Multi-level signaling

摘要

Apparatus are disclosed, such as those involving a transmitter circuit that is configured to generate multi-level signals based on a plurality of data digits. One such transmitter circuit includes a signal output and an encoder configured to provide control signals based at least partially on the plurality of data digits. The transmitter circuit also includes a first set of switches configured to receive one or more of the control signals, and to selectively conduct a first or second voltage reference to the signal output. The transmitter circuit further includes first and second voltage drop circuits that provide third and fourth voltage references, respectively. The third and fourth voltage references have voltage levels between those of the first and second voltage references. The transmitter circuit also includes a second set of switches configured to receive one or more of the control signals, and selectively conduct the third or fourth voltage reference to the signal output.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising a transmitter circuit configured to generate a multi-level signal having more than two signal levels, the transmitter circuit comprising:
a first voltage drop circuit configured to adjust a first reference voltage by a first difference; a first switch configured to conduct the first reference voltage when activated; a second switch electrically coupled to the first voltage drop circuit, the second switch configured to conduct the first reference voltage adjusted by the first difference when activated; and an encoder configured to convert at least two bits of input data into three or more control signals and to selectively activate the first switch and the second switch based at least partly on at least two of the three or more control signals, wherein the transmitter circuit is configured to generate one of the more than two signal levels of the multi-level signal when the first switch is deactivated and the second switch is activated, and wherein each of the more than two signal levels corresponds to a different data input value.