Non-linear Signal Reshape Circuit for Jitter Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed digital signal transmission is affected by noise sources like reflection and crosstalk noise, leading to significant jitter and data errors due to voltage variations at the receiver side, which reduce the timing margin for data sampling.
Innovation Solution
A method and circuit that non-linearly modify the voltage level of signals on transmission lines using components like diodes and transistors to reduce voltage variations at specific target levels, thereby reshaping the waveform and minimizing jitter. This is achieved through the use of a non-linear reshape component that clips voltage levels near peak zones and applies low impedance when the signal is away from these zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If signal transmission is performed at high data rates, then productivity is improved, but signal integrity deteriorates due to jitter and voltage variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by non-linearly modifying the voltage level of the transmitted signal. Specifically, it transforms the linear voltage-time relationship into a non-linear one where the voltage variation is reduced at critical target levels (corresponding to logic transitions). This parameter transformation allows high-speed transmission while maintaining signal integrity by controlling voltage swing characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-distorting the signal waveform before transmission. The non-linear shaping circuit modifies the voltage levels in advance to compensate for expected jitter and voltage variations that will occur during high-speed transmission. This preliminary modification ensures that even under high data rates, the signal arrives at the receiver with sufficient timing margin and reduced jitter.
2Ease of operation
If voltage level is linearly transmitted, then ease of operation is maintained, but jitter increases due to voltage variations at target levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the linear voltage parameter into a non-linear parameter profile. By applying non-linear shaping, the voltage variation is specifically controlled at target levels (where logic transitions occur) while maintaining appropriate voltage swings elsewhere. This selective parameter modification reduces jitter without significantly complicating the transmission system.
3Reliability
If non-linear modification is applied to reduce voltage variation, then signal integrity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional circuit components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-linear shaping circuit as an intermediary component between the signal source and the transmission line. This intermediary circuit, which may include diodes, transistors, or other non-linear elements, performs the voltage level modification without requiring complex control logic or multiple processing stages. The intermediary approach isolates the complexity to a dedicated function block while keeping the rest of the system relatively simple.
4Manufacturing precision
If voltage clipping is used to limit voltage variation, then jitter is reduced, but loss of information may occur due to voltage level distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively controlling voltage variation only at specific target levels corresponding to logic transitions, rather than uniformly clipping the entire voltage waveform. The non-linear shaping circuit is designed to reduce voltage swing specifically where it causes jitter (at crossing points and transition levels) while preserving the overall voltage amplitude and shape needed for reliable logic level detection. This localized approach maintains signal fidelity while reducing jitter.
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 effectively reduces jitter and maintains sufficient timing margins for accurate data processing by limiting voltage variations at signal peaks, thereby enhancing signal integrity during high data rate transmissions.
Implementation Method 1
causing a voltage level of a signal transmitted on a transmission line to be non-linearly modified to reduce a voltage variation at a target level
Implementation Method 2
clipping the voltage level of a predetermined voltage value at the target level
Implementation Method 3
reducing an impedance to modify the voltage level of the signal at the target level
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide a method. The method includes causing a voltage level of a signal transmitted on a transmission line to be non-linearly modified to reduce a voltage variation at a target level, and providing the modified signal to a receiving circuit that is disposed on the transmission line. In an embodiment, the method includes causing the voltage level of the signal transmitted on the transmission line to be non-linearly modified to reduce a first voltage variation at a first target level corresponding to a first digital value and to reduce a second voltage variation at a second target level corresponding to a second digital value.