Bit Error Rate Prediction via Waveform Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data communication systems require dedicated hardware to calculate bit error rate (BER), which is costly, inflexible, and occupies valuable silicon space, necessitating a more efficient method for predicting BER using a software algorithm.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation of a mathematical model of the backplane link, generation of a waveform simulation, and extrapolation of total jitter for a predetermined bit error rate, using scattering parameters and Fast Fourier Transforms to simulate data transmission and estimate BER.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated hardware is provided on the receiver to calculate BER, then BER measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses software simulation to create a virtual copy of the BER measurement function, replacing physical hardware with a mathematical model that replicates the backplane's electrical characteristics. This software-based approach achieves BER prediction without requiring dedicated hardware circuitry on the receiver chip.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/electrical hardware system with a software-based computational system. Instead of using physical BER measurement circuits, the invention uses software algorithms that process captured waveforms through mathematical models to predict BER, effectively replacing hardware mechanics with software computation.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated hardware is provided on the receiver to calculate BER, then BER measurement capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive dedicated BER measurement hardware with a software-based solution that uses general-purpose processing resources. The software algorithm processes captured waveforms through mathematical models to predict BER, eliminating the need for costly specialized hardware components and reducing manufacturing expenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a software-based BER prediction approach that can be implemented using existing, readily available processing resources rather than requiring expensive, specialized hardware. This approach uses computationally intensive but inexpensive software algorithms instead of costly hardware implementations.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated hardware is provided on the receiver to calculate BER, then BER measurement capability is achieved, but silicon space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual BER measurement function through software simulation, eliminating the need for physical hardware circuits on the receiver chip. The mathematical model of the backplane and waveform processing algorithms run on existing processing resources, freeing up valuable silicon real estate for other functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the BER measurement function from the hardware domain and relocates it to the software domain. By removing the need for dedicated BER measurement circuits from the receiver chip, the invention frees up silicon space while maintaining BER prediction capability through software-based waveform analysis.
4Measurement precision
If dedicated hardware is provided for each communication system to calculate BER, then system-specific BER measurement is achieved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal software-based BER prediction platform that can adapt to different communication systems through configuration of the mathematical model parameters. The same software architecture can predict BER for various backplane types and communication protocols by adjusting the model characteristics, providing multi-functional capability without requiring system-specific hardware designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic, reconfigurable software model that can adapt its parameters to match different backplane electrical characteristics. The mathematical model can be configured to represent various transmission media and system conditions, allowing the BER prediction tool to dynamically adjust to different communication scenarios without hardware changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for predicting a predetermined bit error rate for an actual data transmission from a transmitter to a target receiver over an actual backplane link is disclosed. The method involves defining a simulated backplane corresponding to an actual backplane link intended to be used for data transmission between a transmitter and a target receiver. Once the simulated backplane is defined, a data transmission from the transmitter to the receiver is simulated and captured across the simulated backplane. A waveform simulation of the data transmission over the simulated backplane is then generated. The waveform simulation takes into account characteristics of the simulated backplane and the target receiver. From the waveform simulation, a total jitter for a predetermined bit error rate for the data transmission is extrapolated.