Texas Instruments provides a recommended PCB layout in the DP8573AV datasheet, but it's essential to follow good high-speed design practices, such as using a solid ground plane, minimizing trace lengths, and using 50-ohm transmission lines for the differential pairs.
To ensure reliable operation, it's crucial to follow the recommended operating conditions, including temperature, voltage, and current. Additionally, consider using thermal management techniques, such as heat sinks or thermal pads, to maintain a stable temperature.
The internal termination resistors in the DP8573AV are designed for specific impedance values. However, they may not be suitable for all applications, especially those requiring custom impedance values. In such cases, external termination resistors may be necessary.
To troubleshoot signal integrity issues, use tools like oscilloscopes, signal generators, and protocol analyzers to analyze the signal quality, frequency, and protocol compliance. Also, review the PCB layout, component selection, and termination schemes to identify potential sources of signal degradation.
While the DP8573AV is a PCI Express-compliant device, it's not recommended to use it in non-compliant applications, as it may not meet the required specifications and could lead to compatibility issues or system failures.