PAM-4 Data Transmission Device Using Toggle Serializer for Amplitude Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pre-emphasis functions for PAM-4 signals are not suitable, leading to high power consumption and large chip area requirements, limiting data transmission speed in electronic channels like PCB transmission lines.
Innovation Solution
A data transmission device using a toggle serializer to generate toggle signals based on logic level changes in MSB and LSB signals, which are combined with the PAM-4 signal to modulate its amplitude, and controlling the supply voltage of inverters to adjust gain, thereby reducing power consumption and chip area while maintaining transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If existing pre-emphasis functions are used for PAM-4 signals, then data transmission can be performed, but power consumption is high and chip area is large
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-emphasis function is segmented into separate toggle signal generation paths for MSB and LSB, with each path processing specific bit transitions independently. This segmentation allows for more efficient resource utilization and reduced overall power consumption compared to a unified pre-emphasis structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by using toggle signals that are generated based on logic level transitions rather than continuous signal processing. This parameter change from continuous to transition-based operation significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining transmission reliability.
2Area of stationary object
If existing pre-emphasis functions are used for PAM-4 signals, then data transmission can be performed, but chip area is large
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential toggle signal generation functionality needed for pre-emphasis, removing unnecessary circuit components from the traditional pre-emphasis structure. This extraction reduces chip area while preserving the core data transmission performance through selective signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The toggle serializer circuit performs multiple functions including toggle signal generation, signal combining, and pre-emphasis application within a unified structure. This multi-functionality reduces the overall chip area by eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function.
3Productivity
If PAM-4 transmission is used to increase data capacity, then transmission speed improves, but signal amplitude variations require complex modulation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies pre-emphasis as a preliminary action before signal transmission by generating toggle signals that anticipate and compensate for anticipated signal degradation. This preliminary compensation simplifies the modulation requirements by pre-correcting amplitude variations, allowing for more straightforward PAM-4 signal generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The toggle signals act as intermediaries between the data signals and the final PAM-4 output. These intermediary signals facilitate the amplitude modulation process by providing controlled transitions that simplify the overall modulation complexity while maintaining high data transmission speed.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a data transmission device for modulating the amplitude of a PAM-4 signal using a toggle serializer and a method of operating the same. In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the data transmission device includes a toggle serializer configured to generate at least one toggle signal by detecting logic level change of first and second signals from a Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM) signal including the first and second signals; and a driver configured to modulate an amplitude of the PAM signal by combining the first signal, the second signal, and the at least one toggle signal.