Programmable Serial Link Driver Equalization for Low-Delay Protocol Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional adaptive equalization methods for serial communication systems face delays and inefficiencies due to continuous analog filter output and inability to handle a wide range of serial interface protocols, requiring multiple transmitters with different equalizers.

Innovation Solution

A programmable serial link driver interface with a driver block that includes a memory for storing configuration settings, an equalizer, adaptive equalization circuit, select circuitry, and control logic, allowing operation in both adaptive and fixed equalization modes, with the option to store a fixed equalization value for reduced delay and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adaptive equalization is used to compensate for signal distortion, then signal quality is improved, but propagation delay increases due to continuous analog filter output

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidpropagation delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between adaptive equalization mode (for optimal signal quality) and fixed equalization mode (for reduced delay). The equalization settings are adjustable based on operating conditions, allowing the system to optimize the trade-off between signal quality and propagation delay in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptive equalization is applied periodically during training sequences to establish optimal equalization settings, which are then stored and reused during normal operation. This periodic application reduces the continuous computational burden while maintaining signal quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If conventional adaptive equalization is used, then signal distortion is compensated, but the system cannot handle a wide range of serial interface protocols due to frequency range differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistortion compensationVSAvoidprotocol compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The equalizer is designed with programmable parameters and non-volatile memory to store configuration settings for multiple serial interface protocols. This allows a single equalizer design to universally handle various protocols (PCI, PCIe, SATA, fiber channel) by loading the appropriate configuration, eliminating the need for protocol-specific hardware variants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The equalization parameters (such as filter coefficients and time constants) are made adjustable to match the frequency characteristics of different serial interface protocols. By changing these parameters based on the selected protocol, the system maintains optimal distortion compensation across diverse applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple transmitters with different adaptive equalizers are stocked for various applications, then protocol-specific performance is optimized, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol-specific performanceVSAvoidtransmitter variety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single transmitter design incorporates a programmable equalizer with non-volatile memory that can be configured for multiple protocols. This universal design eliminates the need to stock multiple protocol-specific transmitters, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining optimized performance for each protocol through software configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The equalizer configuration settings for different protocols are pre-programmed into non-volatile memory during manufacturing or initialization. When a specific protocol is selected, the corresponding pre-configured settings are automatically loaded, enabling protocol-specific optimization without requiring separate hardware designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Use of energy by moving object

If fixed equalization value is stored and used, then power consumption is reduced and delay is minimized, but adaptability to different protocols requires reprogramming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidprotocol switching capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains different equalization settings in non-volatile memory for different protocols, allowing the fixed equalization value to be optimized for current operation (reducing power and delay) while keeping other protocol configurations available for future use. This local optimization approach balances immediate efficiency with future adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7915923B1Serial link driver interface for a communication system

Publication Date: 2011.03.29 DIODES INC

AI summary

Method and apparatus for a communication system (100) using a driver block (200) are described. The driver block includes memory having programmable non-volatile memory cells for storing configuration settings associated with operation of the driver block (200). The driver block (200) is programmable for a selected interface protocol for operation in an adaptive equalization mode to obtain an adaptive equalization value. The adaptive equalization value is stored as a fixed equalization value for operating the driver block in a fixed equalization mode. The driver block may be used as a serial link driver interface.