TUSB542RWQR

Texas Instruments TUSB542RWQR – 5‑Gbps USB 3.1 Gen1 Type‑C 2:1 Mux & Redriver (X2QFN‑18)

The Texas Instruments TUSB542RWQR is a USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed, 5‑Gbps) Type‑C 2:1 multiplexer and redriver engineered to help designers meet stringent signal‑integrity targets in compact, modern USB‑C systems. By combining high‑speed switching with integrated redrive/equalization, it extends channel reach and improves eye openings through lossy board traces, connectors, and cables. Housed in an 18‑pin X2QFN (RWQ) package and qualified for the industrial temperature range (−40 to +85 °C), the TUSB542RWQR fits space‑constrained designs such as notebooks, tablets, docks, and embedded systems.

At a Glance

• Brand/Manufacturer: Texas Instruments
• Series: TUSB542
• MPN: TUSB542RWQR
• Category: USB multiplexers and redrivers
• USB Standard: USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed, 5 Gbps)
• Function: 2:1 multiplexer and redriver
• Interface Type: USB Type‑C high‑speed lanes
• Data Rate: 5 Gbps (upstream and downstream)
• Package: X2QFN‑18 (RWQ)
• Pin Count: 18
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount
• Operating Temperature: −40 to +85 °C
• Packaging: Tape & Reel (TR)

Why TUSB542RWQR Stands Out

Signal integrity and channel reach

USB Type‑C designs often contend with high insertion loss from connectors, cable assemblies, and dense PCB routing. The TUSB542RWQR integrates a redriver with equalization to compensate for these losses, improving margin at 5 Gbps and helping designs pass compliance while keeping board stack‑ups practical. This is particularly valuable for systems that must route SuperSpeed pairs across long traces or through multiple board interconnects.

Flexible 2:1 high‑speed switching

The device’s 2:1 multiplexer makes it useful wherever a design needs to select between two high‑speed paths. In Type‑C implementations, this commonly includes steering SuperSpeed lanes in host, device, or hub designs and enabling port sharing in docks and multi‑port systems. The redriver functionality helps maintain eye quality regardless of which path is selected.

Compact footprint for space‑constrained systems

With an 18‑pin X2QFN (RWQ) package, TUSB542RWQR minimizes board area and enables tight placement near USB‑C connectors or host controllers. This compact package helps designers balance performance and form factor without compromising layout proximity to the port, which is critical for high‑speed differential routing.

Industrial temperature operation

The −40 to +85 °C rating supports a broad range of environments, from consumer devices that experience wide ambient variations to embedded and industrial equipment deployed in less controlled conditions.

Key Specifications

• USB standard: USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed, 5 Gbps)
• Function: 2:1 multiplexer and redriver
• Interface type: USB Type‑C high‑speed lanes
• Data rate: 5 Gbps
• Package: X2QFN‑18 (RWQ)
• Pin count: 18
• Mounting type: Surface mount
• Operating temperature: −40 to +85 °C

Items such as supply voltage, equalization settings, insertion loss compensation range, and power consumption are not specified in the provided data. Consult the Texas Instruments datasheet for electrical characteristics and configuration details.

Typical Applications

• USB Type‑C hosts and devices
• USB hubs and docking stations
• Notebook/PC and tablet designs
• Smartphones and peripherals

In these systems, the TUSB542RWQR helps mitigate channel loss at 5 Gbps and provides the switching flexibility needed to share or steer SuperSpeed lanes.

Lifecycle, Availability, and Ordering

• Lifecycle status: Active (per Texas Instruments product page)
• Packaging: Tape & Reel (TR)
• Package code: RWQ (X2QFN family)
• Inventory (this listing): 0 units
• Replacements: None listed
• Approved alternates: None listed

Ordering notes:

• The “RWQ” package code corresponds to TI’s X2QFN family.
• The “R” suffix indicates tape‑and‑reel packaging suitable for automated assembly.

Sourcing tips:

• For production, verify lead times and reel sizes with authorized distributors or directly with Texas Instruments.
• If your AVL requires second sources, evaluate alternate TI devices in the same family or compatible redrivers from qualified suppliers; however, no specific replacements are provided in the current data.

Compliance and Environmental Information

• RoHS / environmental status: Not specified in the provided data
• Additional compliance documents: Not provided

When documentation is required for environmental declarations (e.g., RoHS, REACH, halogen‑free), consult the product page or submit a request via TI’s support channels. Compliance status can vary with date codes and manufacturing sites, so always obtain current reports tied to your specific orderable part number.

Design‑In Considerations

The following guidance is offered to help teams integrate the Texas Instruments TUSB542RWQR successfully. It is general in nature and not a substitute for the TI datasheet and layout recommendations.

High‑speed layout

• Keep each SuperSpeed differential pair tightly coupled with controlled differential impedance (typically 90 Ω) and minimal stubs.
• Place the TUSB542RWQR as close as practical to the Type‑C connector or the upstream controller to minimize trace length on the most lossy segment.
• Avoid vias on SuperSpeed pairs when possible; when unavoidable, minimize count and maintain symmetry across the differential pair.
• Route differential pairs with length matching and minimal skew; avoid sharp bends and layer transitions.

Equalization and tuning

• The device integrates redrive/equalization; the specific controls and presets are defined in the TI datasheet. Characterize your full channel (connector, cable, and PCB) and adjust EQ to meet eye‑opening targets at the Rx.
• Validate end‑to‑end margin with compliance‑grade fixtures and tools for USB 3.1 Gen1.

Power, reset, and control

• Power rail values, sequencing, and configuration pins are not specified in the provided data. Review the datasheet for recommended operating conditions, decoupling networks, and any required strap or control signals.
• If the design includes mode selection or mux control logic, ensure that it aligns with your system’s port behavior (host, device, or dual‑role) and any required orientation or path selection.

Thermal and enclosure

• The industrial temperature rating (−40 to +85 °C) supports a wide range of deployments. Ensure adequate PCB copper for heat spreading as recommended by TI’s package guidelines.

Compliance testing

• Plan for SuperSpeed compliance testing early. Include test points or breakouts as needed to facilitate eye diagram capture and signal integrity validation.

How TUSB542RWQR Fits Your USB‑C Architecture

In real‑world Type‑C implementations, several challenges can degrade SuperSpeed signal quality: compact mechanical constraints, docking scenarios with multiple connectors, and long PCB runs between controllers and USB‑C receptacles. The TUSB542RWQR addresses these by:

• Combining selection (2:1 mux) and redrive capability to simplify the high‑speed path.
• Allowing designers to place switching near the point of need (e.g., connector side or controller side), reducing loss on the critical segment.
• Providing a compact, surface‑mount package that integrates cleanly into dense motherboards or daughtercards.

For hub and dock designs, the device helps maintain signal margin across branching paths and interconnects. In portable systems such as notebooks and tablets, it helps offset the loss introduced by thin, space‑efficient board stacks and compact connector placements.

Procurement and Risk Mitigation Checklist

• Confirm lifecycle status: Active (verify on TI product page prior to PO release).
• Validate packaging: TUSB542RWQR indicates X2QFN‑18 with tape‑and‑reel.
• Check environmental compliance: Obtain latest RoHS/REACH documentation tied to the exact orderable.
• Plan for supply chain flexibility: While no replacements are listed here, consider qualifying a drop‑in or functionally similar device if your program requires dual source.
• Arrange for characterization samples early to confirm EQ settings and channel margin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the Texas Instruments TUSB542RWQR?
A: It is a USB 3.1 Gen1 (5‑Gbps) Type‑C 2:1 multiplexer and redriver designed to improve signal integrity and extend channel reach in USB‑C systems.

Q: What data rate does it support?
A: 5 Gbps for USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed).

Q: Is this device a redriver or a retimer?
A: It is a redriver with equalization. A redriver amplifies/conditions signals to compensate for channel loss; a retimer additionally performs clock recovery and re‑timing (not specified for this device).

Q: What is the package and pin count?
A: X2QFN‑18 (RWQ) with 18 pins, surface‑mount.

Q: What is the operating temperature range?
A: −40 to +85 °C (industrial).

Q: Does TUSB542RWQR support USB 3.1 Gen2 (10 Gbps)?
A: No. The device targets USB 3.1 Gen1 (5 Gbps) per the provided specifications.

Q: Can I use it in USB‑C hubs and docks?
A: Yes. USB hubs and docking stations are listed target applications.

Q: Does it support USB Power Delivery (PD) or Alternate Modes?
A: Not specified in the provided data. This device focuses on SuperSpeed high‑speed lane switching and redrive; consult the TI datasheet for any related control interfaces or system interactions.

Q: What are the supply voltage and EQ settings?
A: Not specified in the provided data. Refer to the TI datasheet for electrical characteristics and configuration details.

Q: Is it RoHS compliant?
A: RoHS status is not specified here. Check the Texas Instruments product page or compliance documents for the specific orderable.

Q: Are there recommended replacements or alternates?
A: None are listed in the provided data. Evaluate TI’s portfolio or qualified alternates if you require a second source.

Resources

• Product Page: https://www.ti.com/product/TUSB542
• Datasheet: https://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/tusb542.pdf

Summary

The Texas Instruments TUSB542RWQR integrates a 2:1 SuperSpeed mux and redriver for USB 3.1 Gen1 (5 Gbps) Type‑C designs, providing the signal conditioning and path selection many modern systems need. Its compact 18‑pin X2QFN package, industrial temperature rating, and focus on high‑speed lane integrity make it well suited for notebooks, tablets, hubs, docks, and embedded equipment. While details such as supply rails and EQ controls should be confirmed in the TI datasheet, the fundamentals—5‑Gbps operation, Type‑C high‑speed lane interfacing, and integrated redrive—position the TUSB542RWQR as a practical, production‑ready choice for SuperSpeed USB‑C architectures.