Adjustable Voltage Sampling Circuit for Signal Waveform Monitoring

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing receiving apparatuses face challenges in monitoring signal waveforms beyond the eye pattern of received signals due to increased load and parasitic capacitance, which can lead to deterioration of waveform quality and difficulty in checking for jitter caused by inter-symbol interference.

Innovation Solution

A receiving apparatus is designed with a first sample circuit for extracting binary data based on a fixed voltage and clock timing, a second sample circuit for extracting binary data based on an adjustable voltage, and a waveform processor that determines the appearance frequency of the signal to generate waveform information, allowing for clear waveform monitoring even with unstable periodicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If another sample circuit having a different reference voltage is provided in parallel at a stage subsequent to an equalizer, then signal waveform monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and parasitic capacitance increase causing deterioration of waveform quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal waveform monitoring capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing sample circuit is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both data sampling and waveform monitoring functions. The reference voltage that was previously fixed for data sampling is now made adjustable, allowing the same circuit to monitor waveforms at different voltage levels without requiring additional dedicated sample circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The reference voltage parameter of the sample circuit is changed from a fixed value to an adjustable value. By controlling the reference voltage to vary over time or across different modes, the sample circuit can capture signal waveforms at multiple voltage thresholds, enabling comprehensive waveform monitoring while avoiding the need for multiple parallel sample circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If another sample circuit having a different reference voltage is provided in parallel, then signal waveform monitoring capability is improved, but parasitic capacitance increases causing deterioration of waveform quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal waveform monitoring capabilityVSAvoidparasitic capacitance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The existing sample circuit is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both data sampling and waveform monitoring functions. The reference voltage that was previously fixed for data sampling is now made adjustable, allowing the same circuit to monitor waveforms at different voltage levels without requiring additional dedicated sample circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The reference voltage parameter of the sample circuit is changed from a fixed value to an adjustable value. By controlling the reference voltage to vary over time or across different modes, the sample circuit can capture signal waveforms at multiple voltage thresholds, enabling comprehensive waveform monitoring while avoiding the need for multiple parallel sample circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If fixed reference voltage sampling is used, then data extraction is simple and reliable, but waveform monitoring beyond eye pattern is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata extraction reliabilityVSAvoidwaveform monitoring range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The reference voltage is transformed from a static fixed value to a dynamic controllable parameter. The sample circuit now operates in different modes: using a fixed reference voltage for reliable data sampling, and using a variable reference voltage for comprehensive waveform monitoring. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain reliability while expanding monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The existing sample circuit is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both data sampling and waveform monitoring functions. The reference voltage that was previously fixed for data sampling is now made adjustable, allowing the same circuit to monitor waveforms at different voltage levels without requiring additional dedicated sample circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11070402B2Receiving apparatus and receiving method

Publication Date: 2021.07.20 KIOXIA CORP

AI summary

A receiving apparatus includes a first sample circuit configured to extract first binary data based on a first voltage and a clock timing of a received signal, a second sample circuit configured to extract second binary data based on an adjustable second voltage and a clock timing of the received signal, and a waveform processor configured to acquire a plurality of the second binary data from the second sample circuit using a pattern, the pattern corresponding to the first binary data extracted by the first sample circuit with consecutive sampling timings, determine an appearance frequency of the received signal based on the plurality of second binary data and the first binary data, and generate waveform information of the received signal according to the determined appearance frequency.