A method for matching the length of differential pairs for high-speed connectors and related devices
By acquiring the transmission delay information and environmental impact parameters of the differential pair, identifying static structural errors and dynamic environmental errors, and dynamically compensating for differential pair length mismatch, the problem of length deviation and delay drift that cannot be completely eliminated in the existing technology is solved, thereby improving the signal consistency and stability of high-speed connectors.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202611081958.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-07-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-06
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies cannot completely eliminate differential pair length deviations and cannot compensate for dynamic delay drift, resulting in high redesign costs and affecting the performance and reliability of high-speed connectors in multi-channel, high-density application scenarios.
By acquiring the transmission delay information of the positive and negative signals of the differential pair, calculating the propagation delay difference and length mismatch, constructing a comprehensive evaluation value by combining environmental impact parameters, identifying static structural errors and dynamic environmental errors, and performing dynamic compensation through a delay compensation unit, a closed-loop optimization process is formed.
It achieves dynamic correction of differential pair length mismatch, improves signal timing consistency and transmission stability, reduces bit error rate, and enhances the reliability and adaptability of high-speed connectors in multi-channel, high-density data transmission scenarios.
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Figure CN123048447A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of connectors, and more specifically to a differential pair length matching method and related equipment for high-speed connectors. Background Technology
[0002] In high-speed data transmission systems, differential signal transmission technology has become the core physical layer transmission method of high-speed bus protocols due to its excellent anti-common-mode interference capability and low electromagnetic radiation characteristics. Differential signals transmit two signals with equal amplitude and opposite polarity simultaneously through a pair of mutually coupled transmission lines (i.e., differential pairs). The receiving end recovers the data by comparing the difference between the two signals, thereby canceling the interference of external common-mode noise. Ideally, the positive and negative signal paths in the differential pair should have exactly the same electrical length to ensure that the two signals are precisely aligned in the time domain, so that the receiving end can obtain the complete differential voltage amplitude at the correct sampling time. However, in the actual design and manufacturing process of high-speed connectors, due to factors such as the space constraints of PCB trace layout, differences in connector pin assignment, offset of via positions in multilayer boards, and manufacturing tolerances, it is often difficult to achieve a perfect physical length match between the two signal paths inside the differential pair, resulting in time deviation (i.e., delay offset) in the propagation of positive and negative signals.
[0003] Traditional solutions mainly rely on impedance control and simulation optimization during the design phase to avoid this problem by minimizing the difference in differential pair trace lengths during PCB layout and routing. However, due to limitations in the physical structure and manufacturing tolerances of the connectors, this pre-design approach cannot completely eliminate length deviations in actual products, nor can it compensate for time-dependent delays caused by factors such as temperature changes, mechanical vibrations, or connector wear during insertion and removal. This often necessitates redesigning the PCB layout or replacing the connectors, leading to extended product development cycles and increased costs. This severely restricts the performance and reliability of high-speed connectors in multi-channel, high-density applications. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to propose a differential pair length matching method and related equipment for high-speed connectors, aiming to solve the problem that the existing static design cannot completely eliminate differential pair length deviation and cannot compensate for dynamic delay drift, resulting in high modification costs.
[0005] This invention provides a differential pair length matching method for high-speed connectors, comprising: The transmission delay information of the positive signal path and negative signal path of the target differential pair in the high-speed connector is obtained and denoted as follows: and Calculate the propagation delay difference between the two signals using the following formula: ,in This represents the difference in propagation delay between differential signals; Based on the propagation delay difference, and combined with the signal propagation speed in the connector Calculate the length mismatch of the difference pair: ,in, This indicates the length mismatch of the difference pair; A comprehensive evaluation value for length mismatch is constructed based on the length mismatch amount, propagation delay change rate, and environmental impact parameters obtained over multiple sampling periods: ,in, This represents the overall evaluation value of length mismatch. Indicates the rate of change of propagation delay. Indicates environmental impact parameters, , , These represent the corresponding weights; Based on the comprehensive evaluation value of the length mismatch, identify the static structural error and dynamic environmental error in the length mismatch; Compensation parameters are generated based on the comprehensive evaluation value of the length mismatch, and the delay compensation unit or dynamic compensation path is controlled to perform delay compensation on the signal path with a shorter propagation time. Obtain the compensated signal quality evaluation parameters, and adjust the weights and compensation parameters according to the evaluation results to form a closed-loop dynamic compensation process.
[0006] Preferably, by sending test signals to the target differential pair and collecting the arrival times corresponding to the positive and negative signal paths, a propagation delay difference sequence of multiple sampling periods is formed as the data basis for length mismatch analysis.
[0007] Preferably, the propagation delay change rate is calculated based on the propagation delay difference sequence, and the propagation delay dynamic drift is determined based on whether the propagation delay change rate exceeds a first preset threshold. When the propagation delay change rate does not exceed the first preset threshold, the length mismatch is determined to be mainly due to static structural errors. When the propagation delay change rate exceeds the first preset threshold, the length mismatch is determined to be mainly due to dynamic environmental errors.
[0008] Preferably, the environmental impact parameters It is determined based on at least one of the following: ambient temperature, operating frequency, number of connector insertions and removals, mechanical vibration amplitude, and load condition.
[0009] Preferably, the compensation time is generated based on the comprehensive evaluation value of the length mismatch: ,in, To compensate for the time, This is the compensation coefficient.
[0010] Preferably, the delay compensation unit is disposed in at least one of the connector interface circuit, PHY chip, SerDes transceiver, FPGA or Retimer chip, and adjusts the propagation delay of the target signal path according to the compensation time.
[0011] Preferably, the signal quality evaluation parameters include at least one of the following: eye diagram opening height, eye diagram opening width, bit error rate, jitter value, and signal integrity index.
[0012] Preferably, a compensation correction amount is generated based on the compensated signal quality evaluation parameters, and the weights are dynamically adjusted based on the compensation correction amount. , , and compensation coefficient The overall evaluation value of length mismatch and compensation time are recalculated until the signal quality evaluation parameters meet the preset requirements.
[0013] Preferably, when the high-speed connector includes multiple differential signal channels, the comprehensive evaluation value of the length mismatch corresponding to each group of differential signals is calculated, and a multi-channel collaborative compensation strategy is established based on the comprehensive evaluation value of the length mismatch of each group. The compensation parameters of each group of differential signals are adjusted synchronously to reduce the overall synchronization error.
[0014] A differential pair length matching device for high-speed connectors, comprising: The time delay acquisition module is used to acquire the propagation time delay of the target differential pair along the positive and negative signal paths. The mismatch analysis module is used to calculate the propagation delay difference, length mismatch, and comprehensive evaluation value of length mismatch. The error identification module is used to identify static structural errors and dynamic environmental errors based on the comprehensive evaluation value of length mismatch. The compensation control module is used to generate compensation parameters based on the comprehensive evaluation value of length mismatch and control the delay compensation unit to complete the propagation delay compensation. The feedback optimization module is used to obtain the compensated signal quality evaluation parameters, and dynamically update the weight parameters and compensation parameters based on the evaluation results to achieve closed-loop dynamic optimization.
[0015] Compared with existing technologies, it has the following beneficial effects: This invention provides a differential pair length matching method for high-speed connectors. It acquires the transmission delay information of the positive and negative signal paths of the target differential pair, calculates the propagation delay difference between the two signals, and determines the differential pair length mismatch by combining the signal propagation speed. Based on this, a comprehensive evaluation value for length mismatch is constructed using the length mismatch, propagation delay change rate, and environmental impact parameters obtained over multiple sampling periods. This allows for the identification of static structural errors and dynamic environmental errors in the length mismatch. Compensation parameters are generated based on the comprehensive evaluation value for length mismatch, and delay compensation is performed on signal paths with shorter propagation times. The compensation parameters are then dynamically adjusted based on the signal quality evaluation results after compensation, forming a closed-loop dynamic compensation process. This method can dynamically correct differential pair length mismatches caused by structural differences, manufacturing tolerances, and environmental changes in high-speed connectors without requiring PCB layout adjustments or connector replacement. It improves the timing consistency and signal transmission stability of differential signals, reduces the risk of signal integrity degradation and increased bit error rate due to differential pair length mismatch, and enhances the reliability and adaptability of high-speed connectors in multi-channel, high-density data transmission scenarios. Attached Figure Description
[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only preferred embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0017] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a differential pair length matching method for high-speed connectors according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram of a differential pair length matching device for high-speed connectors according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0018] To better understand the structure, functional features, and advantages of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings: like Figure 1 As shown, this invention provides a differential pair length matching method for high-speed connectors, comprising: acquiring the transmission delay information of the positive signal path and the negative signal path of the target differential pair in the high-speed connector, denoted as , respectively. and Calculate the propagation delay difference between the two signals using the following formula: ,in This represents the difference in propagation delay between the differential signals; based on the difference in propagation delay, and combined with the signal propagation speed within the connector... Calculate the length mismatch of the difference pair: ,in, This represents the length mismatch of the differential pair; a comprehensive evaluation value of the length mismatch is constructed based on the length mismatch obtained within multiple sampling periods, the rate of change of propagation delay, and environmental impact parameters. ,in, This represents the overall evaluation value of length mismatch. Indicates the rate of change of propagation delay. Indicates environmental impact parameters, , , These represent the corresponding weights; the static structural error and dynamic environmental error in the length mismatch are identified based on the comprehensive evaluation value of the length mismatch; compensation parameters are generated based on the comprehensive evaluation value of the length mismatch, and the delay compensation unit or dynamic compensation path is controlled to perform delay compensation on the signal path with shorter propagation time; the compensated signal quality evaluation parameters are obtained, and the weights and compensation parameters are adjusted according to the evaluation results to form a closed-loop dynamic compensation process.
[0019] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the matching method in this application is used in the differential signal transmission process of a high-speed connector. By real-time detection and dynamic compensation of the time delay difference between the positive and negative signal paths, the positive and negative signal paths are aligned in the time domain. During normal operation of the high-speed connector, the differential signals propagate synchronously along the positive and negative signal paths in the target differential pair. Since the two signal paths are affected by factors such as PCB trace length, connector internal conductor length, via structure, and processing and assembly errors, the arrival times of the positive and negative signals at the receiving end usually differ. Therefore, it is necessary to first obtain the transmission delay information corresponding to the positive and negative signal paths in the target differential pair, and record them as follows: and Then according to the formula Calculate the propagation delay difference between the two signals, where, when A value greater than zero indicates that the propagation time of a positive signal path is longer than that of a negative signal path. When the value is less than zero, it indicates that the propagation time of the negative signal path is longer than that of the positive signal path. When the time difference approaches zero, it indicates that the two signal paths have good time consistency. Since the propagation speed of a signal in a connector can usually be determined based on the medium material and connection structure, after obtaining the propagation delay difference, it can be further combined with the signal propagation speed. ,according to The length mismatch corresponding to the differential pair is calculated. By converting the propagation delay difference into an equivalent length mismatch, the electrical length deviation, which was originally difficult to measure directly, can be converted into a clear length parameter, which more accurately reflects the actual length mismatch of the differential pair and provides a basis for subsequent error analysis and compensation.
[0020] To avoid the influence of noise interference or transient disturbances on the results of a single measurement, the length mismatch was continuously acquired over multiple consecutive sampling periods, along with the propagation delay change rate and environmental impact parameters. The propagation delay change rate reflects the trend of propagation delay over time, while the environmental impact parameters characterize the impact of operating environment factors such as temperature changes, mechanical vibration, connector wear, and load variations on the propagation delay. Subsequently, a comprehensive evaluation value for the length mismatch was constructed based on the length mismatch, propagation delay change rate, and environmental impact parameters obtained over multiple sampling periods. Among them, length mismatch mainly reflects the fixed error caused by the inherent structure of the connector, propagation delay change rate mainly reflects whether the propagation delay changes continuously over time, and environmental influence parameters reflect the degree of influence of the external working environment on propagation characteristics, weighting... , , This is used to adjust the proportion of influence of the above factors on the overall evaluation result.
[0021] After obtaining the comprehensive evaluation value, the error sources of the current length mismatch are identified based on the comprehensive evaluation value. When the comprehensive evaluation value is mainly composed of the length mismatch, it can be determined that the length mismatch mainly originates from static structural errors caused by factors such as connector structural differences, PCB wiring deviations, or manufacturing tolerances. When the propagation delay change rate and environmental influence parameters account for a large proportion of the comprehensive evaluation value, it indicates that the current propagation delay is significantly affected by external factors such as temperature changes, mechanical vibration, connector insertion and removal wear, or load changes, and can be identified as a dynamic environmental error. By identifying the error sources, subsequent compensation can be more targeted, rather than simply... The method adopts a fixed compensation approach. After error identification, the corresponding compensation parameters are generated based on the comprehensive evaluation value of length mismatch. The delay compensation unit or dynamic compensation path is controlled to increase the corresponding propagation delay for the signal path with shorter propagation time. Since the propagation time of the signal with shorter propagation time gradually approaches that of the signal with longer propagation time after the compensation delay is increased, the two differential signals can eventually maintain a more consistent arrival time at the receiving end, realizing the realignment of the propagation timing of differential signals. This reduces problems such as eye diagram closure, inter-symbol interference, sampling offset, and increased bit error rate caused by differential pair length mismatch.
[0022] After compensation is completed, the signal quality evaluation parameters after compensation are obtained, and the current compensation effect is judged based on the evaluation results. The signal quality evaluation parameters can comprehensively reflect the transmission quality and compensation effect of the differential signal. When the evaluation results show that there is still a large propagation delay error after compensation or the signal quality does not meet the preset requirements, the weights and compensation parameters in the comprehensive evaluation value are further adjusted according to the evaluation results, the length mismatch comprehensive evaluation value is recalculated, and new compensation parameters are regenerated to continue to compensate the differential signal. This improves the timing consistency and signal transmission stability of the differential signal, reduces the risk of signal integrity degradation and bit error rate increase caused by differential pair length mismatch, and enhances the reliability and adaptability of high-speed connectors in multi-channel, high-density data transmission scenarios.
[0023] The following detailed description uses specific examples: In some embodiments, a propagation delay difference sequence with multiple sampling periods is formed by sending a test signal to the target differential pair and collecting the arrival times corresponding to the positive and negative signal paths, serving as the data basis for length mismatch analysis. The propagation delay change rate is calculated based on the propagation delay difference sequence, and whether dynamic drift has occurred in the propagation delay is determined based on whether the propagation delay change rate exceeds a first preset threshold. When the propagation delay change rate does not exceed the first preset threshold, the length mismatch is determined to be mainly due to static structural errors; when the propagation delay change rate exceeds the first preset threshold, the length mismatch is determined to be mainly due to dynamic environmental errors. Environmental impact parameters. It is determined based on at least one of the following: ambient temperature, operating frequency, number of connector insertions and removals, mechanical vibration amplitude, and load condition.
[0024] After the high-speed connector enters the testing state, a preset test signal is input to the target differential pair. The test signal can be a pre-defined data sequence, pulse signal, or high-speed test code pattern, ensuring that the positive and negative signal paths simultaneously receive the same input signal and propagate to the receiving end along their respective transmission paths. During the test signal propagation, the arrival times of the positive and negative signal paths are collected, and the propagation delay information within each sampling period is recorded. The corresponding propagation delay difference is calculated based on the propagation delays of the positive and negative signal paths obtained in each sampling period. As the test signal continues to be sent, the system continuously obtains the propagation delay differences corresponding to multiple sampling periods and establishes a propagation delay difference sequence in chronological order. Because the propagation delay difference sequence includes the changes in propagation delay within multiple consecutive sampling periods, it is more efficient than... A single sampling result can more comprehensively reflect the change law of propagation delay over time in the target difference, and can reduce the impact of random noise, instantaneous interference and measurement error on the detection results. This provides a stable and reliable data foundation for subsequent length mismatch analysis and error identification. After obtaining the propagation delay difference sequence, the trend of propagation delay over time is analyzed based on the propagation delay difference sequence. The propagation delay change rate is calculated based on the change of propagation delay difference between adjacent sampling periods to reflect the speed and trend of propagation delay change. When the propagation delay difference remains basically stable in multiple consecutive sampling periods, the propagation delay change between adjacent sampling periods is small, and the propagation delay change rate obtained at this time is low. When the propagation delay difference changes continuously with the working time, the propagation delay difference between adjacent sampling periods changes continuously, and the propagation delay change rate gradually increases.
[0025] The calculated propagation delay change rate is compared with a pre-set first threshold to determine whether the current propagation delay has dynamically drifted. When the propagation delay change rate does not exceed the first threshold, it indicates that the propagation delay remains basically stable over multiple sampling periods. That is, although there is a certain deviation in the propagation delay, this deviation will not change continuously with the working time. Therefore, it can be determined that the current length mismatch mainly originates from static structural errors caused by differences in connector structural dimensions, PCB trace length deviations, connector pin layout differences, and manufacturing assembly tolerances. Since such errors usually remain basically unchanged after the connector is manufactured, subsequent compensation processes can rely on... Based on the current measurement results, stable compensation is performed. When the rate of change of propagation delay exceeds the first preset threshold, it indicates that the propagation delay has been continuously changing with the working state, meaning that there is a significant dynamic drift phenomenon in the propagation delay. At this point, it can be determined that the current length mismatch mainly originates from dynamic environmental errors caused by changes in the external environment, rather than static errors caused by fixed structural dimensions. Since this type of error will continuously change with the working environment, it is necessary to continuously acquire propagation delay information and dynamically adjust compensation parameters during subsequent compensation processes to ensure that the differential signal always maintains good propagation synchronization. To further reflect the degree of influence of the external environment on the propagation delay, an environmental influence parameter is introduced. The environmental impact parameters are determined based on a comprehensive analysis of multiple environmental factors that can affect signal propagation characteristics during connector operation. During connector operation, the system acquires at least one parameter in real time, including ambient temperature, operating frequency, connector mating / removal cycles, mechanical vibration amplitude, and load status. Ambient temperature affects conductor resistance and the electrical characteristics of the dielectric material, thus altering signal propagation speed. Changes in operating frequency alter the propagation characteristics of high-speed signals along the transmission path, causing variations in propagation delay. After repeated mating / removal over a long period, the wear on the connector's contact interface gradually increases, potentially changing contact resistance and affecting propagation delay. Mechanical vibration causes slight changes in the internal contact state of the connector, leading to fluctuations in propagation delay. Changes in load status can alter the connector's operating temperature rise, further affecting signal propagation characteristics. The environmental impact parameters are determined based on the detection results of the aforementioned environmental parameters. This is used as the basis for length mismatch analysis. When the environmental influence parameter is small, it indicates that the connector operating environment is relatively stable. At this time, the change in propagation delay mainly comes from fixed structural factors. When the environmental influence parameter gradually increases, it indicates that the influence of the external environment on the propagation delay gradually increases. Correspondingly, the proportion of dynamic environmental error in the overall length mismatch also increases.
[0026] In some embodiments, the compensation time is generated based on the comprehensive evaluation value of length mismatch: ,in, To compensate for the time, The compensation coefficient is used. The delay compensation unit is located in at least one of the connector interface circuit, PHY chip, SerDes transceiver, FPGA, or Retimer chip, and adjusts the propagation delay of the target signal path according to the compensation time.
[0027] The compensation coefficient is used to establish the correspondence between the comprehensive evaluation value of length mismatch and the compensation time, enabling the system to automatically calculate the required compensation time based on the current degree of length mismatch. When the comprehensive evaluation value of length mismatch is small, it indicates that the propagation delay deviation of the target differential pair is small, and the correspondingly calculated compensation time is also short. Only a small delay compensation needs to be applied to the signal path with shorter propagation time to achieve the rematch of the propagation delay of the two signals. As the comprehensive evaluation value of length mismatch gradually increases, it indicates that the degree of length mismatch of the differential pair or the degree of dynamic drift of propagation delay is constantly increasing. At this time, the compensation time calculated by the system increases accordingly, so as to apply a larger delay compensation to the signal path with shorter propagation time, thereby making the two differential signals resynchronize. Since the compensation time is directly calculated based on the comprehensive evaluation value of length mismatch, the compensation time can change in real time with the degree of length mismatch and environmental changes, instead of using a fixed compensation method. This allows the system to automatically adjust the compensation amount according to the actual propagation delay deviation generated under different working conditions, improving the pertinence and dynamic adaptability of propagation delay compensation, and avoiding the impact on the quality of high-speed signal transmission due to insufficient or excessive compensation.
[0028] After obtaining the compensation time, a delay compensation unit is used to compensate for the propagation delay of the target signal path. This delay compensation unit can be located in at least one of the connector interface circuit, PHY chip, SerDes transceiver, FPGA, or Retimer chip, allowing for selection of the appropriate compensation location based on the hardware architecture of different high-speed interface systems. This enables online adjustment of the differential signal propagation delay. Once the system calculates the compensation time based on the comprehensive evaluation value of the length mismatch, it sends the compensation time to the corresponding delay compensation unit. The delay compensation unit adjusts the propagation delay of the target signal path according to the compensation time, adding a corresponding delay to the differential signal with the shorter propagation time, gradually bringing its propagation time closer to that of the signal with the longer propagation time. As the compensation time gradually applies to the target signal path, the time difference between the two differential signals arriving at the receiving end continuously decreases. This process corrects the existing propagation delay deviation, thereby realigning the propagation time of the differential signal. Since the entire compensation process acts on the signal transmission link corresponding to the high-speed connector, there is no need to change the mechanical structure of the connector itself, nor is it necessary to readjust the PCB wiring length or redesign the internal conductor structure of the connector. The differential signal propagation delay compensation can be completed directly during system operation. For fixed length mismatches caused by manufacturing tolerances, connector structure differences, etc., continuous correction can be made through the calculated compensation time. For dynamic propagation delay drift caused by operating environment factors such as temperature changes, mechanical vibration, long-term connector insertion and removal, and load changes, the delay compensation unit can continuously adjust the propagation delay of the target signal path according to the real-time updated compensation time, so that the compensation amount always corresponds to the current propagation delay deviation.
[0029] As the compensation process continues, the propagation times of the two differential signals gradually become consistent, enabling the receiver to obtain a more complete and stable differential voltage at the predetermined sampling time. This improves the timing consistency of the differential signals and reduces problems such as eye diagram shrinkage, increased signal jitter, and increased bit error rate caused by propagation delay mismatch. At the same time, since the compensation time can be adjusted in real time according to the comprehensive evaluation value of length mismatch, the entire propagation delay compensation process has continuous dynamic adjustment capability. This provides a basis for further optimizing the compensation parameters based on signal quality evaluation parameters and forming a closed-loop dynamic compensation, thereby ensuring that the high-speed connector can maintain high signal integrity and high-speed data transmission stability under different operating conditions and complex working environments.
[0030] In some embodiments, signal quality evaluation parameters include at least one of eye diagram opening height, eye diagram opening width, bit error rate, jitter value, and signal integrity index. A compensation correction amount is generated based on the compensated signal quality evaluation parameters, and the weights are dynamically adjusted according to the compensation correction amount. , , and compensation coefficient The overall length mismatch evaluation value and compensation time are recalculated until the signal quality evaluation parameters meet the preset requirements. When the high-speed connector includes multiple differential signal channels, the overall length mismatch evaluation value corresponding to each group of differential signals is calculated separately, and a multi-channel collaborative compensation strategy is established based on the overall length mismatch evaluation value of each group. The compensation parameters of each group of differential signals are adjusted synchronously to reduce the overall synchronization error.
[0031] After the delay compensation unit completes the target signal path propagation delay adjustment according to the compensation time, the system continues to collect the compensated differential signal and obtains the corresponding signal quality evaluation parameters based on the collection results. The eye diagram opening height can reflect the amplitude margin of the differential signal. When the propagation delays of the two differential signals tend to be consistent, the signal sampling margin increases, and the eye diagram opening height increases accordingly. The eye diagram opening width can reflect the timing margin of the signal. When the propagation delay deviation decreases, the sampling window widens, and the eye diagram opening width increases accordingly. The bit error rate can directly reflect the accuracy of data recovery during high-speed data transmission. When the propagation delay compensation effect is good, the bit error rate gradually decreases. The jitter value is used to reflect the stability of the signal edge arrival time. When the propagation synchronization of the differential signal improves, the signal jitter decreases accordingly. The signal integrity index can comprehensively evaluate the overall quality of the high-speed signal throughout the entire transmission process. By obtaining one or more of the above signal quality evaluation parameters, the system can comprehensively evaluate the actual effect of the current propagation delay compensation from multiple dimensions, rather than just judging whether the compensation is completed based on the propagation delay difference, making the compensation result more consistent with the actual operating state of the high-speed connector.
[0032] When the system detects that the compensated signal quality evaluation parameters still do not meet the preset requirements, it indicates that there is still a certain deviation between the current compensation time and the target propagation delay. At this time, the system generates a corresponding compensation correction amount based on the current signal quality evaluation parameters. The system dynamically adjusts the weights of each influencing factor in the calculation of the length mismatch comprehensive evaluation value based on the compensation correction amount, that is, it adjusts the weights corresponding to the length mismatch amount respectively. Weights corresponding to the rate of change of propagation delay and the weights corresponding to environmental impact parameters Simultaneously adjust the compensation coefficient When the compensation correction indicates that the current propagation delay deviation mainly originates from fixed-length mismatch, the weight corresponding to the length mismatch can be appropriately increased, making the subsequent comprehensive evaluation value more focused on structural errors. When the compensation correction indicates that the propagation delay change has a strong dynamic trend, the weight corresponding to the propagation delay change rate can be increased, making the system pay more attention to the propagation delay change trend. When the compensation correction reflects that environmental changes have a significant impact on propagation delay, the weight corresponding to the environmental impact parameter can be appropriately increased, making the comprehensive evaluation value more fully reflect the current environmental changes. At the same time, the compensation coefficient should be adjusted synchronously according to the compensation correction to make the compensation time more accurately correspond to the current situation. After adjusting all parameters to determine the actual length mismatch, the system recalculates the comprehensive evaluation value of the length mismatch and recalculates the compensation time based on the new comprehensive evaluation value. It then controls the delay compensation unit to perform propagation delay compensation again. After compensation is completed, the system acquires new signal quality evaluation parameters and regenerates new compensation correction values. It continues to dynamically adjust the weight parameters and compensation coefficients, enabling the entire compensation model to continuously adapt and optimize as the high-speed connector's operating state and environment change. This avoids the problem of fixed compensation models being unable to adapt to the continuous changes in propagation delay during long-term operation, thus improving the accuracy and stability of propagation delay compensation.
[0033] When a high-speed connector includes multiple differential signal channels, the system acquires the propagation delay information corresponding to each group of differential signals and calculates the comprehensive evaluation value of length mismatch for each group of differential signals according to the aforementioned implementation method. Since different differential signal channels are affected to varying degrees by factors such as PCB routing, connector internal structure, manufacturing errors, and operating environment, the comprehensive evaluation values of length mismatch for each group of differential signals are usually not entirely the same. The system establishes a multi-channel collaborative compensation strategy based on the comprehensive evaluation values of length mismatch for each group of differential signals and comprehensively considers the propagation delay relationship between each group of differential signals. The system then uniformly coordinates and adjusts the compensation parameters for each group of differential signals during the collaborative compensation process. After a differential signal completes propagation delay compensation, the system synchronously analyzes the impact of the compensation result on the synchronization of other differential signal channels. Based on the overall synchronization error, it reallocates the compensation parameters corresponding to each group of differential signals. This ensures that while each group of differential signals completes length mismatch compensation, they maintain overall synchronization with each other, eliminating propagation delay deviations caused by length mismatch within each group of differential signals. Furthermore, it reduces the overall synchronization error caused by compensation differences between different differential signal channels, enabling each group of high-speed differential signals within the high-speed connector to arrive at the receiving end with a more consistent timing. This improves the synchronization performance, signal integrity, and overall transmission reliability during multi-channel high-speed data transmission.
[0034] A differential pair length matching device for high-speed connectors includes: a time delay acquisition module for acquiring the propagation delays of the positive and negative signal paths of the target differential pair; a mismatch analysis module for calculating the propagation delay difference, length mismatch amount, and comprehensive length mismatch evaluation value; an error identification module for identifying static structural errors and dynamic environmental errors based on the comprehensive length mismatch evaluation value; a compensation control module for generating compensation parameters based on the comprehensive length mismatch evaluation value and controlling a delay compensation unit to complete propagation delay compensation; and a feedback optimization module for acquiring the compensated signal quality evaluation parameters and dynamically updating the weight parameters and compensation parameters based on the evaluation results to achieve closed-loop dynamic optimization.
[0035] The delay acquisition module is responsible for sending test signals to the target differential pair and acquiring the propagation delays of the positive and negative signal paths. It outputs the arrival time information of the two signals as raw data to the mismatch analysis module. The mismatch analysis module receives the delay data output by the delay acquisition module and calculates the propagation delay difference between the positive and negative signal paths. Combined with signal propagation speed Calculate length mismatch A comprehensive evaluation value for length mismatch was constructed based on the length mismatch, propagation delay change rate, and environmental impact parameters across multiple sampling periods. The quantified mismatch features are output to the error identification module, which in turn receives the comprehensive evaluation value output by the mismatch analysis module. ,according to The system analyzes the composition and proportions of each component to identify static structural errors and dynamic environmental errors in the current length mismatch. The identification results are then output to the compensation control module. The compensation control module uses the error type output by the error identification module and the comprehensive evaluation value output by the mismatch analysis module to determine the correct error. The system generates corresponding compensation parameters and controls the delay compensation unit or dynamic compensation path to perform delay compensation on signal paths with shorter propagation times, ensuring time alignment of the positive and negative signals at the receiving end. After compensation is executed, the feedback optimization module obtains the compensated signal quality evaluation parameters and dynamically updates the comprehensive evaluation value based on the evaluation results. Weight parameters in , , In addition, compensation parameters enable the system to adaptively adjust the compensation strategy after environmental changes or long-term use, thereby achieving closed-loop dynamic optimization.
[0036] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any limitation on the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and modifications to the technical solution of the present invention, or modify it into equivalent embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technology of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention are within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A differential pair length matching method for high-speed connectors, characterized in that, include: The transmission delay information of the positive signal path and negative signal path of the target differential pair in the high-speed connector is obtained and denoted as follows: and Calculate the propagation delay difference between the two signals using the following formula: ,in This represents the difference in propagation delay between differential signals; Based on the propagation delay difference, and combined with the signal propagation speed in the connector Calculate the length mismatch of the difference pair: ,in, This indicates the length mismatch of the difference pair; A comprehensive evaluation value for length mismatch is constructed based on the length mismatch amount, propagation delay change rate, and environmental impact parameters obtained over multiple sampling periods: ,in, This represents the overall evaluation value of length mismatch. Indicates the rate of change of propagation delay. Indicates environmental impact parameters, , , These represent the corresponding weights; Based on the comprehensive evaluation value of the length mismatch, identify the static structural error and dynamic environmental error in the length mismatch; Compensation parameters are generated based on the comprehensive evaluation value of the length mismatch, and the delay compensation unit or dynamic compensation path is controlled to perform delay compensation on the signal path with a shorter propagation time. Obtain the compensated signal quality evaluation parameters, and adjust the weights and compensation parameters according to the evaluation results to form a closed-loop dynamic compensation process.
2. The differential pair length matching method for high-speed connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, By sending test signals to the target differential pair and collecting the arrival times of the positive and negative signal paths, a propagation delay difference sequence with multiple sampling periods is formed, which serves as the data basis for length mismatch analysis.
3. The differential pair length matching method for high-speed connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The propagation delay change rate is calculated based on the propagation delay difference sequence, and the propagation delay dynamic drift is determined based on whether the propagation delay change rate exceeds the first preset threshold. When the rate of change of propagation delay does not exceed the first preset threshold, the length mismatch is determined to be mainly caused by static structural error; when the rate of change of propagation delay exceeds the first preset threshold, the length mismatch is determined to be mainly caused by dynamic environmental error.
4. The differential pair length matching method for high-speed connectors according to claim 3, characterized in that, The environmental impact parameters It is determined based on at least one of the following: ambient temperature, operating frequency, number of connector insertions and removals, mechanical vibration amplitude, and load condition.
5. A differential pair length matching method for high-speed connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, Compensation time is generated based on the comprehensive evaluation value of length mismatch: ,in, To compensate for the time, This is the compensation coefficient.
6. A differential pair length matching method for high-speed connectors according to claim 5, characterized in that, The delay compensation unit is located in at least one of the connector interface circuit, PHY chip, SerDes transceiver, FPGA or Retimer chip, and adjusts the propagation delay of the target signal path according to the compensation time.
7. A differential pair length matching method for high-speed connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal quality evaluation parameters include at least one of the following: eye diagram opening height, eye diagram opening width, bit error rate, jitter value, and signal integrity index.
8. A differential pair length matching method for high-speed connectors according to claim 7, characterized in that, The compensation correction amount is generated based on the compensated signal quality evaluation parameters, and the weights are dynamically adjusted based on the compensation correction amount. , , and compensation coefficient The overall evaluation value of length mismatch and compensation time are recalculated until the signal quality evaluation parameters meet the preset requirements.
9. A differential pair length matching method for high-speed connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, When a high-speed connector includes multiple differential signal channels, the comprehensive evaluation value of the length mismatch corresponding to each group of differential signals is calculated, and a multi-channel collaborative compensation strategy is established based on the comprehensive evaluation value of the length mismatch of each group. The compensation parameters of each group of differential signals are adjusted synchronously to reduce the overall synchronization error.
10. A differential pair length matching device for high-speed connectors, characterized in that, include: The time delay acquisition module is used to acquire the propagation time delay of the target differential pair along the positive and negative signal paths. The mismatch analysis module is used to calculate the propagation delay difference, length mismatch, and comprehensive evaluation value of length mismatch. The error identification module is used to identify static structural errors and dynamic environmental errors based on the comprehensive evaluation value of length mismatch. The compensation control module is used to generate compensation parameters based on the comprehensive evaluation value of length mismatch and control the delay compensation unit to complete the propagation delay compensation. The feedback optimization module is used to obtain the compensated signal quality evaluation parameters, and dynamically update the weight parameters and compensation parameters based on the evaluation results to achieve closed-loop dynamic optimization.
