Galvanically Isolated Re-Timer Data Path for High-Speed Jitter Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing signal isolation methods, such as re-driver approaches, exacerbate jitter and cable loss at high data rates, particularly in applications like endoscopy, where high-voltage signals are transmitted across isolators.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an isolated repeater architecture with a separated equalizer and CDR subsystem, using a re-timer-based SerDes, which regenerates signals and includes a decision feedback equalizer (DFE) to minimize jitter and insertion loss, facilitated by a galvanic isolator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If re-driver approaches are used for signal isolation, then signal transmission is achieved, but jitter and cable loss are exacerbated at high data rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal isolationVSAvoidjitter and cable loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two isolated subsystems: an equalizer on a first substrate and a CDR subsystem on a second substrate, separated by a galvanic isolator. This segmentation allows each subsystem to perform its function optimally while preventing jitter and cable loss from affecting the other side, resolving the contradiction between achieving signal isolation and minimizing harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A galvanic isolator acts as an intermediary component between the equalizer and CDR subsystem, enabling signal transmission while blocking the propagation of jitter and cable loss. The isolator mediates the signal path, allowing isolation to be achieved without exacerbating harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If equalizer and CDR subsystem are integrated on the same substrate, then device complexity is reduced, but jitter and signal loss increase at high data rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidjitter and insertion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The equalizer and CDR subsystem are physically segmented onto separate substrates and galvanically isolated from each other. This segmentation prevents jitter and insertion loss from accumulating, while the modular design allows each subsystem to be optimized independently, balancing complexity reduction with performance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If galvanic isolator is used to isolate equalizer from CDR subsystem, then jitter and cable loss are mitigated, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejitter and cable lossVSAvoidisolation architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A galvanic isolator serves as an intermediary component that mitigates jitter and cable loss between the equalizer and CDR subsystem. While this adds an isolation layer to the architecture, it effectively reduces harmful factors by preventing their propagation across the interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4672659A1Re-timer-based galvanically isolated data path

Publication Date: 2025.12.31 ANALOG DEVICES INT UNLTD CO

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Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

Aspects of a re-timer-based isolator provide galvanic isolation between a first side of a system including a high voltage source and a second side of the system that may contact a person. An equalizer arranged with a physical layer on a first substrate is isolated from re-timer components arranged on a second substrate.