Bit Error Rate Estimation Using Eye Diagram Probability Density Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the bit error rate (BER) of signals are time-consuming and often require interrupting the data signal, failing to provide a numerical estimate that correlates with eye diagram analysis and eye mask integration.
Innovation Solution
Representing a signal's bit pattern as an eye diagram and an eye mask as independent two-dimensional probability density functions (PDFs), allowing for the integration of their product to estimate BER, enabling real-time, reliable BER estimation without signal interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pseudorandom binary sequence (PBRS) signal is used to determine BER, then BER measurement can be performed, but the data signal must be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using eye diagram parameters (eye height, eye width, area) as intermediate metrics that correlate with BER without requiring actual BER measurement. This intermediary method allows continuous monitoring while avoiding signal interruption, as the eye diagram can be constructed from the ongoing data signal itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the BER measurement problem into a parameter estimation problem by changing from direct BER measurement to estimating eye diagram parameters (amplitude, width, area). These parameter changes enable continuous monitoring since the eye diagram can be built incrementally from incoming data without interrupting the signal flow.
2Ease of operation
If first order orthogonal compliance system is used, then compliance checking is simplified, but numerical BER estimation is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compliance checking function with BER estimation by integrating eye mask validation with eye diagram parameter measurement. The same eye diagram data used for compliance checking is also used to estimate BER, combining two functions into one unified process that provides both compliance verification and quantitative BER estimation.
3Reliability
If eye diagram analysis is performed, then signal quality insight is provided, but quantitative BER estimation is not obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the qualitative visual assessment of eye diagrams with a quantitative computational model. By replacing subjective visual inspection with mathematical calculations of eye height, width, and area parameters, and establishing correlation models between these parameters and BER, the system transforms qualitative signal quality assessment into quantitative BER estimation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for generating an estimate of a bit error rate of a signal are provided. Methods and systems include obtaining an eye mask for a receiver, receiving a signal with the receiver, generating an eye mask probability density function of the eye mask, generating an eye diagram probability density function based on the signal, calculating a product of the eye mask probability density function and the eye diagram probability density function, summing the product of the eye mask probability density function and the eye diagram probability density function, and estimating the bit error rate of the signal based on the summing of the product of the eye mask probability density function and the eye diagram probability density function.