The maximum cable length supported by the TSB41BA3APFPG4 is 4.5 meters, as per the IEEE 1394a standard.
Yes, the TSB41BA3APFPG4 can operate in a 3.3V-only system, but it requires an external 1.8V regulator to power the internal core logic.
To implement a robust hot-plug detection mechanism, you can use the TSB41BA3APFPG4's built-in hot-plug detect circuitry, which generates an interrupt when a device is connected or disconnected. You can also use the chip's voltage regulator enable (VRE) pin to control the power supply to the downstream devices.
For optimal performance and thermal management, it is recommended to follow Texas Instruments' recommended PCB layout guidelines, which include using a 4-layer PCB with a solid ground plane, placing the chip near the connector, and using thermal vias to dissipate heat. Additionally, a heat sink may be required for high-power applications.
No, the TSB41BA3APFPG4 is only compatible with FireWire 400 (1394a) applications and does not support FireWire 800 (1394b) speeds.