Receiver Sampling Time Determination via Amplitude Maximization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for determining sampling time in data signal transmission are complex and error-prone, often requiring error correction before or after transmission, and fail to accurately measure signal strength at optimal points, leading to unreliable data interpretation and increased error rates.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining sampling time based on measured filter coefficients, which shifts the sampling time to maximize the amplitude of the data signal, thereby minimizing error rates and ensuring reliable bit value detection without requiring special transmitter setup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional error correction methods are applied before or after transmission, then transmission reliability can be improved, but system complexity and computational overhead increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-distorting the transmitted signal to compensate for expected channel effects before transmission. The transmitter predistorts the signal based on channel characteristics, so that after passing through the channel, the signal arrives at the receiver with minimal distortion, eliminating the need for complex post-reception error correction algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service through automatic adaptation where the receiver measures the actual channel response and automatically adjusts the equalization parameters without external intervention. The system self-calibrates by monitoring transmission quality and dynamically adjusting filter coefficients to maintain optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If signal predistortion is applied to generate optimized signals with steep edges and large amplitude, then signal quality improves, but the optimal sampling time becomes difficult to determine

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidsampling time accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback by having the receiver measure the actual received signal characteristics and feed this information back to adjust the sampling time determination. The system continuously monitors the signal and adapts the sampling point selection based on actual signal quality metrics, ensuring optimal sampling despite signal predistortion effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies dynamics by making the sampling time adaptive rather than fixed. The optimal sampling point is dynamically adjusted based on real-time channel conditions and signal characteristics. The receiver can shift the sampling instant to track the maximum of the eye diagram opening, maintaining optimal performance under varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If transmission parameters and filter coefficients are optimized, then signal amplitude and edge steepness improve, but reliable determination of sampling time becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal optimizationVSAvoidsampling time detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional time-based sampling to two-dimensional optimization by considering both time and amplitude dimensions. The system determines sampling time by finding the maximum amplitude point in the signal waveform, effectively using amplitude as an additional dimension to identify the optimal sampling instant. This dimensional approach simplifies the detection process despite complex signal optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Productivity

If clock frequency is increased to improve data throughput, then transmission capacity increases, but error rate increases due to reduced bit width

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoiderror rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the sampling time parameter rather than changing the clock frequency. Instead of increasing throughput through higher frequency (which reduces bit width and increases errors), the system maintains the existing clock rate but adjusts the sampling instant to capture the maximum amplitude point, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3323219B1Method, device and system for determining the sampling time at the receiver
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 INOVA SEMICON
  • EP3323219B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3323219B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3323219B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method, a device, and a system for the error-free identification of bit values that are transmitted by means of a continuous data signal. For this purpose, an especially advantageous metric is proposed which allows a conclusion to be made about an optimal instant for scanning the data signal and thus permits clear identification of the bit value.