SERDES Sense Amplifier Offset Correction in CTLE Isolation Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data communication systems, particularly those using serializer/deserializer (SERDES) and sense amplifiers, are inadequate for high-data applications due to insufficient offset correction, leading to performance degradation and increased bandwidth usage.
Innovation Solution
An offset correction technique is implemented in SERDES systems by setting a CTLE module to isolation mode and using sense amplifiers to sample data asynchronously, determining an offset value that is later applied during normal operation, thereby eliminating the need for additional components like multiplexers and reducing undesirable capacitance and resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sense amplifiers are used without offset correction, then the system is simpler and uses fewer components, but signal accuracy deteriorates and performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing offset correction sampling during an isolation mode before normal data operation. The system enters isolation mode, samples offset values using sense amplifiers, stores these values, and then exits to normal mode where the stored offset values are used for correction. This preliminary correction sampling eliminates the need for continuous complex correction circuits during data operation, thereby improving signal accuracy while maintaining system simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If additional components like multiplexers are added for offset correction, then signal accuracy improves, but chip area and capacitance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the sense amplifiers multi-functional. During isolation mode, the sense amplifiers function as offset correction samplers. During normal data operation mode, the same sense amplifiers function as data sampling amplifiers. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated offset correction components, thereby improving signal accuracy through offset correction while avoiding additional chip area consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the offset correction function with the existing sense amplifier circuitry and CTLE modules. By combining these functions, the system achieves offset correction capability without adding separate correction circuits, reducing overall chip area while maintaining signal accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If additional components are added for offset correction, then signal accuracy improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing offset correction sampling only during periodic isolation mode intervals rather than continuously during data operation. The system alternates between isolation mode (for offset sampling) and normal data mode (for data transmission). This periodic approach achieves necessary offset correction while minimizing power consumption compared to continuous correction operations.
Solution Approach 2:
By making sense amplifiers multi-functional (serving both as offset correction samplers and data sampling amplifiers), the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated correction components that would consume additional power. The same hardware resources are reused, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining signal accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If CTLE modules operate in isolation mode for offset sampling, then offset correction accuracy improves, but data transmission is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing offset correction sampling during isolation mode before normal data operation begins. The offset values are sampled and stored in advance, allowing the system to exit isolation mode and immediately resume normal data transmission without further interruptions. This preliminary correction approach ensures accurate offset correction while minimizing the duration of transmission interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by alternating between isolation mode (for offset sampling) and normal data mode (for data transmission). The isolation mode is activated periodically to update offset values, and during normal operation, the stored offset values are used for correction without interrupting data flow. This periodic switching achieves offset correction accuracy while maintaining high data transmission efficiency during the majority of operation time.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to data communication. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide an offset correction technique for a SERDES system. A CTLE module for receiving input data signal is set to an isolation mode, and one or more sense amplifiers perform data sampling asynchronously during the isolation mode. During the isolation mode, CLTE(s) that are not directly connected to the sense amplifiers are shut. Data sampled during the isolation mode are used to determine an offset value that is later used in normal operation of the SERDES system. There are other embodiments as well.