Three-Transmitter Equalization for Lower Jitter and Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional three-transmitter multi-phase systems face challenges in reducing inter-symbol interference and power consumption as data rates increase, with traditional equalization techniques worsening timing jitter and wasting power.

Innovation Solution

A three-transmitter multi-phase system with intelligent equalization that selectively emphasizes and de-emphasizes rising and falling edges for mid-level transitions, controlled by a logic circuit to reduce power consumption and data jitter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional equalization techniques are applied to three-transmitter multi-phase system, then inter-symbol interference is reduced, but timing jitter worsens and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinter-symbol interference reductionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different equalization strategies to different voltage transitions (mid-level vs. rail-to-rail) rather than using a uniform equalization approach. Specifically, mid-level transitions (between VM and VOH or VOL) receive emphasis equalization, while rail-to-rail transitions (between VOH and VOL) receive de-emphasis equalization. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by applying equalization only where needed (mid-level transitions cause more ISI), thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining interference reduction benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the equalization parameter (emphasis factor) based on the transition type detected in the incoming signal. The receiver identifies whether a transition is mid-level or rail-to-rail and adjusts the equalization strength accordingly. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing the balance between ISI reduction and power consumption for each specific transition scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional equalization techniques are applied to three-transmitter multi-phase system, then inter-symbol interference is reduced, but timing jitter worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinter-symbol interference reductionVSAvoidtiming jitter
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies differential equalization based on transition type, providing stronger equalization for mid-level transitions (which cause more ISI) and weaker equalization for rail-to-rail transitions (which have better signal integrity). This selective approach reduces timing jitter by avoiding excessive equalization on already-clean transitions while adequately addressing problematic mid-level transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional wisdom by de-emphasizing rail-to-rail transitions (which traditionally receive standard equalization) while emphasizing mid-level transitions (which are often neglected). This inversion resolves the timing jitter issue by recognizing that mid-level transitions, not rail-to-rail transitions, are the primary source of ISI and jitter in three-phase systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If data transmission rate is increased in three-transmitter multi-phase system, then productivity improves, but inter-symbol interference worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidinter-symbol interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic equalization that adapts to the actual transition patterns in the signal rather than using a fixed equalization profile. The receiver dynamically identifies transition types (mid-level vs. rail-to-rail) and adjusts equalization strength in real-time, enabling the system to maintain reliability at higher data rates by applying appropriate equalization only when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback from transition detection to control equalization strength. The receiver detects the type of voltage transition in each symbol and uses this information to adjust the equalization filter parameters accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain low ISI even at high data rates by adapting to the actual signal characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9819523B2Intelligent equalization for a three-transmitter multi-phase system
Publication Date: 2017.11.14 QUALCOMM INC
  • US9819523B2 patent drawing
  • US9819523B2 patent drawing
  • US9819523B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An intelligent equalization technique is provided for a three-transmitter system in which mid-level transitions are selectively emphasized and de-emphasized to conserve power and reduce data jitter.