6 and 7.
VDD
IN[k] P
50Ω
Buffer
IN[k] N
50Ω
FIGURE 6. CML INPUT EQUIVALENT CIRCUIT FOR
THE QLx411GRx
Line Silence/Quiescent Mode
Line silence is commonly broken by the limiting
amplification in other equalizers. This disruption can be
detrimental in many systems that rely on line silence as
part of the protocol. The QLx411GRx contains special
lane management capabilities to detect and preserve
periods of line silence while still providing the fidelity-
enhancing benefits of limiting amplification during active
data transmission. Line silence is detected by measuring
the amplitude of the equalized signal and comparing that
to a threshold set by the voltage at the DT pin. When the
amplitude falls below the threshold, the output driver
stages are muted and held at their nominal common
mode voltage1.
LOS Indicator
Pins LOS[k] are used to output the state of the muting
circuitry to serve as a loss of signal indicator for channel
k. This signal is directly derived from the muting signal
off the DT-threshold signal detector output. The LOS
signal goes HIGH when the power signal is below the DT
threshold and LOW when the power goes above the DT
threshold. This feature is meant to be used in optical
systems (e.g. QSFP) where there are no quiescent or
electrical-idle states. In these cases, the DT threshold is
used to determine the sensitivity of the LOS indicator.
VDD
50Ω
50Ω
OUT[k] P
OUT[k] N
FIGURE 7. CML OUTPUT EQUIVALENT CIRCUIT FOR
THE QLx411GRx
1. The output common mode voltage remains constant during both active data transmission and output muting modes
8
FN6989.1
November 19, 2009