Folding Adaptive Equalizer for Multi-Rate Cable Loss Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adaptive equalizers face challenges in efficiently compensating for signal loss across varying cable lengths and data rates in data communication systems, as they require multiple stages and distinct gain boosting circuits for high-bandwidth and low-bandwidth signals, leading to increased complexity and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A sequential folding multi-rate adaptive equalizer that uses a folding function to dynamically adjust the transfer function, allowing the same gain boosting circuits to handle both high-bandwidth and low-bandwidth signals by activating a folding signal to switch between high-bandwidth and low-bandwidth circuit paths, thereby reducing the need for additional stages and improving efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple stages and distinct gain boosting circuits are used for high-bandwidth and low-bandwidth signals, then signal loss compensation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal loss compensation effectivenessVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single gain boosting circuit that can operate in multiple modes: high-bandwidth mode for short cable lengths and low-bandwidth mode for long cable lengths. The folding function enables the same circuit to serve dual purposes by dynamically adjusting its bandwidth characteristics, eliminating the need for separate gain boosting circuits for different bandwidth requirements.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic bandwidth adjustment through a folding function that responds to cable length detection. The gain boosting circuit transitions between high-bandwidth and low-bandwidth operating states based on the detected cable length, allowing the system to adapt its characteristics to match the transmission requirements without requiring multiple fixed circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple stages and distinct gain boosting circuits are used for high-bandwidth and low-bandwidth signals, then signal loss compensation effectiveness is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal loss compensation effectivenessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single gain boosting circuit that can operate in multiple modes: high-bandwidth mode for short cable lengths and low-bandwidth mode for long cable lengths. The folding function enables the same circuit to serve dual purposes by dynamically adjusting its bandwidth characteristics, eliminating the need for separate gain boosting circuits for different bandwidth requirements.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent recovers and reuses the gain boosting circuit for different bandwidth requirements. Instead of having dedicated circuits that consume power continuously, the single circuit is activated and configured appropriately based on cable length detection, allowing the system to recover from a high-power multi-circuit configuration to a low-power single-circuit implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If the equalizer adapts to different cable lengths, then adaptability is improved, but signal discontinuities may occur during adaptation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable length adaptationVSAvoidsignal continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic bandwidth adjustment through a folding function that responds to cable length detection. The gain boosting circuit transitions between high-bandwidth and low-bandwidth operating states based on the detected cable length, allowing the system to adapt its characteristics to match the transmission requirements without requiring multiple fixed circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the equalizer detects cable length and uses this information to control the folding function. The folding function adjusts the bandwidth of the gain boosting circuit based on the detected cable length, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to different transmission conditions while maintaining signal integrity through continuous monitoring and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2359487B1Folding sequential adaptive equalizer
Publication Date: 2017.04.19 SEMTECH CANADA
  • EP2359487B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2359487B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2359487B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A folding adaptive equalizer is provided. The equalizer comprises an equalizer core and an automatic gain control loop. The equalizing transfer function of the equalizer core is modulated by one or more gain control signals generated by the automatic gain control loop and by a folding signal generated by the automatic gain control loop. When the folding signal is inactive, an increase in the gain control signals produces an increase in the high-frequency, high-bandwidth gain of the transfer function of the equalizer core. When the folding signal is active, further gain can be applied by decreasing the gain control signals, which produces a frequency-shift in the transfer function of the equalizer core toward lower bandwidth and an increase in the high-frequency, low-bandwidth gain of the transfer function of the equalizer core.