Input Termination Circuit With Opposed Resistor Tuning for Stable Bandwidth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional input termination circuits in communication systems fail to maintain stable output impedance and bandwidth, leading to bandwidth degradation and variable peaking at different attenuation settings, which affects signal quality and noise ratio in high-speed communication applications.

Innovation Solution

An input termination circuit design that includes two adjustable attenuation resistors, where the resistance values are adjusted in opposite directions to maintain stable output impedance and bandwidth, incorporating inductors and resistors to improve bandwidth and linearity, and a continuous time linear equalizer to enhance signal processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional input termination circuits are used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the output impedance and bandwidth become unstable at different attenuation settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput impedance stabilityVSAvoidcircuit structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the resistor values adjustable rather than fixed. The first and second resistors can be dynamically reconfigured to different resistance values based on the desired attenuation setting, allowing the circuit to adapt and maintain stable output impedance across varying conditions. This is achieved through switchable resistor networks that can be controlled to provide different termination values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying the resistance values of the termination resistors based on the attenuation setting. When the attenuation changes, the resistor values are adjusted accordingly to compensate for the impedance variations that would otherwise occur. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures that the output impedance remains stable despite changes in the attenuation level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If attenuation is increased to reduce signal strength, then signal level is reduced, but bandwidth degrades and peaking becomes variable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal attenuationVSAvoidbandwidth stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting the resistor values in response to the attenuation setting. When higher attenuation is applied, the resistor values are modified to compensate for the bandwidth degradation that would normally occur. This dynamic adjustment of resistance parameters ensures that the bandwidth remains stable across different attenuation levels, preventing the peaking and bandwidth issues associated with fixed resistor circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed resistor values are used, then the circuit is easier to manufacture, but the bandwidth and signal quality vary with attenuation settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidbandwidth consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing fixed resistors with adjustable resistor networks that can be reconfigured based on the attenuation setting. This allows the circuit to maintain consistent bandwidth and signal quality across different operating conditions while still using standard manufacturing processes. The switchable resistor elements can be manufactured using conventional techniques, but their ability to change state provides the necessary adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10505766B1Input termination circuits for high speed receivers
Publication Date: 2019.12.10 MARVELL ASIA PTE LTD
  • US10505766B1 patent drawing
  • US10505766B1 patent drawing
  • US10505766B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention is directed to communication systems and electrical circuits. According to an embodiment, an input termination circuit includes a first attenuation resistor and a second attenuation resistor. The resistance values of these two resistors are adjusted in opposite directions to maintain a stable output impedance. There are other embodiments as well.