The DS560DF410 evaluation module (EVM) allows the user to quickly evaluate both the high-speed and low-speed functionality of the DS560DF410 retimer. The DS560DF410 is a 4-channel multi-rate retimer with integrated signal conditioning. The device supports retimed operation for PAM4 and NRZ data rates from 19.6 to 28.9 GBd. Integrated physical AC coupling capacitors (both TX and RX) eliminate the need for external capacitors on the PCB. The DS560DF410 relies on two power supply voltages, 1.2 V and 1.8 V, managed on the EVM through an onboard power tree.
The advanced equalization features of the DS560DF410 include a low-jitter 4-tap transmit finite impulse response (FIR) filter, as well as receive adaptive continuous-time linear equalizer (CTLE), decision feedback equalizer (DFE), and feed forward equalizer (FFE). This comprehensive equalization enables reach extension for lossy interconnects and backplanes with multiple connectors as well as crosstalk. The integrated CDR function is designed for front-port optical module applications to reset the jitter budget and retime the high-speed serial data. The DS560DF410 implements a 2 × 2 cross-point on each channel pair, providing the host with both lanes crossing and fanout options.
The DS560DF410 can be configured through the default I2C two-wire serial target mode, or the device can configure itself from an external EEPROM by operating in controller mode. On-chip eye monitor and PRBS generator and checker functions allow for comprehensive in-system diagnostics.
Huber+Suhner™ is a trademark of HUBER+SUHNER AG.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The DS560DF410EVM implements a power management solution to enable operation from a single 5 V/3 A supply. Figure 1-1 shows the 5 V connector location. The EVM board uses Megtron-6 low-loss dielectric material for its high-speed differential inputs and outputs. The EVM by default implements a pair of MXP connectors to provide robust and high-quality connectivity to its high-speed channels. The EVM also has provision for an EEPROM to be used to program the retimer device.
Recommended CAL_CLK_IN external signal characteristics
Figure 1-3 shows the schematic segment for CAL_CLK_IN. As per the schematic, different jumper placements are used to enable implementation of external CAL_CLK_IN signal or onboard 25 MHz oscillator respectively.
Default jumper settings: Onboard CAL_CLK_IN
Jumper settings to enable external CAL_CLK_IN option
The software used to configure the DS560DF410EVM is a TI developed GUI called Latte. The latest version of Latte is available for download by request through TI's website. There are two installation files that the user needs to download and execute: the Latte framework installer file and the Latte libraries updater. As of this publication, the latest Latte installation files are as follows:
Select the destination location for latte core as “C:\Program Files\Texas Instruments\DS560Latte”.
Select project directory as “C:\Users\<User ID>\Documents\Texas Instruments\DS560Latte”.
Replace the <User ID> with the proper Windows login ID.
Continue the installation setup to complete FTDI Driver installation
Select project directory as “C:\Users\<User ID>\Documents\Texas Instruments\DS560Latte”.
Replace the <User ID> with the proper Windows login ID.
The user can launch the DS560Latte GUI through the desktop shortcut icon or select App – DS560Latte. Figure 2-4 shows the Latte GUI main window. The Latte user interface is split into eight windows (labeled 1 to 8 on Figure 2-4) with the following functionality:
Window 1:
This window (also called Scripts) shows the list of python scripts available that generate the register commands to configure the DS560EVM. The script files shown are located in the ..\Documents\Texas Instruments\DS560Latte\projects\DS560\ folder. You can modify and create new scripts as necessary, which appear in this sub-window when you restart Latte.
Window 2:
This window (also called Editor) shows the code in the script currently selected and can be used to modify and save the code as necessary.
Window 3 to 6:
These windows get updated with status information as the user runs the scripts to configure the DS560DF410.
Window 7:
This window (also called Command Line) is used to enter and run individual commands. Examples of such commands include changing the TX swing, pre or post emphasis settings, configuring PRBS generator or checker and so on.
Window 8:
This window (also called Log) displays messages during execution of scripts to display the current status. This window is also used for troubleshooting.
Run Script file: Run a script file by first selecting the file in the Scripts window and then by pressing F5 (or selecting Run and then Buffer in the menu bar).
Run part of script: Run part of a script file by selecting the lines in the Editor window and then by pressing F7 (or selecting Run and then Run Selection in the menu bar).
Stop Execution: Stop the current execution by pressing F10 (or selecting Run and then Stop in the menu bar).
Clear Session: The current session can be cleared to reset the Latte UI to its initial state by pressing Ctrl + T (or selecting Session and then Clear Session in the menu bar). This process is equivalent to a restart and can be used to restart a session without closing the GUI.