Wireline Link Crosstalk Reduction via Controlled Channel Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireline links in semiconductor devices often experience near-end crosstalk (NEXT) and echo interference, which degrade signal integrity in high-speed parallel signaling paths.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of adjustment circuitry that adjusts the electrical delay of the wireline signaling link based on the phase relationship between interference and received data symbols, effectively compensating for NEXT and echo interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If wireline links are densely routed for high-speed parallel signaling, then signaling speed and data transmission capability are improved, but near-end crosstalk and echo interference increase, degrading signal integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the electrical delay parameter of the wireline link to optimize the phase relationship between transmitted symbols and interference signals. By changing the delay parameter, the interference from NEXT and echo is shifted to fall outside the symbol decision window, thereby reducing their harmful impact while maintaining high-speed signaling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful crosstalk and echo interference into beneficial effects by deliberately adjusting the delay to transform NEXT into a constructive signal and echo into a delayed version that falls outside the critical decision window. This transforms what were previously harmful interference signals into signals that can be effectively managed or even utilized
2Reliability
If adjustment circuitry is added to compensate for crosstalk, then signal integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a straightforward delay adjustment mechanism that modifies the electrical delay parameter of the wireline link. This parameter change approach provides effective crosstalk compensation without requiring complex circuitry, maintaining simplicity while improving signal integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a delay adjustment circuit as an intermediary element that mediates between the transmitted signal and the received signal. This intermediary component provides the necessary phase adjustment to reduce interference while keeping the overall system architecture simple and manageable
Data Source
AI summary
Semiconductor devices, packaging architectures and associated methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a wireline signaling link is disclosed. The wireline signaling link includes a first transceiver circuit disposed on a first integrated circuit (IC) chip. The first transceiver circuit includes first transmit circuitry to transmit a first set of symbols representing first data, each symbol having a symbol time. The first transceiver circuit also includes first receiver circuitry to receive a second set of symbols representing second data. A second transceiver circuit is disposed on a second IC chip. The wireline signaling link includes a bidirectional channel having a first end coupled to the first transceiver circuit and a second end coupled to the second transceiver circuit. The wireline signaling link further includes circuitry to make an adjustment of an electrical delay of the wireline signaling link, the adjustment based on a phase relationship between interference associated with the first data that is received by the first receiver circuitry and the second data that is received by the first receiver circuitry.