BER Estimation and Error Correction via DME Coding Violations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for bit error rate (BER) detection and error correction in wired local area networks, such as Ethernet, are inefficient and power-intensive, particularly in noisy environments like automotive systems, where they rely on complex Digital Signal Processing (DSP) techniques.
Innovation Solution
The use of Differential Manchester Encoding (DME) coding violations to estimate BER and apply error correction by comparing symbols before and after missed clock transitions, leveraging oversampling with quadrature clocks to identify and correct bit errors without requiring complicated analog support circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex Digital Signal Processing (DSP) techniques are used for BER detection and error correction, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential coding violation events from the signal stream, counting DME violations and missed clock transitions rather than performing full-spectrum DSP analysis. This selective extraction of critical error indicators achieves BER detection precision while avoiding the complexity of comprehensive signal processing circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple counters and detectors that can be easily reset and reused, replacing complex permanent DSP circuitry. The coding violation detector and missed clock transition detector use basic digital logic that consumes minimal power and occupies small chip area, yet effectively tracks error rates over time.
2Reliability
If complex DSP techniques are used for error correction, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by monitoring its own coding violations and missed clock transitions, automatically detecting and correcting errors without external intervention. The phy device monitors its signal integrity and corrects DME violations internally, reducing the need for power-intensive external error correction mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from continuous high-power DSP processing to event-driven counting of coding violations. By transitioning to a parameter-based measurement (counting DME violations and missed clock transitions) rather than continuous signal analysis, the system maintains reliability while dramatically reducing power consumption.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive analog support circuitry is added for error correction, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and chip area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The same phy device that receives and decodes DME signals also performs error detection and correction functions. The coding violation detector and missed clock transition detector are integrated into the existing signal processing path, allowing one component to serve multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated analog support circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex analog support circuitry with digital counting and detection logic. Instead of using analog filters, amplifiers, and signal conditioners to detect errors, the system uses digital counters to track DME violations and missed clock transitions, achieving equivalent or superior measurement precision with significantly reduced chip area.
Data Source
AI summary
Physical layer devices and related methods for determining Bit Error Rates (BERs) and correcting errors in signals received through shared transmission media of wireless local area networks are disclosed. A physical layer device is configured to identify coding violations in received signal, determine a rate of the coding violations in the signal, and estimate a BER of the signal to be equal to the determined rate of the coding violations. A physical layer device is configured to invert a half symbol immediately preceding or immediately following a coding violation based, at least in part, on signal integrities of the half symbol immediately preceding and the half symbol immediately following the coding violation to correct a bit error.