Adaptive techniques for joint optimization of XTC and DFE loop gain in high-speed I/O

Abstract

High-speed I/O channels require adaptive techniques to optimize the settings for filter tap weights at decision feedback equalization (DFE) read channels to compensate for channel inter-symbol interference (ISI) and crosstalk from multiple adjacent channels. Both ISI and crosstalk tend to vary with channel length, process, and temperature variations. Individually optimizing parameters such as those just mentioned leads to suboptimal solutions. We propose a joint optimization technique for crosstalk cancellation (XTC) at DFE to compensate for both ISI and XTC in high-speed I/O channels. The technique is used to compensate for between 15.7 dB and 19.7 dB of channel loss combined with a variety of crosstalk strengths from 60 mVp-p to 180 mVp-p adaptively, where the transmit non-return-tozero signal amplitude is a constant 500 mVp-p.