Receiver Pulse Response Measurement Using Symbol Stream Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring a pulse response in data transmission systems require additional test equipment that can be impractical in dense packaging environments and disrupt channel characteristics, especially during high-speed data transfer, and cannot be performed without interrupting the receiver's operation.
Innovation Solution
Determining the pulse response from the receiver's symbol stream using an array of discrete pulse response values, where the pulse response is calculated without interrupting normal receiver operation by analyzing the impact of symbols on surrounding symbols through an adjustable slicer level function, allowing for continuous data reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional test equipment is used to measure pulse response, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to physical packaging constraints and channel characteristic changes
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver measures its own pulse response using its existing decision circuitry and symbol stream processing capabilities, eliminating the need for external test equipment. The receiver serves itself by utilizing its internal resources (slicers, symbol buffers, decision circuits) to perform self-diagnosis and characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a virtual measurement system by copying the receiver's decision logic and symbol processing capabilities to analyze pulse response characteristics. Instead of physical probes, the system uses digital signal processing to replicate measurement functions within the existing receiver architecture.
2Measurement precision
If additional test equipment is inserted into the channel, then pulse response measurement is enabled, but channel characteristics are significantly changed
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver measures pulse response using its own internal signals and decision circuits without introducing external equipment into the channel. By using its transmitted symbols and received signal processing capabilities, the receiver performs measurement that does not perturb the channel under test.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the receiver's existing symbol stream and decision logic as an intermediary to extract pulse response information. Rather than inserting physical measurement devices, the system uses digital signal processing of the existing symbol stream to indirectly measure channel characteristics without direct interference.
3Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used, then pulse response can be measured, but normal receiver operation must be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver continuously receives and processes data while simultaneously measuring pulse response characteristics. The measurement process operates in parallel with normal reception, using the ongoing symbol stream without requiring interruption or special test modes, thus maintaining continuous useful action.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver's existing signal processing circuitry performs multiple functions simultaneously: normal symbol detection, data recovery, and pulse response measurement. The decision circuits and symbol buffers serve both operational reception and measurement purposes, eliminating the need to interrupt service for dedicated measurement operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A pulse response for a receiver, as an array PR, is found from the receiver's symbol stream.For a continuous stream of arbitrary data, a value of the array PR[k] can be determined from the signal levels of the symbols received. The stream of received data is input to a FIFO. Between the first and last locations of the FIFO is the symbol referred to herein as Dn. Symbols located in the FIFO before Dn are referred to as Dn−x. Symbols located in the FIFO after Dn are referred to as Dn+x. Dn differs from the other FIFO symbols in that its signal level can be measured with an adjustable error slicer.The ISI effect of any Dn−k upon Dn can be measured, and thus any PR[k] measured, by measuring the average signal level of Dn when only certain types of data streams occur in the FIFO.