Adaptive Receiver Termination Calibration for Impedance Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

In interface circuit receivers, accurately matching termination resistance with the transmitter is challenging due to varying resistance factors, leading to incorrect received data and reduced signal reception accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A reception circuit that generates a digital calibration signal, compares it with predefined data, and adjusts the termination resistance or receiver characteristics using a variable termination resistance unit and data determination control unit to achieve impedance matching and enhance signal reception accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single termination resistance matching resistor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and reliability of impedance matching deteriorate due to resistance variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetermination resistance structureVSAvoidimpedance matching accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single termination resistance into multiple discrete resistance elements (first termination resistance and second termination resistance) that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows for finer control over the total termination resistance value, enabling precise impedance matching despite variations in individual resistor values. The segmented approach transforms a binary choice (match or not match) into a multi-step adjustment process that converges on the optimal matching value.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment capability through the data determination control unit that automatically modifies the termination resistance based on real-time signal reception quality feedback. The system transitions from a static, fixed resistance value to a dynamic, adaptive resistance value that optimizes impedance matching during operation. This dynamic approach compensates for manufacturing tolerances and environmental variations that affect resistor values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a single termination resistance matching resistor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of signal reception deteriorates due to incorrect received data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetermination resistance structureVSAvoidsignal reception accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the data determination control unit monitors the quality of received signals and adjusts the termination resistance accordingly. The system receives feedback about signal integrity (through the digital calibration signal comparison) and uses this information to automatically modify the termination resistance setting. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that the termination resistance is continuously optimized for reliable signal reception, correcting mismatches that would otherwise cause data errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary calibration by comparing the digital calibration signal with predefined data before normal operation begins. This preliminary action identifies the optimal termination resistance value in advance, allowing the system to be pre-configured for accurate signal reception. By performing the impedance matching adjustment before actual data transmission starts, the system ensures reliability from the beginning of operation without requiring continuous intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If termination resistance is manually fixed, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different transmission conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetermination resistance adjustmentVSAvoidimpedance matching capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the system to self-adjust the termination resistance automatically without requiring manual intervention. The data determination control unit performs the calibration and adjustment operations autonomously by comparing the received calibration signal with predefined data and modifying the resistance elements accordingly. This self-service capability maintains ease of operation (no complex manual tuning needed) while achieving high adaptability to different transmission conditions through automatic optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the termination resistance parameter dynamically based on detected signal characteristics. By adjusting the resistance value (a key electrical parameter) in response to different transmission conditions, the system achieves adaptability without requiring manual reconfiguration. The parameter change is driven by automatic detection of impedance mismatches and correction through resistance element adjustment, allowing the system to adapt to varying channel conditions, cable lengths, and transmitter characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9197464B2Reception circuit
Publication Date: 2015.11.24 NOVATEK MICROELECTRONICS CORP
  • US9197464B2 patent drawing
  • US9197464B2 patent drawing
  • US9197464B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention discloses a reception circuit capable of enhancing accuracy of signal reception. The reception circuit includes a variable termination resistance unit, coupled to at least one channel, for utilizing at least one termination resistance corresponding to the at least one channel to perform impedance matching, a receiver, coupled to the at least one channel, for receiving a calibration signal to generate a digital calibration signal, and a data determination control unit, for comparing the digital calibration signal with a predefined data, to adjust the at least one termination resistance.