Continuous Link Training for High-Speed Interconnects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing link training solutions in high-speed serializer-deserializer communication are limited as they perform link training only once during startup, failing to adapt to changing parameters such as temperature and signal voltage levels over time, which affects bit-error rate and interference across links.
Innovation Solution
Implementing continuous or periodic link training using a link training communication channel that persists after initialization, allowing for real-time adjustments of transmitter settings through in-band or out-of-band information intermixed with user data, and utilizing retimers to extend transmission line reach and improve link quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If link training is performed only once during startup, then user data transmission is not interfered with, but link quality cannot adapt to changing parameters such as temperature and signal voltage levels over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous link training by maintaining a persistent training channel that operates throughout the link's operational lifetime, not just during initialization. This allows the system to continuously monitor and adapt to changing parameters such as temperature and voltage levels, ensuring sustained link quality without requiring complete re-initialization of data transmission protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the link training function from the user data transmission by creating a dedicated training channel that operates independently. This segmentation allows training operations to occur continuously in the background without interfering with or requiring interruption of the main data communication stream, thus maintaining both adaptability and operational continuity
2Adaptability or versatility
If continuous link training is implemented, then link quality adapts to changing parameters, but it interferes with user data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication channel into separate training and data paths, allowing continuous training operations to occur independently without interfering with user data transmission. The training channel uses dedicated resources and timing, enabling simultaneous operation of both training and data functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a training channel as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates continuous link adaptation without directly interfering with the main data transmission path. This intermediary structure allows the system to perform necessary training operations while maintaining clean separation from user data flows
3Ease of manufacture
If existing link training solutions are used, then implementation is simple, but they are limited in applications due to single-time training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal link training solution that can be applied across multiple different applications and scenarios by implementing a persistent training channel that adapts to various operating conditions. This multi-functional approach allows the same basic infrastructure to serve both continuous adaptation needs and maintain broad applicability across different use cases
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to systems, apparatuses, and methods for performing continuous or periodic link training. Existing link training protocols generally perform link training only once during startup or initialization of a link and, as a result, are limited in their applications. After link training is performed and Open Systems Interconnect (OSI) data link layer and other high-layer data is transmitted across the link, no further link training is performed using these existing link training protocols. However, parameters of the link may change over time after link training is performed, such as temperature of the link and voltage levels of signals transmitted over the link by the transmitter of the transmitter-receiver pair.