Multi-path Data Processing Circuit for Read Channel Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current data processing systems in read channel devices face challenges in detecting data accurately and efficiently in low signal-to-noise ratio environments, particularly in high-density data transfer systems, where they often fall short in speed and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A multi-path data processing circuit that generates and combines multiple digital data streams with different phases using analog to digital converters or interpolators, applying various filtering techniques such as equalization and noise predictive filtering, to improve data detection accuracy and reduce residual inter-symbol interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current data processing circuits are used in read channel devices, then the system can operate with basic data detection capability, but the speed and accuracy are insufficient in reduced signal-to-noise ratio environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data detection process into multiple parallel paths, each processing the analog signal independently through separate analog-to-digital converters and processing circuits. This segmentation allows each path to operate at optimized speeds while the combined result achieves higher overall accuracy, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple processed data streams from different paths into a final detected data output. By merging the results from multiple independent processing paths, the system achieves both high speed (through parallel processing) and high accuracy (through combined signal processing), eliminating the trade-off between these parameters.
2Measurement precision
If multiple analog to digital converters are used to sample at different phases, then data detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs each analog-to-digital converter and processing path to serve multiple functions: they not only convert and process signals but also provide diverse sampling phases and contribute to multiple detection paths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sampling phase parameter across different data paths to create diversity in the processed signals. By varying this parameter rather than using identical parallel converters, the system achieves improved detection accuracy through phase diversity while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If filtering and combining multiple data streams is applied, then residual inter-symbol interference is reduced, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies filtering operations to each data stream before combining them, performing preliminary signal processing that reduces inter-symbol interference in advance. This preliminary action cleans up the signals early in the process, so that when the streams are combined, the overall processing time remains minimal while reliability is improved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous processing of data streams through multiple parallel paths simultaneously. Rather than sequential processing that would increase time loss, the system continuously processes signals in parallel across all paths and combines results without interruption, ensuring that the useful action of data processing continues without significant time penalty.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present invention provide apparatuses and methods for processing data in a multi-path data processing circuit. For example, an apparatus is disclosed that includes a first filter operable to process a first digital data stream to yield a first filtered digital data stream, a second filter operable to process a second digital data stream to yield a second filtered digital data stream, wherein the first and second digital data stream are representative of a same data set and wherein the first and second digital data stream have a different phase, a combining circuit operable to combine the first filtered digital data stream and the second filtered digital data stream to yield a combined data stream, and a data detector operable to detect a data sequence in the combined data stream.