5 Redrivers in Enterprise

Another application which requires the use of USB2 redrivers is rack servers for data storage and use. While most data stored in rack servers travels at higher data rates according to PCIE protocol, consumer and commercial rack servers use USB2 data and type-A consumer facing ports to control mouse and keyboard accessories as well as to enable programming, analysis, and debugging within the server. While consumer electronics continue to adopt higher data rates such as USB3/4 to enable quicker download and data access, certain applications in rack servers do not require the adaptation from USB2 to higher data rates. The impact of increasing data rates for programming and debugging applications is minimal, and USB2 offers the advantages of simplicity and low cost.

In rack servers, the distance of the USB2 data path varies because a user can need to access USB2 data anywhere from the top to bottom of the rack. Distance and temperature contribute to signal loss and distortion, and therefore, the system runs the risk of failing USB compliance. TI offers a broad portfolio of USB2 redrivers which boost the signal to restore signal quality and enable USB2 compliance in rack server applications.

Figure 5-1 Example Enterprise Application of a USB2 Redriver