Continuous calibration adaptation circuit and method for high speed comparators

By using a high-speed comparator designed with a half-rate structure and parity paths, and by employing time-division multiplexing of the sampler and a control voltage scanning algorithm, the offset voltage is calibrated in real time, thus solving the bit error rate problem caused by offset voltage in high-speed communication and improving communication quality.

CN121077437BActive Publication Date: 2026-02-17XIN YAOHUI TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511630492.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-11-10
Publication Date
2026-02-17
Estimated Expiration
2045-11-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the prior art, the offset voltage of high-speed comparators causes the decision threshold to shift, resulting in an increase in the bit error rate. Furthermore, existing calibration methods cannot effectively eliminate offset voltage in continuous high-speed communication, thus affecting communication quality.

Method used

A high-speed comparator with a half-rate structure is used, combined with odd-path and even-path design, and multiple samplers are used for time-division multiplexing. The offset voltage is calibrated in real time through a control voltage scanning algorithm to ensure uninterrupted communication.

Benefits of technology

It enables real-time calibration of offset voltage during high-speed communication, reducing bit error rate, improving receiving performance, and meeting the requirements of continuous high-speed communication.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of integrated circuits and provides a continuous calibration and adaptation circuit and method for a high-speed comparator. By utilizing a half-rate structure of the comparator and a setting including an odd path and an even path, a plurality of odd path samplers and a plurality of even path samplers are used to finely adjust respective decision threshold voltage of each sampler; by utilizing a time division multiplexing mechanism of the samplers, the configuration under normal communication and the configuration under calibration of the offset voltage are distinguished to realize continuous calibration and adaptation of the offset voltage of the comparator while ensuring normal communication; and the adjustment of the respective decision threshold voltage of the plurality of odd path samplers is performed by using the output of the even path of the previous input data, so that the calibration effect is not affected by the change of the threshold voltage during the calibration process.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of integrated circuit technology, and in particular to a continuous calibration adapter circuit and method for a high-speed comparator. Background Technology

[0002] In high-speed interface and high-speed digital communication applications, high-speed comparators are frequently used to compare high-speed signals received by the interface. As signal transmission rates increase, channel attenuation becomes more pronounced, resulting in smaller amplitude input signals received at the receiver. This necessitates more sensitive decision thresholds, and threshold shifts can lead to comparator errors, increasing the bit error rate. One significant cause of this threshold shift is the comparator's offset voltage. The comparator's offset voltage refers to the fact that its output is not zero when the input signal is zero. The causes of comparator offset voltage are varied, including input component mismatch, chip manufacturing processes, operating power supply voltage, chip temperature, and power supply noise, all of which can affect device stability and cause threshold shifts. Existing technologies typically employ two methods to eliminate comparator offset voltage: front-end calibration and back-end calibration. Front-end calibration uses a power-on calibration method, such as a scanning method where one input of the comparator is fixed at a specified voltage, and the other input is scanned to detect the threshold point where a transition occurs. However, front-end calibration needs to be performed before chip communication. During continuous chip communication, factors that may cause offset voltage, such as temperature and power supply noise, may have changed relative to the calibration time. This could introduce new offset voltage, or the calibration measures taken at the calibration time might not be sufficient to completely eliminate the current offset voltage. Back-end calibration compensates for the output offset voltage through additional calibration circuitry in the circuit design. However, back-end calibration generally requires interrupting normal communication and introducing test signals for calibration, which is not conducive to meeting the requirements of continuous high-speed communication.

[0003] To this end, this application proposes a continuous calibration adapter circuit and method for high-speed comparators. This method can not only perform calibration in real time during chip communication to offset the comparator's offset voltage, thereby reducing the bit error rate and improving the receiving performance, but also calibrate the comparator's offset voltage while maintaining normal communication without interruption, thus helping to meet the needs of continuous high-speed communication. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a continuous calibration adapter circuit for a high-speed comparator. The high-speed comparator has a half-rate structure and includes odd-path and even-path components. The continuous calibration adapter circuit includes multiple odd-path samplers and multiple even-path samplers. The multiple odd-path samplers and their respective decision threshold voltages include: an odd-path high-level data sampler, used to sample the output data information of the odd-path based on a high-level decision threshold voltage of the odd-path data signal; an odd-path low-level data sampler, used to sample the output data information of the odd-path based on a low-level decision threshold voltage of the odd-path data signal; an odd-path high-level amplitude sampler, used to sample the amplitude information of the output of the odd-path based on a high-level decision threshold voltage of the odd-path amplitude signal; and an odd-path low-level amplitude sampler, used to sample the amplitude information of the output of the odd-path based on a low-level decision threshold voltage of the odd-path amplitude signal. The circuit further includes a variable number of odd-path samplers and a variable number of even-path samplers. When the output of the even path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the output of the odd path high-level data sampler or the output of the odd path low-level data sampler serves as the data information of the output of the high-speed comparator. Furthermore, the output of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler or the output of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler serves as the amplitude information of the output of the high-speed comparator. The data information and amplitude information of the output of the high-speed comparator are used for the adaptive coefficient update of the high-speed comparator. When the output of the even path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adapter circuit uses the output of the even path for the previous input data to adjust the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the multiple odd path samplers to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the multiple odd path samplers.

[0005] By utilizing the first aspect of this application, a half-rate comparator structure including odd and even paths is employed. Multiple odd-path and even-path samplers with optimized designs enable fine-tuning of the decision threshold voltage for each sampler. Furthermore, by employing a time-division multiplexing mechanism for the samplers, differentiating between configurations for normal communication and those for offset voltage calibration, continuous calibration and adaptation of the comparator's offset voltage are achieved while maintaining normal communication. Moreover, the output of the even path for the previous input data is used to adjust the decision threshold voltages for each of the multiple odd-path samplers, thus preventing changes in threshold voltage during calibration from affecting the calibration effect. In this way, calibration can be performed in real-time during chip communication to offset the comparator's offset voltage, thereby reducing the bit error rate and improving reception performance. Moreover, the comparator's offset voltage can be calibrated while maintaining uninterrupted normal communication, which is beneficial for meeting the demands of continuous high-speed communication.

[0006] In one possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, when the output of the even path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adapter circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of odd path samplers respectively using the output of the even path for the previous input data to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the plurality of odd path samplers. This includes: selecting the output of the odd path high-level data sampler as the amplitude information of the odd path output; and, based on the output of the even path for the previous input data, selecting either the output of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler or the output of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler as the data information of the odd path output; and, based on the amplitude information and the data information of the odd path output, determining through a control voltage scanning algorithm that when the offset voltage of the odd path high-level data sampler is zero, the control voltage of the odd path high-level data sampler is used to adjust the high-level decision threshold voltage of the odd path data signal.

[0007] In one possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, when the output of the even path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adapter circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of odd path samplers respectively using the output of the even path for the previous input data to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the plurality of odd path samplers. This includes: selecting the output of the odd path low-level data sampler as the amplitude information of the odd path output; and, based on the output of the even path for the previous input data, selecting either the output of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler or the output of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler as the data information of the odd path output; and, based on the amplitude information and the data information of the odd path output, determining through the control voltage scanning algorithm that when the offset voltage of the odd path low-level data sampler is zero, the control voltage of the odd path low-level data sampler is used to adjust the low-level decision threshold voltage of the odd path data signal.

[0008] In one possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, when the output of the even path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adapter circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of odd path samplers respectively using the output of the even path for the previous input data to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the plurality of odd path samplers. This includes: selecting the output of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler as the amplitude information of the odd path output; and, based on the output of the even path for the previous input data, selecting either the output of the odd path high-level data sampler or the output of the odd path low-level data sampler as the data information of the odd path output; and, based on the amplitude information and the data information of the odd path output, determining through the control voltage scanning algorithm that when the offset voltage of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler is zero, the control voltage of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler is used to adjust the odd path amplitude signal high-level decision threshold voltage.

[0009] In one possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, when the output of the even path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator of the current input data, the continuous calibration adapter circuit uses the output of the even path for the previous input data to adjust the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of odd path samplers respectively to achieve offset voltage calibration of each of the plurality of odd path samplers. This includes: selecting the output of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler as the amplitude information of the odd path output; and, based on the output of the even path for the previous input data, selecting either the output of the odd path high-level data sampler or the output of the odd path low-level data sampler as the data information of the odd path output; and, based on the amplitude information and the data information of the odd path output, determining through the control voltage scanning algorithm that when the offset voltage of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler is zero, the control voltage of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler is used to adjust the odd path amplitude signal low-level decision threshold voltage.

[0010] In one possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, the continuous calibration adapter circuit further includes a plurality of odd path selectors with a two-to-one function. The plurality of odd path selectors are odd path selector 0, odd path selector 1, odd path selector 2, and odd path selector 3. The two input terminals of odd path selector 0 are respectively connected to the output of the odd path high-level data sampler and the output of the odd path low-level data sampler. The two input terminals of odd path selector 1 are respectively connected to the output of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler and the output of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler. The two input terminals of odd path selector 2 are respectively connected to the output terminals of odd path selector 0 and odd path selector 1. The output terminal of odd path selector 2 is used to provide data information of the odd path output. The two input terminals of odd path selector 3 are respectively connected to the output terminals of odd path selector 0 and odd path selector 1. The output terminal of odd path selector 3 is used to provide amplitude information of the odd path output.

[0011] In one possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, the plurality of odd path selectors are controlled by odd path control codes, and the odd path control codes are used for time-division multiplexing of the plurality of odd path samplers, thereby achieving offset voltage calibration of the plurality of odd path samplers while keeping the communication service of the high-speed comparator uninterrupted.

[0012] In one possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, the output of the even path for the previous input data is used to increase or decrease the first tap coefficient associated with the odd path, and the adjustment of the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each of the plurality of odd path samplers is achieved by adjusting the control voltage of each of the plurality of odd path samplers.

[0013] In one possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of odd path samplers are adjusted based on the first tap coefficient and the expected amplitude value, wherein the expected amplitude value is the expected value of the convergence of the filter function of the high-speed comparator.

[0014] In one possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, the plurality of even-path samplers and the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each of the plurality of even-path samplers include: an even-path high-level data sampler, used to sample the data information of the output of the even-path based on the even-path data signal high-level decision threshold voltage; an even-path low-level data sampler, used to sample the data information of the output of the even-path based on the even-path data signal low-level decision threshold voltage; an even-path high-level amplitude sampler, used to sample the amplitude information of the output of the even-path based on the even-path amplitude signal high-level decision threshold voltage; and an even-path low-level amplitude sampler, used to sample the amplitude information of the output of the even-path based on the even-path amplitude signal low-level decision threshold voltage, wherein, when the output of the even-path is used for the current input data... When the high-speed comparator outputs, the output of the even-path high-level data sampler or the output of the even-path low-level data sampler serves as the data information of the high-speed comparator output. Furthermore, the output of the even-path high-level amplitude sampler or the output of the even-path low-level amplitude sampler serves as the amplitude information of the high-speed comparator output. The data information and amplitude information of the high-speed comparator output are used for the adaptive coefficient update of the high-speed comparator. When the output of the odd-path sampler is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adaptation circuit uses the output of the odd-path sampler for the previous input data to adjust the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the multiple even-path samplers to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the multiple even-path samplers.

[0015] In one possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, when the output of the odd path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adapter circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of even path samplers respectively using the output of the odd path for the previous input data to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the plurality of even path samplers. This includes: selecting the output of the even path high-level data sampler as the amplitude information of the even path output; and, based on the output of the odd path for the previous input data, selecting either the output of the even path high-level amplitude sampler or the output of the even path low-level amplitude sampler as the data information of the even path output; and, based on the amplitude information and the data information of the even path output, determining through the control voltage scanning algorithm that when the offset voltage of the even path high-level data sampler is zero, the control voltage of the even path high-level data sampler is used to adjust the high-level decision threshold voltage of the even path data signal.

[0016] In one possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, when the output of the odd path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adapter circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of even path samplers respectively using the output of the odd path for the previous input data to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the plurality of even path samplers. This includes: selecting the output of the even path low-level data sampler as the amplitude information of the even path output; and, based on the output of the odd path for the previous input data, selecting either the output of the even path high-level amplitude sampler or the output of the even path low-level amplitude sampler as the data information of the even path output; and, based on the amplitude information and the data information of the even path output, determining through the control voltage scanning algorithm that when the offset voltage of the even path low-level data sampler is zero, the control voltage of the even path low-level data sampler is used to adjust the low-level decision threshold voltage of the even path data signal.

[0017] In one possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, when the output of the odd path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adapter circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of even path samplers respectively using the output of the odd path for the previous input data to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the plurality of even path samplers. This includes: selecting the output of the even path high-level amplitude sampler as the amplitude information of the even path output; and, based on the output of the odd path for the previous input data, selecting either the output of the even path high-level data sampler or the output of the even path low-level data sampler as the data information of the even path output; and, based on the amplitude information and the data information of the even path output, determining through the control voltage scanning algorithm that when the offset voltage of the even path high-level amplitude sampler is zero, the control voltage of the even path high-level amplitude sampler is used to adjust the even path amplitude signal high-level decision threshold voltage.

[0018] In one possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, when the output of the odd path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adapter circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of even path samplers respectively using the output of the odd path for the previous input data to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the plurality of even path samplers. This includes: selecting the output of the even path low-level amplitude sampler as the amplitude information of the even path output; and, based on the output of the odd path for the previous input data, selecting either the output of the even path high-level data sampler or the output of the even path low-level data sampler as the data information of the even path output; and, based on the amplitude information and the data information of the even path output, determining through the control voltage scanning algorithm that when the offset voltage of the even path low-level amplitude sampler is zero, the control voltage of the even path low-level amplitude sampler is used to adjust the even path amplitude signal low-level decision threshold voltage.

[0019] In one possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, the continuous calibration adapter circuit further includes multiple even path selectors with a two-to-one function. The multiple even path selectors are even path selector 0, even path selector 1, even path selector 2, and even path selector 3. The two input terminals of even path selector 0 are respectively connected to the output of the even path high-level data sampler and the output of the even path low-level data sampler. The two input terminals of even path selector 1 are respectively connected to the output of the even path high-level amplitude sampler and the output of the even path low-level amplitude sampler. The two input terminals of even path selector 2 are respectively connected to the output terminals of even path selector 0 and even path selector 1. The output terminal of even path selector 2 is used to provide data information of the even path output. Furthermore, the two input terminals of even path selector 3 are respectively connected to the output terminals of even path selector 0 and even path selector 1. The output terminal of even path selector 3 is used to provide amplitude information of the even path output.

[0020] In one possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, the plurality of even path selectors are controlled by an even path control code, and the even path control code is used for time-division multiplexing of the plurality of even path samplers, thereby achieving offset voltage calibration of the plurality of even path samplers while keeping the communication service of the high-speed comparator uninterrupted.

[0021] In one possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, the output of the odd path for the previous input data is used to increase or decrease the second tap coefficient associated with the even path, and the adjustment of the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each of the plurality of even path samplers is achieved by adjusting the control voltage of each of the plurality of even path samplers.

[0022] In one possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of even-path samplers are adjusted based on the second tap coefficient and the expected amplitude value, wherein the expected amplitude value is the expected value of the convergence of the filter function of the high-speed comparator.

[0023] In one possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, the high-speed comparator is a half-rate decision feedback equalizer.

[0024] In one possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, when the high-speed comparator is powered on, the continuous calibration adapter circuit uses a static operating voltage to calibrate the plurality of odd path samplers and the plurality of even path samplers.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, the continuous calibration adapter circuit further includes a boundary sampler, which is used to sample the transition information of the output of the high-speed comparator. The transition information of the output of the high-speed comparator is used to cooperate with the clock data recovery circuit or the continuous time linear equalizer in the receiver where the high-speed comparator is located.

[0026] Secondly, this application provides a continuous calibration adaptation method for a high-speed comparator. The high-speed comparator has a half-rate structure and includes odd-path and even-path components. The continuous calibration adaptation circuit includes multiple odd-path samplers and multiple even-path samplers. The multiple odd-path samplers and their respective decision threshold voltages include: an odd-path high-level data sampler, used to sample the output data information of the odd-path based on a high-level decision threshold voltage of the odd-path data signal; an odd-path low-level data sampler, used to sample the output data information of the odd-path based on a low-level decision threshold voltage of the odd-path data signal; an odd-path high-level amplitude sampler, used to sample the amplitude information of the output of the odd-path based on a high-level decision threshold voltage of the odd-path amplitude signal; and an odd-path low-level amplitude sampler, used to sample the amplitude information of the output of the odd-path based on a low-level decision threshold voltage of the odd-path amplitude signal. The continuous calibration adaptation method includes: when the output of the odd path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the output of the odd path high-level data sampler or the output of the odd path low-level data sampler is used as the data information of the output of the high-speed comparator, and the output of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler or the output of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler is used as the amplitude information of the output of the high-speed comparator. The data information and amplitude information of the output of the high-speed comparator are used for the adaptive coefficient update of the high-speed comparator. When the output of the even path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of odd path samplers are adjusted using the output of the even path for the previous input data to achieve offset voltage calibration of each of the plurality of odd path samplers.

[0027] Through the second aspect of this application, by utilizing the half-rate structure of the comparator and including odd and even paths, and employing multiple optimized odd-path samplers and multiple even-path samplers, fine-tuning of the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each sampler is achieved. Furthermore, by utilizing the time-division multiplexing mechanism of the samplers, and distinguishing between the configuration under normal communication conditions and the configuration under offset voltage calibration conditions, continuous calibration and adaptation of the comparator's offset voltage is achieved while ensuring normal communication. Moreover, by using the output of the even path for the previous input data to perform the adjustment of the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each of the multiple odd-path samplers, the calibration effect is avoided due to changes in the threshold voltage during the calibration process. Thus, calibration can be performed in real time during chip communication, thereby offsetting the comparator's offset voltage and reducing the bit error rate and improving reception performance. Moreover, the comparator's offset voltage can be calibrated while maintaining uninterrupted normal communication, which is beneficial for meeting the requirements of continuous high-speed communication. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a receiver circuit including a high-speed comparator and a continuous calibration adapter circuit, provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating a sequential calibration adapter circuit for multiple odd path samplers is provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating a continuous calibration adapter circuit for multiple even-path samplers is provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a continuous calibration and adaptation method for a high-speed comparator provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The embodiments of this application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] It should be understood that in the description of this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. In addition, the words "first," "second," etc., unless otherwise stated, are used only for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a receiver circuit including a high-speed comparator and a continuous calibration adapter circuit, provided as an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the receiver circuit includes a termination 101, an analog front end (AFE) 102, a high-speed comparator 110, a deserializer 103, and a continuous calibration adapter circuit 120. Here, the termination 101 in the receiver circuit receives analog signals, and then the analog front end 102 converts the analog signals into digital signals, which are then processed by the high-speed comparator 110. The specific circuitry of the high-speed comparator 110 can be of various suitable types, such as a two-stage dynamic comparator design, including a first-stage amplifier circuit for amplifying small input signals and a second-stage latch circuit for latching the signals. The high-speed comparator 110 can be a decision feedback equalizer (DFE), which, after processing the received signal, delays the decision signal input to a filter, and uses the weighted sum of the filter outputs to cancel inter-symbol interference (ISI). In some embodiments, the high-speed comparator 110 employs a DFE circuit structure and minimizes ISI by adding or subtracting weighted versions of previously received symbols from the current symbol. Deserializer 103 performs deserialization, converting high-speed serial input data into multiple parallel output data. Deserializer 103 works in conjunction with high-speed comparator 110, particularly high-speed comparator 110 employing a DFE circuit structure. Generally, the external serial signal passes through a linear equalizer or the equalization processor of the DFE, and then is converted into a parallel signal by deserializer 103 for subsequent processing by the Continuous Calibration & Adaptation (CCA) circuit 120. The CCA circuit 120 continuously calibrates the offset voltage of the high-speed comparator 110 while ensuring uninterrupted normal communication of the high-speed comparator 110.

[0036] See Figure 1The high-speed comparator 110 has a half-rate structure and includes an odd path and an even path. The continuous calibration adapter circuit 120 includes multiple odd path samplers and multiple even path samplers. The multiple odd path samplers and their respective decision threshold voltages include: an odd path high-level data sampler, used to sample the output data information of the odd path based on the odd path data signal high-level decision threshold voltage; an odd path low-level data sampler, used to sample the output data information of the odd path based on the odd path data signal low-level decision threshold voltage; an odd path high-level amplitude sampler, used to sample the amplitude information of the odd path output based on the odd path amplitude signal high-level decision threshold voltage; and an odd path low-level amplitude sampler, used to sample the amplitude information of the odd path output based on the odd path amplitude signal low-level decision threshold voltage. Specifically, when the output of the odd path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator 110 for the current input data, the output of the odd path high-level data sampler or the output of the odd path low-level data sampler serves as the data information of the output of the high-speed comparator 110, and the output of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler or the output of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler serves as the amplitude information of the output of the high-speed comparator 110. The data information and amplitude information of the output of the high-speed comparator 110 are used for the adaptive coefficient update of the high-speed comparator 110. When the output of the even path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator 110 for the current input data, the continuous calibration adapter circuit 120 uses the output of the even path for the previous input data to adjust the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the multiple odd path samplers to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the multiple odd path samplers. Thus, through the cooperation of the high-speed comparator 110 and the continuous calibration adapter circuit 120, the final output result includes the data information and amplitude information of the output data. Therefore, there are two types of samplers: a data slicer for sampling data information and an error slicer (also called an amplitude slicer) for sampling amplitude information. By time-division multiplexing these two types of samplers, continuous calibration and adaptation of the offset voltage of the high-speed comparator 110 can be achieved while ensuring normal communication. Therefore, the continuous calibration and adaptation circuit 120 can support various circuits that rely on the high-speed comparator 110 to provide a stable and reliable judgment threshold voltage, such as the DFE at the receiver.

[0037] Continue reading Figure 1As high-speed interfaces become increasingly faster, channel attenuation increases dramatically. Receivers, using equalization techniques, typically obtain signals with relatively small amplitudes, thus placing increasingly stringent requirements on the decision threshold of the high-speed comparator 110. However, chip manufacturing processes, operating power supply voltages, and chip temperatures can all cause the decision threshold of the high-speed comparator 110 to drift, introducing offset voltages and significantly increasing the bit error rate at the receiver. Furthermore, as the interface chip continues to communicate, its power supply voltage and temperature may also change, necessitating real-time and continuous calibration to compensate for newly generated offset voltages. Moreover, to meet the demands of high-speed communication, uninterrupted communication must be ensured. Therefore, the high-speed comparator 110 utilizes a half-rate structure and includes odd and even paths. This allows the output to be split into odd and even path outputs using a sampler and feedback circuit, combined with a half-rate architecture design. For example, the high-speed comparator 110 can be a half-rate architecture DFE, using an inverted clock signal for alternating sampling, thereby providing odd and even path outputs respectively. During normal operation, data information is sampled through a data sampler, including the output data information of even paths (data_o) and odd paths (data_e). Similarly, amplitude information is sampled through an amplitude sampler, including the output amplitude information of even paths (err_o) and odd paths (err_e). This allows for adaptive adjustment of the tap coefficients to meet the needs of different channel applications. When offset voltage calibration is required, the control voltage of each sampler can be adjusted. By scanning the control voltage, the corresponding threshold voltage of the high-speed comparator 110 can be adjusted, thereby counteracting the impact of the offset voltage on the threshold of the high-speed comparator 110. This can be achieved by monitoring the output of the high-speed comparator 110 and feeding back the control voltage value until the offset voltage is eliminated, at which point the corresponding control voltage value is fixed. It is important to note that if the threshold voltage of the high-speed comparator 110 changes during calibration, it will affect the correct sampling of the high-speed comparator 110, leading to bit errors in the link and hindering the calibration process. To this end, taking advantage of the high-speed comparator 110's half-rate structure and the inclusion of odd and even paths, multiple odd-path samplers and multiple even-path samplers with optimized designs are used. By finely adjusting the threshold voltage corresponding to each sampler, and utilizing the half-rate structure and the odd and even path settings, offset voltage calibration is achieved while maintaining communication. Specifically, four samplers are provided for the odd-path output.The four samplers and their respective uses are as follows: Odd-path high-level data sampler, used to sample the output data information of the odd path based on a high-level decision threshold voltage of the odd-path data signal; Odd-path low-level data sampler, used to sample the output data information of the odd path based on a low-level decision threshold voltage of the odd-path data signal; Odd-path high-level amplitude sampler, used to sample the amplitude information of the output of the odd path based on a high-level judgment threshold voltage of the odd-path amplitude signal; and Odd-path low-level amplitude sampler, used to sample the amplitude information of the output of the odd path based on a low-level judgment threshold voltage of the odd-path amplitude signal. Here, the high-level decision threshold voltage is used to determine whether the corresponding object is high enough to be considered a high-level state. For example, the odd-path data signal high-level decision threshold voltage is used to determine whether the output data information of the odd path has reached a high-level state, and the odd-path amplitude signal high-level judgment threshold voltage is used to determine whether the output amplitude information of the odd path has reached a high-level state. Conversely, the low-level decision threshold voltage is used to determine whether the corresponding object is low enough to be considered a low-level state. For example, the low-level decision threshold voltage for odd-path data signals is used to determine whether the output data information of the odd-path has reached a low-level state, and the low-level decision threshold voltage for odd-path amplitude signals is used to determine whether the output amplitude information of the odd-path has reached a low-level state. Thus, for the odd-path of the high-speed comparator 110, four samplers are provided, as well as four decision threshold voltages that can be finely adjusted separately.

[0038] Continue reading Figure 1In addition to providing four samplers for odd paths (i.e., four odd path samplers) and four corresponding finely adjustable decision threshold voltages for sampling the output of odd paths, a time-division multiplexing mechanism for the samplers is also provided. This ensures normal communication while enabling continuous calibration and adaptation of the offset voltage of the high-speed comparator 110, effectively overcoming the bit error problem caused by threshold voltage changes during calibration. Specifically, when the output of the odd path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator 110 for the current input data, the output of the odd path high-level data sampler or the output of the odd path low-level data sampler serves as the data information of the output of the high-speed comparator 110. Furthermore, the output of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler or the output of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler serves as the amplitude information of the output of the high-speed comparator 110. The data information and amplitude information of the output of the high-speed comparator 110 are used for the adaptive coefficient update of the high-speed comparator 110. Thus, when the output of the odd path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator 110 for the current input data (such as the current symbol), it means that under the half-rate structure design, the output of the odd path corresponds to the current normal communication requirements. Therefore, the sampler of the odd path can be controlled according to the configuration under normal communication conditions. Thus, the output of the odd path high-level data sampler or the output of the odd path low-level data sampler is used as the data information of the output of the high-speed comparator 110, and the output of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler or the output of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler is used as the amplitude information of the output of the high-speed comparator 110, thereby achieving normal communication for the current input data. In other words, when the odd path in the high-speed comparator 110 is used to meet the current normal communication requirements, the output offset voltage of the odd path is not sampled, nor is the adjustment of the judgment threshold voltage associated with the odd path performed, thus ensuring that the communication service is not interrupted. When the output of the even path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator 110 for the current input data, the continuous calibration adapter circuit uses the output of the even path for the previous input data to adjust the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of odd path samplers to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the plurality of odd path samplers. Thus, when the output of the even path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator 110 for the current input data (e.g., the current symbol), this means that under the half-rate architecture design, the output of the even path corresponds to the current normal communication requirements. In other words, when the even path in the high-speed comparator 110 is used to meet the current normal communication requirements, sampling the offset voltage of the odd path output and adjusting the decision threshold voltage associated with the odd path will not cause communication service interruption.Therefore, the samplers for odd paths can be controlled according to the configuration under the calibration offset voltage condition. In order to avoid the calibration effect being affected by the change of threshold voltage during the calibration process, the output of the even path for the previous input data (such as the previous symbol) is selected. Furthermore, by adjusting the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each of the multiple odd path samplers, fine adjustment is achieved for the four decision threshold voltages, which can better counteract the influence of offset voltage.

[0039] In short, Figure 1 The receiver circuit shown includes a high-speed comparator and a continuous calibration adaptation circuit. Utilizing the comparator's half-rate structure and the inclusion of odd and even paths, multiple optimized odd-path and even-path samplers enable fine-tuning of the decision threshold voltage for each sampler. Furthermore, by employing a time-division multiplexing mechanism for the samplers, differentiating between configurations for normal communication and those for offset voltage calibration, continuous calibration adaptation of the comparator's offset voltage is achieved while maintaining normal communication. Moreover, the output of the even path for the previous input data is used to adjust the decision threshold voltages for each of the multiple odd-path samplers, thus preventing changes in threshold voltage during calibration from affecting the calibration effect. In this way, calibration can be performed in real-time during chip communication to offset the comparator's offset voltage, thereby reducing the bit error rate and improving reception performance. Moreover, the comparator's offset voltage can be calibrated while maintaining uninterrupted normal communication, which is beneficial for meeting the requirements of continuous high-speed communication.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a sequential calibration adapter circuit for multiple odd path samplers, provided as an embodiment of this application. Figure 2As shown, the plurality of odd path samplers and their respective decision threshold voltages include: an odd path high-level data sampler 210, used to sample the output data information 250 of the odd path based on the odd path data signal high-level decision threshold voltage; an odd path low-level data sampler 212, used to sample the output data information 250 of the odd path based on the odd path data signal low-level decision threshold voltage; an odd path high-level amplitude sampler 214, used to sample the output amplitude information 252 of the odd path based on the odd path amplitude signal high-level decision threshold voltage; and an odd path low-level amplitude sampler 216, used to sample the output amplitude information 252 of the odd path based on the odd path amplitude signal low-level decision threshold voltage. Specifically, when the output of the odd path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the output of the odd path high-level data sampler 210 or the output of the odd path low-level data sampler 212 serves as the data information 250 of the odd path output, and the output of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler 214 or the output of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler 216 serves as the amplitude information 252 of the odd path output. The data information 250 and the amplitude information 252 of the odd path output are used for the adaptive coefficient update of the high-speed comparator. When the output of the even path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adaptation circuit uses the output of the even path for the previous input data to adjust the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of odd path samplers to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the plurality of odd path samplers.

[0041] See Figure 2The system provides four samplers for odd paths, along with four corresponding finely adjustable decision threshold voltages for sampling the output of the odd paths. It also provides a time-division multiplexing mechanism for the samplers, ensuring normal communication while continuously calibrating and adapting the offset voltage of the high-speed comparator, effectively overcoming bit error problems caused by threshold voltage changes during calibration. Specifically, when the output of the odd path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the output of the odd path high-level data sampler 210 or the output of the odd path low-level data sampler 212 serves as the data information 250 of the odd path output. Furthermore, the output of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler 214 or the output of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler 216 serves as the amplitude information 252 of the odd path output. The data information 250 and the amplitude information 252 of the odd path output are used for the adaptive coefficient update of the high-speed comparator. Thus, when the output of the odd path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data (such as the current symbol), it means that under the half-rate structure design, the output of the odd path corresponds to the current normal communication requirements. Therefore, the sampler of the odd path can be controlled according to the configuration under normal communication conditions. Thus, the output of the odd path high-level data sampler 210 or the output of the odd path low-level data sampler 212 is used as the data information 250 of the odd path output, and the output of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler 214 or the output of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler 216 is used as the amplitude information 252 of the odd path output. This achieves normal communication for the current input data. In other words, when the odd path in the high-speed comparator is used to meet the current normal communication requirements, the output offset voltage of the odd path is not sampled, nor is the adjustment of the judgment threshold voltage associated with the odd path performed, thus ensuring that the communication service is not interrupted. When the output of the even path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adapter circuit uses the output of the even path for the previous input data to adjust the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the multiple odd path samplers to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the multiple odd path samplers. Thus, when the output of the even path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data (e.g., the current symbol), this means that in the half-rate architecture design, the output of the even path corresponds to the current normal communication requirements. In other words, when the even path in the high-speed comparator is used to meet the current normal communication requirements, sampling the offset voltage of the odd path output and adjusting the decision threshold voltage associated with the odd path will not cause communication service interruption. Therefore, the control of the odd path samplers can be performed according to the configuration for offset voltage calibration.To avoid affecting the calibration results due to threshold voltage variations during calibration, the output of the even path corresponding to the previous input data (e.g., the previous symbol) was selected. Furthermore, by adjusting the decision threshold voltages of the multiple odd path samplers individually, fine-tuning of the four decision threshold voltages was achieved, thus better offsetting the influence of offset voltage. In this way, utilizing the comparator's half-rate structure and including both odd and even paths, and employing optimized designs of multiple odd and even path samplers, fine-tuning of the decision threshold voltage for each sampler was achieved. Moreover, by utilizing the time-division multiplexing mechanism of the samplers, distinguishing between the configuration under normal communication and the configuration under offset voltage calibration, continuous calibration adaptation of the comparator's offset voltage was achieved while ensuring normal communication. Finally, by using the output of the even path corresponding to the previous input data to perform the adjustment of the decision threshold voltages of the multiple odd path samplers, the calibration results were prevented from being affected by threshold voltage variations during calibration. In this way, calibration can be performed in real time during chip communication to offset the comparator's offset voltage, thereby reducing the bit error rate and improving the receiving performance. Moreover, the comparator's offset voltage can be calibrated while maintaining normal communication without interruption, which is beneficial for meeting the needs of continuous high-speed communication.

[0042] See Figure 2The continuous calibration adapter circuit further includes multiple odd path selectors with a two-to-one function. These multiple odd path selectors are odd path selector 0 (odd path selector A220), odd path selector 1 (odd path selector B222), odd path selector 2 (odd path selector C224), and odd path selector 3 (odd path selector D226). The two inputs of odd path selector 0 (odd path selector A220) are respectively connected to the outputs of the odd path high-level data sampler 210 and the odd path low-level data sampler 212. The two inputs of odd path selector 1 (odd path selector B222) are respectively connected to the outputs of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler 214 and the odd path low-level amplitude sampler 216. The two inputs of odd path selector 2 (odd path selector C224) are respectively connected to the outputs of odd path selector 0 (odd path selector A220) and the odd path low-level amplitude sampler 216. The output of odd path selector 1 (odd path selector B222) and the output of odd path selector 2 (odd path selector C224) are used to provide data information 250 of the output of the odd path. The two inputs of odd path selector 3 (odd path selector D226) are respectively connected to the output of odd path selector 0 (odd path selector A220) and the output of odd path selector 1 (odd path selector B222). The output of odd path selector 3 (odd path selector D226) is used to provide amplitude information 252 of the output of the odd path. Thus, by using multiple odd-path selectors with a two-to-one function, the configuration for normal communication and the configuration for offset voltage calibration are distinguished. This allows the use of the comparator's half-rate structure, which includes both odd and even paths. When the output of the odd path corresponds to the current normal communication requirement, normal communication is guaranteed not to be interrupted. Conversely, when the output of the even path corresponds to the current normal communication requirement, the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the multiple odd-path samplers are adjusted to achieve offset voltage calibration for each sampler. In some embodiments, taking a high-speed comparator as an example, the DFE employs an open-loop structure with a timing critical path and tap loop unrolling. To ensure that offset voltage calibration does not affect normal communication, the aforementioned multiple odd-path selectors are used in conjunction with the samplers to provide selection functionality.Specifically, during normal communication, odd path selector 0 (odd path selector A220) and odd path selector 1 (odd path selector B222) are used to implement the tap loop expansion of the DFE. Odd path selector 2 (odd path selector C224) selects the reference voltage output of the corresponding data sampler, that is, selects the output of the odd path high-level data sampler 210 or the output of the odd path low-level data sampler 212 as the odd path output data information 250. Furthermore, odd path selector 3 (odd path selector D226) selects the reference voltage output of the corresponding amplitude sampler, that is, selects the output of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler 214 or the output of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler 216 as the odd path output amplitude information 252. Thus, the odd path output data information 250 and the odd path output amplitude information 252 are provided, and these two sets of information are used for adaptive coefficient updates. It should be understood that... Figure 2 The design of multiple odd-path selectors with a two-to-one function shown is merely exemplary. In some embodiments, the continuous calibration adapter circuit can implement the time-division multiplexing mechanism of the samplers and finely adjust the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each sampler through any suitable circuit, hardware, firmware, and software. For example, it can be... Figure 2 The selection function provided by the multiple odd path selectors with two-to-one capability shown is implemented by a programmable logic device, and can be configured under normal communication conditions and under calibrated offset voltage conditions through pre-written scripts.

[0043] See Figure 2The multiple odd-path selectors are controlled by odd-path control codes, which are used for time-division multiplexing of the multiple odd-path samplers. This allows for offset voltage calibration of each odd-path sampler while maintaining uninterrupted communication services of the high-speed comparator. Thus, by utilizing multiple odd-path selectors and odd-path control codes, fine-tuning of four decision threshold voltages is achieved without affecting normal link communication, enabling real-time calibration of the four samplers and better mitigating the impact of offset voltage. Furthermore, the continuous calibration adapter circuit provides a continuous calibration adaptation function that can be combined with front-end calibration, i.e., power-on calibration performed before chip communication. Therefore, based on front-end calibration, a continuous calibration adapter circuit and method are proposed to address the impact of high-speed comparator offset voltage on the communication link at the high-speed interface receiver. Front-end calibration can address the impact of chip manufacturing processes on offset voltage, while continuous calibration adaptation addresses the impact of voltage and temperature changes on offset voltage during communication, thus compensating for the shortcomings of front-end calibration. Furthermore, by employing a time-division multiplexing method, normal communication of business data can be guaranteed while calibration is completed, without adding any additional hardware overhead.

[0044] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one possible implementation, when the output of the even path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adapter circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of odd path samplers respectively using the output of the even path for the previous input data to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the plurality of odd path samplers. This includes: selecting the output of the odd path high-level data sampler 210 as the amplitude information 252 of the odd path output; and, based on the output of the even path for the previous input data, selecting the output of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler 214 or the output of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler 216 as the data information 250 of the odd path output; and, based on the amplitude information 252 and the data information 250 of the odd path output, determining through a control voltage scanning algorithm that when the offset voltage of the odd path high-level data sampler 210 is zero, the control voltage of the odd path high-level data sampler 210 is used to adjust the high-level decision threshold voltage of the odd path data signal. Figure 2Taking the multiple odd path selectors shown as an example, during continuous calibration and adaptation, odd path selector 2 (odd path selector C224) selects the output from odd path selector 1 (odd path selector B222) as the output data information 250 of the odd path. At the same time, odd path selector 1 (odd path selector B222) determines whether to select the output of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler 214 or the output of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler 216 as the output of odd path selector 1 (odd path selector B222) based on the output of another path (i.e., the output of the even path for the previous input data). Furthermore, odd path selector 0 (odd path selector A220) and odd path selector 3 (odd path selector D226) consistently select the output of the odd path high-level data sampler 210 as the amplitude information 252 of the odd path output, thereby achieving calibration of the offset voltage of the odd path high-level data sampler 210. An algorithm similar to eye diagram scanning can be introduced to determine the control voltage for the odd path high-level data sampler 210 when the offset voltage is zero. In this way, fine-tuning of the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each sampler is achieved.

[0045] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one possible implementation, when the output of the even path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adapter circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of odd path samplers respectively using the output of the even path for the previous input data to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the plurality of odd path samplers. This includes: selecting the output of the odd path low-level data sampler 212 as the amplitude information 252 of the odd path output; and, based on the output of the even path for the previous input data, selecting the output of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler 214 or the output of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler 216 as the data information 250 of the odd path output; and, based on the amplitude information 252 and the data information 250 of the odd path output, determining through the control voltage scanning algorithm that when the offset voltage of the odd path low-level data sampler 212 is zero, the control voltage of the odd path low-level data sampler 212 is used to adjust the low-level decision threshold voltage of the odd path data signal. Figure 2Taking the multiple odd-path selectors shown as an example, during continuous calibration and adaptation, odd-path selector 0 (odd-path selector A220) and odd-path selector 3 (odd-path selector D226) consistently select the output of the odd-path low-level data sampler 212, thereby calibrating the odd-path low-level data sampler 212. An algorithm similar to eye diagram scanning is introduced to determine the control voltage for the odd-path low-level data sampler 212 when the offset voltage is zero. In this way, fine-tuning of the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each sampler is achieved.

[0046] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one possible implementation, when the output of the even path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adapter circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of odd path samplers respectively using the output of the even path for the previous input data to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the plurality of odd path samplers. This includes: selecting the output of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler 214 as the amplitude information 252 of the odd path output; and, based on the output of the even path for the previous input data, selecting the output of the odd path high-level data sampler 210 or the output of the odd path low-level data sampler 212 as the data information 250 of the odd path output; and, based on the amplitude information 252 and the data information 250 of the odd path output, determining through the control voltage scanning algorithm that when the offset voltage of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler 214 is zero, the control voltage of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler 214 is used to adjust the odd path amplitude signal high-level decision threshold voltage. Figure 2Taking the multiple odd-path selectors shown as an example, during continuous calibration adaptation, odd-path selector 2 (odd-path selector C224) selects the output of odd-path selector 0 (odd-path selector A220) as the data information 250 of the odd-path output. Furthermore, odd-path selector 0 (odd-path selector A220) is determined by the output of another path (i.e., the output of the even path for the previous input data) to select either the output of the odd-path high-level data sampler 210 or the output of the odd-path low-level data sampler 212 as the output of odd-path selector 0 (odd-path selector A220). Additionally, odd-path selectors 1 (odd-path selector B222) and 3 (odd-path selector D226) consistently select the output of the odd-path high-level amplitude sampler 214 to calibrate the odd-path high-level amplitude sampler 214. An algorithm similar to eye diagram scanning is introduced to determine the control voltage for the odd-path high-level amplitude sampler 214 when the offset voltage is zero. In this way, the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each sampler can be precisely adjusted.

[0047] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one possible implementation, when the output of the even path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adapter circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of odd path samplers respectively using the output of the even path for the previous input data to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the plurality of odd path samplers. This includes: selecting the output of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler 216 as the amplitude information 252 of the odd path output; and, based on the output of the even path for the previous input data, selecting the output of the odd path high-level data sampler 210 or the output of the odd path low-level data sampler 212 as the data information 250 of the odd path output; and, based on the amplitude information 252 and the data information 250 of the odd path output, determining through the control voltage scanning algorithm that when the offset voltage of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler 216 is zero, the control voltage of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler 216 is used to adjust the odd path amplitude signal low-level decision threshold voltage. Figure 2Taking the multiple odd-path selectors shown as an example, during continuous calibration and adaptation, odd-path selector 1 (odd-path selector B222) and odd-path selector 3 (odd-path selector D226) consistently select the output of the odd-path low-level amplitude sampler 216 to calibrate it. An algorithm similar to eye diagram scanning is introduced to determine the control voltage for the odd-path low-level amplitude sampler 216 when the offset voltage is zero. In this way, fine-tuning of the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each sampler is achieved. It should be understood that the calibration of the offset voltages of the odd-path high-level data sampler 210, odd-path low-level data sampler 212, odd-path high-level amplitude sampler 214, and odd-path low-level amplitude sampler 216 is performed separately, following a preset sequence, with the calibration of the next sampler performed after the calibration of the previous sampler is completed. The specific order can be adjusted, as long as the real-time calibration of all four samplers associated with the odd path can be completed. This allows for fine-tuning of the four decision threshold voltages without affecting normal link communication, achieving real-time calibration of the four samplers and better offsetting the effects of offset voltage.

[0048] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one possible implementation, the output of the even path of the previous input data is used to increase or decrease the first tap coefficient associated with the odd path. Adjusting the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of odd path samplers is achieved by adjusting the control voltages of each of the plurality of odd path samplers. Thus, sampling the offset voltage of the odd path output and combining it with the output of the even path of the previous input data to determine whether to increase or decrease the first tap coefficient can be achieved by selecting the output of the corresponding sampler based on the output of the even path of the previous input data. For example, when calibrating the odd path high-level data sampler, the output of the odd path high-level data sampler is selected as the amplitude information of the odd path output, and based on the output of the even path of the previous input data, the output of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler or the output of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler is selected as the data information of the odd path output. This achieves the increase or decrease of the first tap coefficient associated with the odd path based on the output of the even path of the previous input data. Taking a high-speed comparator, DFE, as an example, the first tap coefficient of DFE is adjustable. Furthermore, the convergence of DFE will result in the offset voltage being zero, which will also lead to the convergence of the first tap coefficient.

[0049] In some embodiments, the adjustment of the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each of the plurality of odd-path samplers is based on the first tap coefficient and the expected amplitude value, wherein the expected amplitude value is the expected value of the convergence of the filter function of the high-speed comparator. Thus, by adding an expected amplitude value (Vamp), the final result is the reference voltage of the corresponding sampler. Taking a DFE (Distributed Electronic Factor) high-speed comparator as an example, the first tap coefficient of the DFE is adjustable, and the first tap coefficient and the expected amplitude value serve as the expected convergence value of the DFE. The expected amplitude value can be set, and the first tap coefficient is obtained by converging the DFE. Furthermore, the convergence of the DFE results in zero offset voltage, which necessarily leads to the convergence of the first tap coefficient. In this way, fine-tuning of all the plurality of odd-path samplers is achieved, maintaining communication while calibrating the offset voltage.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a sequential calibration adapter circuit with multiple even-path samplers, provided as an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the plurality of even-path samplers and their respective decision threshold voltages include: an even-path high-level data sampler 310, used to sample the output data information of the even-path based on the high-level decision threshold voltage of the even-path data signal; an even-path low-level data sampler 312, used to sample the output data information of the even-path based on the low-level decision threshold voltage of the even-path data signal; an even-path high-level amplitude sampler 314, used to sample the amplitude information of the output of the even-path based on the high-level decision threshold voltage of the even-path amplitude signal; and an even-path low-level amplitude sampler 316, used to sample the amplitude information of the output of the even-path based on the low-level decision threshold voltage of the even-path amplitude signal. Specifically, when the output of the even path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the output of the even path high-level data sampler 310 or the output of the even path low-level data sampler 312 serves as the data information 350 of the even path output, and the output of the even path high-level amplitude sampler 314 or the output of the even path low-level amplitude sampler 316 serves as the amplitude information 352 of the even path output. The data information 350 and the amplitude information 352 of the even path output are used for the adaptive coefficient update of the high-speed comparator. When the output of the odd path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adaptation circuit uses the output of the odd path for the previous input data to adjust the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the multiple even path samplers to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the multiple even path samplers.

[0051] See Figure 3The system provides four samplers for even paths, along with four corresponding finely adjustable decision threshold voltages for sampling the even path output. It also provides a time-division multiplexing mechanism for the samplers, enabling continuous calibration and adaptation of the offset voltage of the high-speed comparator while ensuring normal communication, effectively overcoming bit error problems caused by threshold voltage variations during calibration. Thus, utilizing the comparator's half-rate structure and including both odd and even paths, and employing optimized odd-path and even-path samplers, it achieves fine-tuning of the decision threshold voltage for each sampler. Furthermore, by using the time-division multiplexing mechanism to distinguish between the configuration under normal communication and the configuration under offset voltage calibration, it ensures continuous calibration and adaptation of the comparator's offset voltage while maintaining normal communication. Finally, by using the odd-path output of the previous input data to adjust the decision threshold voltages of the multiple even-path samplers, it avoids the calibration effect being affected by threshold voltage variations during calibration. In this way, calibration can be performed in real time during chip communication to offset the comparator's offset voltage, thereby reducing the bit error rate and improving the receiving performance. Moreover, the comparator's offset voltage can be calibrated while maintaining normal communication without interruption, which is beneficial for meeting the needs of continuous high-speed communication.

[0052] See Figure 3The continuous calibration adapter circuit further includes multiple even path selectors with a two-to-one function. These multiple even path selectors are even path selector 0 (even path selector A320), even path selector 1 (even path selector B322), even path selector 2 (even path selector C324), and even path selector 3 (even path selector D326). The two inputs of even path selector 0 (even path selector A320) are respectively connected to the outputs of even path high-level data sampler 310 and even path low-level data sampler 312. The two inputs of even path selector 1 (even path selector B322) are respectively connected to the outputs of even path high-level amplitude sampler 314 and even path low-level amplitude sampler 316. The two inputs of even path selector 2 (even path selector C324) are respectively connected to the output of even path selector 0 (even path selector A320) and even path selector D326. The output of even path selector 1 (even path selector B322) and the output of even path selector 2 (even path selector C324) are used to provide data information 350 of the even path output. The two inputs of even path selector 3 (even path selector D326) are respectively connected to the output of even path selector 0 (even path selector A320) and the output of even path selector 1 (even path selector B322). The output of even path selector 3 (even path selector D326) is used to provide amplitude information 352 of the even path output. Thus, by using multiple even-path selectors with a two-to-one function, the configuration under normal communication conditions and the configuration under offset voltage calibration conditions are distinguished. This allows the use of the comparator's half-rate structure, which includes both odd and even paths. When the output of the even path corresponds to the current normal communication requirement, the normal communication requirement is guaranteed not to be interrupted. When the output of the odd path corresponds to the current normal communication requirement, the decision threshold voltages corresponding to the multiple even-path samplers are adjusted respectively to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the multiple even-path samplers.

[0053] See Figure 3 The multiple even-path selectors are controlled by even-path control codes, which are used for time-division multiplexing of the multiple even-path samplers. This allows for offset voltage calibration of each even-path sampler while ensuring uninterrupted communication of the high-speed comparator. Thus, by utilizing multiple even-path selectors and even-path control codes, fine-tuning of four decision threshold voltages is achieved without affecting normal link communication, enabling real-time calibration of the four samplers and better mitigating the impact of offset voltage.

[0054] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 In one possible implementation, when the output of the odd path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adapter circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of even path samplers respectively using the output of the odd path for the previous input data to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the plurality of even path samplers. This includes: selecting the output of the even path high-level data sampler 310 as the amplitude information 352 of the even path output; and, based on the output of the odd path for the previous input data, selecting the output of the even path high-level amplitude sampler 314 or the output of the even path low-level amplitude sampler 316 as the data information 350 of the even path output; and, based on the amplitude information 352 and the data information 350 of the even path output, determining through the control voltage scanning algorithm that when the offset voltage of the even path high-level data sampler 310 is zero, the control voltage of the even path high-level data sampler 310 is used to adjust the high-level decision threshold voltage of the even path data signal. In this way, the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each sampler can be precisely adjusted.

[0055] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 In one possible implementation, when the output of the odd path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adapter circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of even path samplers respectively using the output of the odd path for the previous input data to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the plurality of even path samplers. This includes: selecting the output of the even path low-level data sampler 312 as the amplitude information 352 of the even path output; and, based on the output of the odd path for the previous input data, selecting the output of the even path high-level amplitude sampler 314 or the output of the even path low-level amplitude sampler 316 as the data information 350 of the even path output; and, based on the amplitude information 352 and the data information 350 of the even path output, determining through the control voltage scanning algorithm that when the offset voltage of the even path low-level data sampler 312 is zero, the control voltage of the even path low-level data sampler 312 is used to adjust the low-level decision threshold voltage of the even path data signal. In this way, the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each sampler can be precisely adjusted.

[0056] See Figure 1 and Figure 3In one possible implementation, when the output of the odd path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adapter circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of even path samplers respectively using the output of the odd path for the previous input data to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the plurality of even path samplers. This includes: selecting the output of the even path high-level amplitude sampler 314 as the amplitude information 352 of the even path output; and, based on the output of the odd path for the previous input data, selecting the output of the even path high-level data sampler 310 or the output of the even path low-level data sampler 312 as the data information 350 of the even path output; and, based on the amplitude information 352 and the data information 350 of the even path output, determining through the control voltage scanning algorithm that when the offset voltage of the even path high-level amplitude sampler 314 is zero, the control voltage of the even path high-level amplitude sampler 314 is used to adjust the even path amplitude signal high-level decision threshold voltage. In this way, the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each sampler can be precisely adjusted.

[0057] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 In one possible implementation, when the output of the odd path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adapter circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of even path samplers respectively using the output of the odd path for the previous input data to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the plurality of even path samplers. This includes: selecting the output of the even path low-level amplitude sampler 316 as the amplitude information of the even path output; and, based on the output of the odd path for the previous input data, selecting the output of the even path high-level data sampler 310 or the output of the even path low-level data sampler 312 as the data information 350 of the even path output; and, based on the amplitude information 352 and the data information 350 of the even path output, determining through the control voltage scanning algorithm that when the offset voltage of the even path low-level amplitude sampler 316 is zero, the control voltage of the even path low-level amplitude sampler 316 is used to adjust the even path amplitude signal low-level decision threshold voltage. In this way, the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each sampler can be precisely adjusted.

[0058] See Figure 1 and Figure 3In one possible implementation, the output of the odd path of the previous input data is used to increase or decrease the second tap coefficient associated with the even path. Adjusting the decision threshold voltages corresponding to the respective even path samplers is achieved by adjusting the control voltages of the respective even path samplers. Thus, the offset voltage of the even path output is sampled, and the increase or decrease of the second tap coefficient is determined by combining this with the output of the odd path of the previous input data. This can be achieved by selecting the output of the corresponding sampler based on the output of the odd path of the previous input data. In this way, the increase or decrease of the second tap coefficient associated with the even path is realized based on the output of the odd path of the previous input data. Taking a high-speed comparator (DFE) as an example, the second tap coefficient of the DFE is adjustable, and the convergence of the DFE necessarily leads to the convergence of the second tap coefficient when the offset voltage is zero.

[0059] In some embodiments, the adjustment of the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each of the plurality of even-path samplers is based on the second tap coefficient and the expected amplitude value, wherein the expected amplitude value is the expected value of the convergence of the filter function of the high-speed comparator. Thus, adding an expected amplitude value (Vamp) yields the reference voltage for the corresponding sampler. Taking a DFE (Distributed Electronic Factor) high-speed comparator as an example, the second tap coefficient of the DFE is adjustable, and the second tap coefficient and the expected amplitude value serve as the expected convergence value of the DFE. The expected amplitude value can be set, and the second tap coefficient is obtained by converging the DFE. Furthermore, the convergence of the DFE ensures that zero offset voltage necessarily leads to the convergence of the second tap coefficient. In this way, fine-tuning of all the plurality of even-path samplers is achieved, maintaining communication while calibrating the offset voltage.

[0060] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one possible implementation, the high-speed comparator is a half-rate decision feedback equalizer. This allows the DFE to calibrate the offset voltage in real time while maintaining communication, thus improving reception performance.

[0061] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one possible implementation, when the high-speed comparator is powered on, the continuous calibration adapter circuit uses a static operating voltage to calibrate the plurality of odd-path samplers and the plurality of even-path samplers. Thus, when the chip is powered on, all samplers are calibrated using a static operating voltage, taking into account the effects of chip fabrication process, operating power supply voltage, and chip temperature, further improving the calibration effect.

[0062] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one possible implementation, the continuous calibration adapter circuit further includes a boundary sampler. This boundary sampler samples the transition information of the high-speed comparator's output. This transition information is used in conjunction with a clock data recovery circuit or a continuous-time linear equalizer in the receiver where the high-speed comparator is located. This supports adaptation to other circuits and modules, further improving the calibration effect.

[0063] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a continuous calibration adaptation method for a high-speed comparator provided in an embodiment of this application. The high-speed comparator has a half-rate structure and includes odd-path and even-path components. The continuous calibration adaptation circuit includes multiple odd-path samplers and multiple even-path samplers. The multiple odd-path samplers and their respective decision threshold voltages include: an odd-path high-level data sampler, used to sample the output data information of the odd path based on a high-level decision threshold voltage of the odd-path data signal; an odd-path low-level data sampler, used to sample the output data information of the odd path based on a low-level decision threshold voltage of the odd-path data signal; an odd-path high-level amplitude sampler, used to sample the amplitude information of the output of the odd path based on a high-level decision threshold voltage of the odd-path amplitude signal; and an odd-path low-level amplitude sampler, used to sample the amplitude information of the output of the odd path based on a low-level decision threshold voltage of the odd-path amplitude signal. The continuous calibration adaptation method includes the following steps.

[0064] Step S401: When the output of the odd path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the output of the odd path high-level data sampler or the output of the odd path low-level data sampler is used as the data information of the output of the high-speed comparator, and the output of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler or the output of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler is used as the amplitude information of the output of the high-speed comparator. The data information and amplitude information of the output of the high-speed comparator are used for the adaptive coefficient update of the high-speed comparator.

[0065] Step S403: When the output of the even path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the decision threshold voltages corresponding to the multiple odd path samplers are adjusted respectively using the output of the even path for the previous input data in order to achieve offset voltage calibration of the multiple odd path samplers.

[0066] In short, Figure 4The continuous calibration and adaptation method for high-speed comparators illustrated utilizes the comparator's half-rate structure, including odd and even paths. Through optimized designs of multiple odd-path and even-path samplers, it achieves fine-tuning of the decision threshold voltage for each sampler. Furthermore, by employing a time-division multiplexing mechanism for the samplers, it distinguishes between configurations for normal communication and those for offset voltage calibration, ensuring continuous calibration and adaptation of the comparator's offset voltage while maintaining normal communication. Moreover, by using the output of the even path for the previous input data to adjust the decision threshold voltages for each of the multiple odd-path samplers, it avoids the calibration effect being affected by changes in threshold voltage during the calibration process. Thus, calibration can be performed in real-time during chip communication, thereby offsetting the comparator's offset voltage and reducing the bit error rate and improving reception performance. Moreover, it can calibrate the comparator's offset voltage while maintaining uninterrupted normal communication, thus better meeting the requirements of continuous high-speed communication.

[0067] The methods and devices provided in this application are based on the same inventive concept. Since the principles by which the methods and devices solve problems are similar, the embodiments, implementation methods, examples, or methods of implementation of the methods and devices can be referred to each other, and repeated details will not be repeated. This application also provides a system comprising multiple computing devices, the structure of each computing device of which can refer to the structure of the computing devices described above. The functions or operations achievable by this system can refer to the specific implementation steps in the above method embodiments and / or the specific functions described in the above device embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0068] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions. When these computer instructions are executed on a computer device (such as one or more processors), they can implement the method steps described in the above method embodiments. The specific implementation of the above method steps by the processor of the computer-readable storage medium can refer to the specific operations described in the above method embodiments and / or the specific functions described in the above device embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. This application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Embodiments of this application can be implemented wholly or partially by software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination. When implemented in software, the above embodiments can be implemented wholly or partially as a computer program product. This application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media containing computer-usable program code. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless network communication, microwave, etc.) means. Computer-readable storage media can be any available medium that a computer can access, or a data storage device such as a server or data center that contains one or more sets of available media. Available media can be magnetic media (such as floppy disks, hard disks, and magnetic tapes), optical media, or semiconductor media. Semiconductor media can be solid-state drives, random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, or any other suitable form of storage medium.

[0070] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. Each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The functions specified in one or more boxes. These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0071] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have their own emphasis. Parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment can be referred to in the relevant descriptions of other embodiments. Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the embodiments of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of this application. The steps in the methods of the embodiments of this application can be adjusted in order, combined, or deleted according to actual needs; the modules in the systems of the embodiments of this application can be divided, combined, or deleted according to actual needs. If these modifications and variations of the embodiments of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, then this application also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A continuous calibration adaptation circuit for a high speed comparator, characterized by, The high-speed comparator has a half-rate structure and includes odd and even paths. The continuous calibration adapter circuit includes multiple odd path samplers and multiple even path samplers. The multiple odd path samplers and their respective decision threshold voltages include: An odd path high-level data sampler is used to sample the output data information of the odd path based on the odd path data signal high-level decision threshold voltage. An odd path low-level data sampler is used to sample the output data information of the odd path based on the low-level decision threshold voltage of the odd path data signal. An odd path high-level amplitude sampler is used to determine a threshold voltage based on the high level of the odd path amplitude signal and to sample the amplitude information of the output of the odd path. An odd-path low-level amplitude sampler is used to determine a threshold voltage based on the low level of the odd-path amplitude signal and to sample the amplitude information of the output of the odd-path. Specifically, when the output of the odd path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the output of the odd path high-level data sampler or the output of the odd path low-level data sampler serves as the data information of the high-speed comparator's output. Furthermore, the output of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler or the output of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler serves as the amplitude information of the high-speed comparator's output. The data information and amplitude information of the high-speed comparator's output are used for the adaptive coefficient update of the high-speed comparator. Specifically, when the output of the even path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adapter circuit uses the output of the even path for the previous input data to adjust the decision threshold voltages corresponding to each of the plurality of odd path samplers respectively in order to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the plurality of odd path samplers.

2. The continuous calibration adaptation circuit of claim 1, wherein, When the output of the even path is used for the output of the high-speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adapter circuit, using the output of the even path for the previous input data, adjusts the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each of the plurality of odd path samplers to achieve offset voltage calibration for each of the plurality of odd path samplers, including: The output of the odd path high-level data sampler is selected as the amplitude information of the odd path output, and, based on the output of the even path for the previous input data, the output of the odd path high-level amplitude sampler or the output of the odd path low-level amplitude sampler is selected as the data information of the odd path output; Based on the amplitude information and data information of the odd path output, a control voltage scanning algorithm is used to determine that when the offset voltage of the odd path high-level data sampler is zero, the control voltage of the odd path high-level data sampler is used to adjust the high-level decision threshold voltage of the odd path data signal.

3. The continuous calibration adaptation circuit of claim 2, wherein, When the output of the even path is used for the output of the high speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adaptation circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each of the plurality of odd paths respectively using the output of the even path for the previous input data to achieve the offset voltage calibration of each of the plurality of odd paths, including: selecting the output of the odd path low level data sampler as the amplitude information of the output of the odd path, and selecting the output of the odd path high level data sampler or the output of the odd path low level data sampler as the data information of the output of the odd path based on the output of the even path for the previous input data; based on the amplitude information of the output of the odd path and the data information of the output of the odd path, determining, by the control voltage scanning algorithm, that when the offset voltage of the odd path low level data sampler is zero, the control voltage of the odd path low level data sampler is used to adjust the low level decision threshold voltage of the odd path data signal.

4. The continuous calibration adaptation circuit of claim 3, wherein, When the output of the even path is used for the output of the high speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adaptation circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each of the plurality of odd paths respectively using the output of the even path for the previous input data to achieve the offset voltage calibration of each of the plurality of odd paths, including: selecting the output of the odd path high level amplitude sampler as the amplitude information of the output of the odd path, and selecting the output of the odd path high level data sampler or the output of the odd path low level data sampler as the data information of the output of the odd path based on the output of the even path for the previous input data; based on the amplitude information of the output of the odd path and the data information of the output of the odd path, determining, by the control voltage scanning algorithm, that when the offset voltage of the odd path high level amplitude sampler is zero, the control voltage of the odd path high level amplitude sampler is used to adjust the high level decision threshold voltage of the odd path amplitude signal.

5. The continuous calibration adaptation circuit of claim 4, wherein, When the output of the even path is used for the output of the high speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adaptation circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each of the plurality of odd paths respectively using the output of the even path for the previous input data to achieve the offset voltage calibration of each of the plurality of odd paths, including: selecting the output of the odd path low level amplitude sampler as the amplitude information of the output of the odd path, and selecting the output of the odd path high level data sampler or the output of the odd path low level data sampler as the data information of the output of the odd path based on the output of the even path for the previous input data; Based on the amplitude information of the output of the odd path and the data information of the output of the odd path, the control voltage scanning algorithm is used to determine that when the offset voltage of the odd path low level amplitude sampler is zero, the control voltage of the odd path low level amplitude sampler is used to adjust the odd path amplitude signal low level judgment threshold voltage.

6. The continuous calibration adaptation circuit of claim 5, wherein, The continuous calibration adaptation circuit further comprises a plurality of odd path selectors with a two-way selection function, wherein the plurality of odd path selectors are odd path selector 0, odd path selector 1, odd path selector 2, and odd path selector 3. The two input terminals of the odd path selector 0 are connected to the output of the odd path high level data sampler and the output of the odd path low level data sampler respectively. The two input terminals of the odd path selector 1 are connected to the output of the odd path high level amplitude sampler and the output of the odd path low level amplitude sampler respectively. The two input terminals of the odd path selector 2 are connected to the output terminal of the odd path selector 0 and the output terminal of the odd path selector 1 respectively. The output terminal of the odd path selector 2 is used to provide the data information of the output of the odd path. The two input terminals of the odd path selector 3 are connected to the output terminal of the odd path selector 0 and the output terminal of the odd path selector 1 respectively. The output terminal of the odd path selector 3 is used to provide the amplitude information of the output of the odd path.

7. The continuous calibration adaptation circuit of claim 6, wherein, The plurality of odd path selectors are controlled by an odd path control code, and the odd path control code is used for time division multiplexing of the plurality of odd path samplers, so as to realize the offset voltage calibration of each of the plurality of odd path samplers while keeping the communication service of the high-speed comparator uninterrupted.

8. The continuously calibrating adaptation circuit of claim 1, wherein, The output of the even path corresponding to the last input data is used to increase or decrease the first tap coefficient associated with the odd path, and the adjustment of the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each of the plurality of odd path samplers is realized by adjusting the control voltage of each of the plurality of odd path samplers.

9. The continuous calibration adaptation circuit of claim 8, wherein, The adjustment of the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each of the plurality of odd path samplers is based on the first tap coefficient and an amplitude expectation value, wherein the amplitude expectation value is an expected value of the convergence of the filter function of the high-speed comparator.

10. The continuously calibrating adaptation circuit of claim 1, wherein, The plurality of even path samplers and the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each of the plurality of even path samplers comprise: An even path high level data sampler for sampling the data information of the output of the even path based on an even path data signal high level decision threshold voltage; An even path low level data sampler for sampling the data information of the output of the even path based on an even path data signal low level decision threshold voltage; An even path high level amplitude sampler for sampling the amplitude information of the output of the even path based on an even path amplitude signal high level judgment threshold voltage; An even path low level amplitude sampler for sampling the amplitude information of the output of the even path based on an even path amplitude signal low level judgment threshold voltage, wherein, when the output of the even path is used as the output of the high speed comparator for the current input data, the output of the even path high level data sampler or the output of the even path low level data sampler is the data information of the output of the high speed comparator, and the output of the even path high level amplitude sampler or the output of the even path low level amplitude sampler is the amplitude information of the output of the high speed comparator, the data information of the output of the high speed comparator and the amplitude information of the output of the high speed comparator are used for the adaptive coefficient update of the high speed comparator, wherein, when the output of the odd path is used as the output of the high speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adaptation circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each of the plurality of even path samplers respectively based on the output of the odd path for the previous input data so as to realize the offset voltage calibration of each of the plurality of even path samplers.

11. The continuous calibration adaptation circuit of claim 10, wherein, When the output of the odd path is used as the output of the high speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adaptation circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each of the plurality of even path samplers respectively based on the output of the odd path for the previous input data so as to realize the offset voltage calibration of each of the plurality of even path samplers, comprising: selecting the output of the even path low level data sampler as the amplitude information of the output of the even path, and selecting the output of the even path high level amplitude sampler or the output of the even path low level amplitude sampler as the data information of the output of the even path based on the output of the odd path for the previous input data; based on the amplitude information of the output of the even path and the data information of the output of the even path, determining, by a control voltage scanning algorithm, that when the offset voltage of the even path high level data sampler is zero, the control voltage of the even path high level data sampler is used to adjust the even path data signal high level decision threshold voltage.

12. The continuous calibration adaptation circuit of claim 11, wherein, When the output of the odd path is used as the output of the high speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adaptation circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each of the plurality of even path samplers respectively based on the output of the odd path for the previous input data so as to realize the offset voltage calibration of each of the plurality of even path samplers, comprising: selecting the output of the even path low level data sampler as the amplitude information of the output of the even path, and selecting the output of the even path high level amplitude sampler or the output of the even path low level amplitude sampler as the data information of the output of the even path based on the output of the odd path for the previous input data; determining, by the control voltage scanning algorithm, that the control voltage of the even path low level data sampler is used to adjust the even path data signal low level decision threshold voltage when the offset voltage of the even path low level data sampler is zero, based on the amplitude information of the output of the even path and the data information of the output of the even path.

13. The continuous calibration adaptation circuit of claim 12, wherein, when the output of the odd path is used for the output of the high speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adaptation circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each of the plurality of even path samplers respectively to achieve the offset voltage calibration of each of the plurality of even path samplers, including: selecting the output of the even path high level amplitude sampler as the amplitude information of the output of the even path, and selecting the output of the even path high level data sampler or the output of the even path low level data sampler as the data information of the output of the even path based on the output of the odd path for the last input data; determining, by the control voltage scanning algorithm, that the control voltage of the even path low level amplitude sampler is used to adjust the even path amplitude signal low level decision threshold voltage when the offset voltage of the even path low level amplitude sampler is zero, based on the amplitude information of the output of the even path and the data information of the output of the even path.

14. The continuous calibration adaptation circuit of claim 13, wherein, when the output of the odd path is used for the output of the high speed comparator for the current input data, the continuous calibration adaptation circuit adjusts the decision threshold voltage corresponding to each of the plurality of even path samplers respectively to achieve the offset voltage calibration of each of the plurality of even path samplers, including: selecting the output of the even path low level amplitude sampler as the amplitude information of the output of the even path, and selecting the output of the even path high level data sampler or the output of the even path low level data sampler as the data information of the output of the even path based on the output of the odd path for the last input data; determining, by the control voltage scanning algorithm, that the control voltage of the even path low level amplitude sampler is used to adjust the even path amplitude signal low level decision threshold voltage when the offset voltage of the even path low level amplitude sampler is zero, based on the amplitude information of the output of the even path and the data information of the output of the even path.

15. The continuously calibrating adaptation circuit of claim 14, wherein, The continuous calibration adaptation circuit further comprises a plurality of even path selectors with a two-out-of-one function, wherein the plurality of even path selectors are even path selector 0, even path selector 1, even path selector 2, and even path selector 3, wherein two input terminals of the even path selector 0 are connected to an output of the even path high level data sampler and an output of the even path low level data sampler respectively, two input terminals of the even path selector 1 are connected to an output of the even path high level amplitude sampler and an output of the even path low level amplitude sampler respectively, two input terminals of the even path selector 2 are connected to an output of the even path selector 0 and an output of the even path selector 1 respectively, and an output of the even path selector 2 is used to provide data information of an output of the even path, and two input terminals of the even path selector 3 are connected to the output of the even path selector 0 and the output of the even path selector 1 respectively, and an output of the even path selector 3 is used to provide amplitude information of the output of the even path.

16. The continuously calibrating adaptation circuit of claim 15, wherein, The plurality of even path selectors are controlled by an even path control code, and the even path control code is used for time division multiplexing of the plurality of even path samplers, so as to realize the respective offset voltage calibration of the plurality of even path samplers while keeping the communication service of the high-speed comparator uninterrupted.

17. The continuously calibrating adaptation circuit of claim 10, wherein, The output of the odd path corresponding to the last input data is used to increase or decrease the second tap coefficient associated with the even path, and the adjustment of the respective decision threshold voltage of the plurality of even path samplers is realized by adjusting the respective control voltage of the plurality of even path samplers.

18. The continuous calibration adaptation circuit of claim 17, wherein, The adjustment of the respective decision threshold voltage of the plurality of even path samplers is based on the second tap coefficient and an amplitude expectation value, wherein the amplitude expectation value is an expected value of convergence of a filter function of the high-speed comparator.

19. The continuously calibrating adaptation circuit of claim 1, wherein, The high-speed comparator is a half-rate decision feedback equalizer.

20. The continuously calibrating adaptation circuit of claim 10, wherein, When the high-speed comparator is powered on, the continuous calibration adaptation circuit calibrates the plurality of odd path samplers and the plurality of even path samplers by using a static operating voltage.

21. The continuously calibrating adaptation circuit of claim 10, wherein, The continuous calibration adaptation circuit further comprises a boundary sampler used to sample transition information of an output of the high-speed comparator, and the transition information of the output of the high-speed comparator is used to cooperate with a clock data recovery circuit or a continuous time linear equalizer in a receiver where the high-speed comparator is located.

22. A method for continuous calibration adaptation for high speed comparators, characterized by, The high-speed comparator has a half-rate structure and comprises an odd path and an even path, and a continuous calibration adaptation circuit comprises a plurality of odd path samplers and a plurality of even path samplers, and the respective decision threshold voltage of the plurality of odd path samplers and the plurality of even path samplers comprises: an odd path high level data sampler used to sample data information of an output of the odd path based on an odd path data signal high level decision threshold voltage; an odd path low level data sampler used to sample data information of the output of the odd path based on an odd path data signal low level decision threshold voltage; and an odd path high level amplitude sampler used to sample amplitude information of the output of the odd path based on an odd path amplitude signal high level decision threshold voltage. an odd path high level amplitude sampler for sampling amplitude information of the output of the odd path based on a high level decision threshold voltage of the odd path amplitude signal; an odd path low level amplitude sampler for sampling amplitude information of the output of the odd path based on a low level decision threshold voltage of the odd path amplitude signal, the continuous calibration adaptation method comprises: when the output of the odd path is used as the output of the high speed comparator for the current input data, the output of the odd path high level data sampler or the output of the odd path low level data sampler is used as data information of the output of the high speed comparator, and the output of the odd path high level amplitude sampler or the output of the odd path low level amplitude sampler is used as amplitude information of the output of the high speed comparator, the data information of the output of the high speed comparator and the amplitude information of the output of the high speed comparator are used for adaptive coefficient updating of the high speed comparator, when the output of the even path is used as the output of the high speed comparator for the current input data, the decision threshold voltages of the respective corresponding decision threshold voltages of the plurality of odd path samplers are adjusted respectively based on the output of the even path for the previous input data so as to realize the respective offset voltage calibration of the plurality of odd path samplers.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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