A Retimer chip is a hybrid device combining digital and analog signal processing, equipped with sensing capability to fully restore and retransmit data signals. It works by using its built-in Clock and Data Recovery (CDR) circuit to extract the embedded clock from the input signal, then uses the clean, undistorted clock signal to retransmit the data—producing a refreshed copy of the original signal.
With the introduction of PCIe 4.0, signal frequencies increased significantly, causing rapid signal attenuation and eye-diagram closure over short distances. To extend transmission distance, signal boosting became essential. In this sense, a Retimer acts as a signal enhancement chip similar to a Re-driver, but with more advanced capabilities. It can be understood as a signal repeater, strengthening both the RX and TX channels of Thunderbolt (TBT) so they can travel farther across a motherboard.
For USB4, Retimer chips ensure high-speed transmission quality and data integrity. These chips specifically handle signal re-timing, jitter reduction, and distance extension to maintain USB4 performance and reliability. They may be placed at either end of a USB4 connection or within the pathway to properly condition and enhance signals during transmission. As a result, USB4 connections can reliably support high-speed data transfer and demanding display requirements.
Today , let us learn more about the KM864742 , which we use for our USB 4 , the MSLFORCE 2nd Genernation USB C to USB C cable.
![]()
The KM864742 is a multi-protocol, bidirectional retimer specifically designed for USB Type-C data cables. It supports USB4 40Gbps and provides an active-cable retimer solution capable of transmitting and receiving data at speeds up to 40Gbps. It is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.2, DP 2.1, and DisplayPort Alt Mode.
Advantage :
![]()
A Retimer chip is a hybrid device combining digital and analog signal processing, equipped with sensing capability to fully restore and retransmit data signals. It works by using its built-in Clock and Data Recovery (CDR) circuit to extract the embedded clock from the input signal, then uses the clean, undistorted clock signal to retransmit the data—producing a refreshed copy of the original signal.
With the introduction of PCIe 4.0, signal frequencies increased significantly, causing rapid signal attenuation and eye-diagram closure over short distances. To extend transmission distance, signal boosting became essential. In this sense, a Retimer acts as a signal enhancement chip similar to a Re-driver, but with more advanced capabilities. It can be understood as a signal repeater, strengthening both the RX and TX channels of Thunderbolt (TBT) so they can travel farther across a motherboard.
For USB4, Retimer chips ensure high-speed transmission quality and data integrity. These chips specifically handle signal re-timing, jitter reduction, and distance extension to maintain USB4 performance and reliability. They may be placed at either end of a USB4 connection or within the pathway to properly condition and enhance signals during transmission. As a result, USB4 connections can reliably support high-speed data transfer and demanding display requirements.
Today , let us learn more about the KM864742 , which we use for our USB 4 , the MSLFORCE 2nd Genernation USB C to USB C cable.
![]()
The KM864742 is a multi-protocol, bidirectional retimer specifically designed for USB Type-C data cables. It supports USB4 40Gbps and provides an active-cable retimer solution capable of transmitting and receiving data at speeds up to 40Gbps. It is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.2, DP 2.1, and DisplayPort Alt Mode.
Advantage :
![]()