Transmit Equalization Using Split Lanes for Faster Link Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Preparing point-to-point links for high-speed data transfer is a slow and complex process in modern computing systems, which hampers efficient communication between devices.
Innovation Solution
The method involves subdividing communication links into two subsets, where one subset operates at a target high speed for equalization training, and the other at a lower speed to convey feedback, allowing all lanes to operate at the target speed after training, thereby reducing the number of steps and time required for equalization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional equalization training is performed on all lanes at high speed, then signal integrity is improved, but the training time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication link into two distinct subsets: a first subset of lanes used for high-speed equalization training and a second subset of lanes used for feedback transmission. This segmentation allows the training process to occur at high speed on one subset while the other subset operates at lower speed to convey feedback, thereby reducing overall training time while maintaining signal integrity on the high-speed lanes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the receiver transmits equalization feedback information back to the transmitter through the second subset of lanes. This feedback acts as an intermediary that enables the transmitter to adjust its equalization settings based on actual channel conditions, achieving reliable high-speed communication without requiring all lanes to operate at high speed during training.
2Measurement precision
If equalization training is performed sequentially on all lanes, then measurement precision is improved, but the number of steps and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing lanes into two subsets with distinct functions (training and feedback), the patent simplifies the overall training process. The first subset focuses solely on high-speed equalization measurement while the second subset handles feedback, reducing the complexity of coordinating all lanes simultaneously while maintaining measurement precision through dedicated high-speed training lanes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the receiver measures channel characteristics on the first subset of lanes and transmits this information back to the transmitter via the second subset. This feedback mechanism enables precise equalization adjustment without requiring complex multi-lane coordinated training, as each lane's characteristics can be independently measured and adjusted based on feedback.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for performing transmit equalization at a target high speed are disclosed. A computing system includes at least a transmitter, receiver, and a communication channel connecting the transmitter and the receiver. The communication channel includes a plurality of lanes which are subdivided into a first subset of lanes and a second subset of lanes. During equalization training, the first subset of lanes operate at a first speed while the second subset of lanes operate at a second speed. The first speed is the desired target speed for operating the communication link while the second speed is a relatively low speed capable of reliably carrying data over a given lane prior to equalization training. The first subset of lanes are trained at the first speed while feedback is conveyed from the receiver to the transmitter using the second subset of lanes operating at the second speed.