Deployable as an equalizer, pre-emphasis driver, or re-driver, the MAX3987 quad, 1-Gb/s to 8.5-Gb/s signal conditioner for copper interconnects can equalize up to 30” of FR4 or 10m of 24 AWG cable at its input and output with data rates up to 8.5 Gb/s. It features an I2C interface for programming the pre-emphasis, output swing, and output polarity of each channel. External pins can also be used to program these features. A multiprotocol device, the MAX3987 facilitates IP reuse and is suitable for 6.25-Gb/s XAUI, 8.5-Gb/s Fibre Channel, 6-Gb/s SAS/SATA, and InfiniBand DDR applications. Available in a 48-pin TQFN measuring 7 mm x 7 mm, price starts at $18.75 each/1,000. MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS, Sunnyvale, CA. (800) 998-8800.