Question:
In a design using two MAX14954 PCIe redriver chips in series with a longer cable in between, are there any design recommendations regarding the receiver detection feature?
Answer:
The MAX14954 will recognize a receiver if its transmitter outputs are terminated to GND with a 50 ohm resistor. It was designed for PCIe applications where it will be AC coupled on the re-driver receiver input side and DC coupled to GND via a 50 ohm termination resistor on the transmitter output side. Therefore, as far as the receiver detection feature is concerned, if the termination is done properly on transmitter output and AC coupling is done on re-driver receiver input side, it should be fine.