[FAQ] DS125DF410: Why my retimer is not locking? Is this related to the reference clock ?

DS1xxDFxxx needs a stable 25MHz +/-100ppm reference clock to lock to the incoming signal. This reference clock is synthesized and enables the CDR to check incoming signal data rate. If for some reason incoming signal ppm is way off, compared to the synthesized 25MHz-clock - then it will not get qualified and CDR lock is not achieved. Given this, it is important to have a reliable reference clock. Steps below instructs the CDR to NOT use the reference clock and use a wide range of incoming signal rates to achieve lock. Given steps below, if CDR achieves lock then loss of lock is due to the reference clock.

RAW   FF        0C       FF        //enable smbus write to all channel

RAW   36       01       FF        //operate the CDR with no reference clock

RAW   0A       1C       FF        //reset CDR

RAW   0A       10       FF        //release reset

RAW   02       00       00       //read CDR status. If bits 3&4 are set, CDR has achieved lock

If we execute above steps and device is not locking then issue is not related to the reference clock.