Parameter Scanning for Signal Over-Sampling Equalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Digital receivers face challenges in maintaining signal quality due to variations in data phase, amplitude, and noise, which affect data transmission and result in poor display quality for audio-visual data, especially when dealing with different transmitter characteristics and cable lengths.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for parameter scanning in signal over-sampling receivers, which evaluates signals to determine the 'eye' status and adjusts parameters such as equalization and PLL bandwidth to ensure sufficient signal quality, using techniques like relaxed eye operations and separate equalization monitoring to reduce processing time and improve data recovery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data tracking and receiver parameter settings are used to address data issues, then some data problems may be mitigated, but signal quality still suffers due to variances in data and noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidreceiver parameter configuration difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver automatically performs parameter scanning and equalization optimization without requiring manual configuration. The system self-adjusts by evaluating eye opening measurements and selecting optimal parameter combinations, eliminating the need for complex manual setup while improving signal quality across varying transmission conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If multiple samples are taken for each data unit to handle noise, then noise resistance improves, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise resistanceVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The parameter optimization process is segmented into distinct phases: initial parameter scanning, eye opening evaluation, and selective refinement. By dividing the complex parameter tuning into manageable segments based on eye opening measurements, the system handles noise effectively without overwhelming processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If parameter scanning is performed to identify optimal settings, then signal quality improves, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidparameter scanning time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary parameter scanning and eye opening evaluation during initialization or low-traffic periods. By conducting parameter optimization in advance, the system establishes optimal settings before critical data transmission occurs, improving signal quality without causing time loss during actual data transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Parameter scanning and eye opening measurements are performed periodically rather than continuously. The system monitors eye opening at regular intervals and adjusts parameters only when degradation is detected, maintaining signal quality while minimizing processing time overhead during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP1901508B1Parameter scanning for equalisation of over-sampled signals
Publication Date: 2014.11.12 SILICON IMAGE INC
  • EP1901508B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1901508B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1901508B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A method and apparatus for parameter scanning for signal over-sampling. An embodiment of an apparatus includes an equalizer to equalize received data values, and a sampler to over-sample the equalized data. The apparatus includes an eye monitor to generate information regarding quality of signal eyes for the over-sampled data, and an equalization monitor to generate information regarding sufficiency of signal equalization. The apparatus further includes a scan engine to scan possible values of a plurality of parameters for the apparatus.