De-correlating Training Patterns in Multi-Lane High-Speed Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-speed Ethernet links with multiple lanes face challenges in de-correlating training pattern sequences, leading to increased noise and error rates due to cross-talk interference, as conventional random seed techniques are insufficient for higher-speed links like 100Gbps.

Innovation Solution

Employing different PRBS11 polynomials for each lane and dividing them into groups to ensure unique sequences at each endpoint, minimizing correlation and preventing false adaptation during link training, thereby reducing noise and error rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional random seed techniques are used for training patterns in high-speed multi-lane links, then link training can be performed, but cross-talk interference increases and error rates rise due to correlated sequences between lanes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelink training reliabilityVSAvoidcross-talk interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making each lane's training pattern unique through different PRBS11 polynomials and random seeds, so that each lane has distinct local characteristics rather than using identical patterns across all lanes. This differentiation reduces cross-correlation and minimizes cross-talk interference between adjacent lanes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the training patterns by using different PRBS11 polynomials (e.g., x^11 + x^9 + x^5 + x^4 + 1 vs. x^11 + x^8 + x^7 + x^6 + 1) and different random seeds for each lane. This parameter variation ensures that training patterns remain uncorrelated across lanes, thereby reducing cross-talk effects while maintaining the required training functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If different PRBS11 polynomials are used for each lane to reduce cross-talk, then cross-talk interference decreases, but the complexity of generating and managing unique sequences increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecross-talk interferenceVSAvoidsequence generation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the training pattern generation by dividing the lanes into groups and assigning different PRBS11 polynomials to each group. This segmentation approach allows for systematic management of unique sequences while reducing the overall complexity compared to generating completely independent random patterns for each lane. The structured assignment of polynomials and seeds simplifies the generation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2974199B1De-correlating training pattern sequences between lanes in high-speed multi-lane links and interconnects
Publication Date: 2018.05.30 INTEL CORP
  • EP2974199B1 patent drawingFigure 1~9
  • EP2974199B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~11
  • EP2974199B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

Methods, apparatus and systems for de-correlating training pattern sequences for high-speed links and interconnects. The high-speed links and interconnects employs multiple lanes in each direction for transmitting and receiving data, and may be physically implemented via signal paths in an inter-plane board such as a backplane or mid-plane, or via a cable. During link training, a training pattern comprising a pseudo random bit sequence (PBRS) is sent over each lane. The PBRS for each lane is generated by a PBRS generator based on a PRBS polynomial that is unique to that lane. Since each lane employs a different PRBS polynomial, the training patterns between lanes are substantially de-correlated. Link negotiation may be performed between link endpoints to ensure that the PBRS polynomials used for all of the lanes in the high-speed link or interconnect are unique. Exemplary uses include Ethernet links, Infiniband links, and multi-lane serial interconnects.