More accurate
signal detection circuitry in serial interfaces, particularly on a programmable
integrated circuit device, such as a PLD, includes a high-speed, high-resolution, high-bandwidth
comparator, along with digital filtering, to reduce the effect of process, temperature or supply variations. The
comparator is used to compare a direct input
signal with a programmable reference
voltage, and, in a preferred embodiment, can detect the
signal level within 8 mV accuracy. The output of the
comparator may then be digitally filtered. Preferably, both a high-pass
digital filter and a low-pass analog filter may be used to eliminate glitches and low-
frequency noise. Preferably, the digital filters are programmable to adjust the sensitivity to
noise. The filtered output is then latched and output to indicate
receipt or loss of signal. This signal detect circuitry can operate reliably at data rates as high as 7 Gbps.