Programmable Termination Circuit for Bandwidth and Attenuation Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input termination circuits in communication systems are inadequate for processing high-speed signals, particularly in handling large multimedia data transfers, as they fail to provide sufficient bandwidth and attenuation adjustability.
Innovation Solution
A termination circuit comprising an inductor network coupled with a capacitor network, including adjustable capacitors and resistors, which are controlled by control signals to adjust attenuation and maintain impedance matching, enhancing bandwidth and reducing signal reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional input termination circuits are used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the bandwidth is insufficient and attenuation adjustability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing fixed passive components with programmable components. The termination circuit uses digitally controlled capacitors and resistors that can dynamically adjust their values based on control signals, enabling attenuation adjustability while maintaining a relatively simple overall circuit structure. This resolves the contradiction by making the circuit adaptable without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the capacitance and resistance values to be programmably adjusted. The capacitor network and resistor network can change their electrical parameters under digital control, providing attenuation adjustability. This approach enables the circuit to adapt to different signal conditions without requiring completely different circuit topologies, thus improving versatility without excessive complexity increase.
2Speed
If conventional termination circuits are used, then the circuit is easy to manufacture, but the bandwidth is limited for high-speed communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional passive RC termination circuits with an active circuit topology that includes programmable capacitors and resistors controlled by digital signals. This substitution enables the circuit to achieve high-speed performance and extended bandwidth by dynamically optimizing the termination characteristics, while the underlying manufacturing process remains compatible with standard CMOS technology, maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The termination circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: impedance matching, signal attenuation, and bandwidth extension. By integrating programmable capacitor and resistor networks with the termination function, the circuit can adapt to different communication standards and speed requirements, achieving high bandwidth performance without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Reliability
If attenuation is increased to handle strong signals, then signal level matching is improved, but signal processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing programmable attenuation control. The capacitor network and resistor network can be dynamically adjusted based on the incoming signal strength, providing optimal attenuation only when needed. This dynamic adjustment maintains signal level matching reliability while minimizing unnecessary attenuation that would reduce signal processing efficiency, thus resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to communication systems and electrical circuits. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a termination circuit that includes an inductor network. The inductor network is coupled to a termination resistor and a capacitor network, which includes a first capacitor and a second capacitor. The termination resistor, the first capacitor, and the second capacitor are adjustable, and they affect attenuation of the termination circuit. There are other embodiments as well.