Adaptive De-emphasis Training for High-Speed Serial Bus Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for adaptive de-emphasis training in data transmission, such as those used in the IEEE 1394b standard, are ineffective due to the inability to accurately determine and communicate the necessary de-emphasis levels for high-speed serial bus connections, leading to signal degradation and unreliable data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A method for adaptive de-emphasis training that involves sending training patterns from a transmitting node to a receiving node, analyzing signal quality, and adjusting de-emphasis levels based on feedback to establish optimal transmission parameters, ensuring robust data transmission across high-speed serial bus connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adaptive de-emphasis training is implemented to overcome inter-symbol interference, then signal quality and data transmission reliability are improved, but device complexity and training procedure complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidtraining procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary de-emphasis training before actual data transmission begins. The transmitter sends training patterns at multiple de-emphasis levels, and the receiver analyzes these patterns to determine the optimal de-emphasis level for the specific cable and connection conditions. This preliminary action allows the system to adapt to cable characteristics beforehand, ensuring reliable data transmission without requiring complex real-time adjustments during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the receiver provides information about signal quality and de-emphasis performance back to the transmitter. The transmitter uses this feedback to adjust de-emphasis levels dynamically during training and to lock in the optimal settings for data transmission. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adapt to changing conditions without manual intervention, managing complexity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If de-emphasis training is performed to determine optimal transmission parameters, then connection quality is improved, but transmission time and setup duration increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection qualityVSAvoidsetup duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by testing de-emphasis at a limited set of predetermined levels rather than continuously adjusting across all possible values. The transmitter sends training patterns at specific de-emphasis levels (e.g., 0, 1, 2) and uses the receiver's feedback to identify the optimal level. This discrete approach reduces the time required for training compared to exhaustive search methods, while still achieving sufficient connection quality for reliable data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs de-emphasis training as a preliminary step before actual data transmission begins. By completing the training and determining optimal parameters in advance, the system ensures that subsequent data transmission can proceed at full speed without time-consuming adjustments. The training overhead is concentrated in the setup phase, after which the optimal parameters are maintained consistently throughout operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If fixed de-emphasis is used for faster transmission rates, then transmission speed is improved, but signal degradation and inter-symbol interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission speedVSAvoidinter-symbol interference
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from fixed de-emphasis to dynamic, adaptive de-emphasis that adjusts to specific cable conditions. The system determines the optimal de-emphasis level through training and can adjust it dynamically based on detected signal quality and cable characteristics. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain high transmission speeds while compensating for cable-induced signal degradation and inter-symbol interference, achieving both speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the de-emphasis parameter from a fixed value to an adaptive parameter that varies based on cable length, quality, and operating conditions. Through training, the system identifies the specific de-emphasis parameter value that optimizes signal quality for each connection. This parameter adaptation enables the system to maintain accurate signal transmission at high speeds across different cable conditions, eliminating the trade-off between speed and signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8483108B2Apparatus and methods for de-emphasis training on a point-to-point connection
Publication Date: 2013.07.09 APPLE INC
  • US8483108B2 patent drawing
  • US8483108B2 patent drawing
  • US8483108B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for achieving adaptive de-emphasis on a data network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a high-speed serialized bus network, and the invention is adapted to correct for inter-symbol interference (ISI) associated with data transmissions between two nodes communicating over the network. In one variant, a first device transmits a plurality of symbols to a second device. If the second device detects that these symbols have unacceptably degraded during transmission, it generates an interrupt during a designated interval that is subsequently transmitted to the first device, and used to either attenuate the signal strength associated with data transmissions to the second device, or undertake one or more remedial measures. In another embodiment, sequential calibration of nodes is achieved by executing a process adapted to identify an optimal de-emphasis level associated with data transmissions.