Combined Voltage Current Driving Module Signal Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-speed data communication systems face signal degradation due to long transmission lines and jitter, leading to attenuated received signals, necessitating improved signal quality through equalization techniques.

Innovation Solution

A driving module combining a voltage mode driver and a current mode driver, utilizing pre-emphasis equalization with a 3-tap FIR filter and current sources to enhance signal quality by boosting high-frequency content and reducing inter-symbol interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a voltage mode driver is used, then the circuit simplicity is maintained, but the signal quality and equalization capability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoiddriver structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines voltage mode driver and current mode driver into a single integrated driving module. The voltage mode driver provides circuit simplicity while the current mode driver enhances signal quality and equalization capability, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and performance by merging both approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The driving module is designed to perform multiple functions: basic voltage driving, current-based equalization, and adaptive signal boosting. By making the driver universal and multi-functional, it can maintain simplicity for basic operations while providing enhanced signal quality when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a current mode driver is used, then the signal quality and equalization capability are improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic switching between voltage mode and current mode operation. The driving module adaptively selects the appropriate mode based on signal conditions, enabling current mode equalization only when signal quality degradation occurs, thus improving signal quality while minimizing unnecessary power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The driving module dynamically adjusts operating parameters including current levels and mode selection based on signal quality requirements. By changing parameters adaptively rather than operating continuously at high current levels, the system improves signal quality when needed while reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If pre-emphasis equalization is applied, then the high-frequency signal content is enhanced, but the circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidequalization circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the equalization function into distinct current sources corresponding to different tap weights of the FIR filter. Each current source handles a specific portion of the equalization task, making the complex equalization circuitry more manageable and modular while maintaining the pre-emphasis functionality that enhances high-frequency signal content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4296862B1Driving module
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 KEY ASIC INC
  • EP4296862B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4296862B1 patent drawingFigure 3A
  • EP4296862B1 patent drawingFigure 3B

AI summary

A driving module including a voltage mode driver and a current mode driver is provided. The voltage mode driver converts a positive input signal to a positive. output signal at a positive output terminal, and converts a negative input signal to a negative output signal at a negative output terminal. The current mode driver includes a first current source, a second current source, and a third current source. The first current source provides a first current to one of the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal. The second current source provides a second current to one of the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal. The third current source provides a third current to one of the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal.