SERDES Equalizer Calibration Through Known-Pattern Waveform Sampling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data communication systems, particularly serializer/deserializer (SERDES) devices, are inadequate for high-data applications due to limitations in sense amplifiers and conventional equalizer performance evaluation methods, which are costly and lack detailed information on channel losses and random noise errors.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that equalize received data using adjustable parameters, sample the output to generate waveforms, and evaluate them against a known data segment to determine optimal equalizer settings, allowing for efficient evaluation of equalizer performance and random noise assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional eye scan processes are used to evaluate equalizer performance, then measurement capability is provided, but cost increases and detailed information on channel losses and random noise errors is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the equalizer output signal directly from the equalization process and routes it to a waveform capture device, separating the performance evaluation function from the traditional eye scan process. This extraction enables direct observation of the equalizer output waveform, providing detailed information about channel losses and random noise errors that would otherwise be lost in conventional evaluation methods.
2Measurement precision
If conventional equalizer evaluation methods are used, then process simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and noise error detection capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a waveform capture device as an intermediary component between the equalizer and the evaluation system. This mediator captures and stores the equalizer output waveform, enabling precise noise error detection and channel loss analysis without significantly increasing overall system complexity. The waveform capture device serves as a buffer that allows detailed analysis without requiring complex real-time processing.
3Productivity
If sense amplifiers are used in SERDES devices, then data reception is enabled, but performance becomes inadequate for high-data applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the captured equalizer output waveform is analyzed and used to optimize equalizer settings. By continuously monitoring the waveform quality and adjusting equalization parameters accordingly, the system compensates for the limitations of sense amplifiers in high-data applications, thereby improving reliability while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to data communication. In a specific embodiment, a known data segment is received through a data communication link. The received data is equalized by an equalizer using an adjustable equalization parameter. The output of the equalizer is sampled, and a waveform is obtained by sweeping one or more sampler parameters. The waveform is evaluated by comparing it to the known data segment. Based on the quality of the waveform, equalizer parameter is determined. There are other embodiments as well.