Cable transceiver simplifies InfiniBand, CX4 interconnects

Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the MAX3983 cable transceiver that extends the interconnect distance for 4x copper InfiniBand and 10Gbase-CX4 Ethernet links, increasing overall reach to 20m with 24AWG and 15m with 28AWG.

Featuring four transmit paths and four receive paths, the input to the cable driver of the transceiver compensates for up to 0.5m of FR-4 circuit board material. The cable driver provides four selectable preemphasis levels to compensate for cable losses, while the cable receiver provides additional fixed input compensation.

The MAX3983 is offered in a 10-by-10mm 68-pin QFN, and operates from 0°C to 85°C. Prices start at $29.98 for 1,000-unit quantities. An evaluation kit is also available to speed up designs.