PAM Link Co-Calibration for Nonlinear Voltage Level Distortion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM-N) signaling systems suffer from non-linearity distortion due to non-uniform distribution of voltage offsets in signal levels, affecting data recovery in high-speed data transmission systems.

Innovation Solution

A PAM-N receiving device with a distortion detection circuit generates and transmits distortion information to the transmitting device, which adjusts drive strength parameters to minimize voltage differences between signal levels, using techniques like decision feedback equalization and eye scanning to correct for inequalities in voltage levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multi-level PAM signaling is used to increase data transmission capacity, then productivity is improved, but non-linearity distortion increases due to non-uniform voltage offset distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capacityVSAvoidnon-linearity distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the receiving device measures distortion in received PAM-N signals and sends distortion information back to the transmitting device. The transmitting device then adjusts its drive strength parameters based on this feedback to minimize distortion. This closed-loop feedback system resolves the contradiction by enabling dynamic correction of non-linearity distortion while maintaining high data transmission capacity through multi-level PAM signaling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the drive strength parameters of the transmitting device based on measured distortion characteristics. By adjusting parameters such as voltage levels and timing offsets dynamically, the system optimizes signal quality while maintaining high-order PAM modulation for increased data capacity. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between high productivity and distortion reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If distortion detection and correction mechanisms are added to reduce non-linearity distortion, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata recovery accuracyVSAvoidreceiver/transmitter architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the receiving device performs self-diagnosis by measuring distortion in received signals and automatically communicates correction information to the transmitting device. The transmitting device then self-adjusts its parameters without external intervention. This self-service approach improves reliability while minimizing the need for additional complex external calibration equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes existing components multi-functional. The receiver interface circuit not only receives and decodes PAM-N signals but also measures distortion characteristics. The driver circuit not only transmits data signals but also adjusts its parameters based on distortion feedback. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated calibration components, thereby improving reliability while limiting complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If drive strength parameters are adjusted to minimize voltage differences between signal levels, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring continuous calibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage level uniformityVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary distortion measurement and parameter adjustment during the initialization phase of the communication link. By establishing optimal drive strength parameters before actual data transmission begins, the system achieves high voltage level uniformity without requiring continuous calibration during operation. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by establishing precision upfront while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic distortion measurement and parameter adjustment rather than continuous calibration. The system periodically checks signal quality and makes necessary parameter adjustments at scheduled intervals, which maintains voltage level uniformity while minimizing the impact on ease of operation. This periodic approach balances manufacturing precision with operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11323297B2Receiver/transmitter co-calibration of voltage levels in pulse amplitude modulation links
Publication Date: 2022.05.03 CADENCE DESIGN SYST INC
  • US11323297B2 patent drawing
  • US11323297B2 patent drawing
  • US11323297B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A driver circuit of a PAM-N transmitting device transmits a PAM-N signal via a communication channel, wherein N is greater than 2, and the PAM-N signal has N signal levels corresponding to N symbols. A PAM-N receiving device receives the PAM-N signal. The PAM-N receiving device generates distortion information indicative of a level of distortion corresponding to inequalities, in voltage differences between the N signal levels. The PAM-N receiving device transmits to the PAM-N transmitting device the distortion information indicative of the level of the distortion. The PAM-N transmitting device receives the distortion information. The PAM-N transmitting device adjusts one or more drive strength parameters of the driver circuit of the PAM-N transmitting device based on the distortion information.