Refreshable Lookup-Table Equalizer for Low-Power Serial Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
High complexity and power consumption in existing equalizers for high-speed serial communication, which require sophisticated signal filtering to compensate for channel distortion, leading to increased power consumption and heat generation.
Innovation Solution
An equalizer using a refreshable lookup table that omits multiplications in the FIR filter, allowing for efficient signal equalization by converting digital signals to analog signals through a digital-to-analog converter, reducing power consumption and complexity while supporting programmable equalization protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high complexity FIR filter is used to precisely compensate for signal distortion, then signal equalization accuracy is improved, but power consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores equalization values for all possible symbol sequence combinations in a lookup table before operation. During actual equalization, the system simply retrieves pre-computed values based on the current symbol sequence, avoiding real-time complex calculations. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction by trading off initial memory setup for dramatically reduced operational complexity and power consumption while maintaining precise equalization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the equalization function by storing pre-computed results in a lookup table rather than performing actual complex FIR filter calculations during operation. The lookup table contains copies of equalization values for all possible input combinations, allowing the system to retrieve results through simple address lookup and data output, thereby reducing device complexity and power consumption while preserving equalization precision.
2Measurement precision
If a high complexity FIR filter is used to precisely compensate for signal distortion, then signal equalization accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores equalization values for all possible symbol sequence combinations in a lookup table before operation. During actual equalization, the system simply retrieves pre-computed values based on the current symbol sequence, avoiding real-time complex calculations. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction by trading off initial memory setup for dramatically reduced operational complexity and power consumption while maintaining precise equalization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the equalization function by storing pre-computed results in a lookup table rather than performing actual complex FIR filter calculations during operation. The lookup table contains copies of equalization values for all possible input combinations, allowing the system to retrieve results through simple address lookup and data output, thereby reducing device complexity and power consumption while preserving equalization precision.
3Device complexity
If a refreshable lookup table is used to reduce power consumption and complexity, then power consumption and device complexity are reduced, but adaptability to channel changes requires refresh operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a refreshable lookup table that can be dynamically updated with new equalization values when channel conditions change. The system includes a refresh controller that receives updated channel information and regenerates the lookup table contents accordingly. This dynamic refresh capability resolves the contradiction by maintaining low operational complexity through lookup table usage while preserving adaptability to changing channel conditions through periodic or event-driven table updates.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides high efficiency and extendibility in equalization, reducing power consumption and complexity while maintaining accuracy across varying process, voltage, and temperature conditions, supporting high-speed serial communication protocols.
Implementation Method 1
A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) converts the equalized digital signal into the equalized signal
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit for generating an equalized signal, according to a channel, from serial data includes a shift register that extracts a symbol sequence from the serial data. A data storage stores values of an equalized digital signal corresponding to potential symbol sequences corresponding to a filter coefficient sequence. A lookup table outputs the equalized digital signal of a value corresponding to the extracted symbol sequence. A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) converts the equalized digital signal into the equalized signal. A controller refreshes the lookup table, based on at least one of values stored in the data storage and values included in the lookup table, in response to a control signal.