Methods and apparatus for determining threshold of one or more DFE transition latches based on incoming data eye

摘要

Methods and apparatus are provided for determining the threshold position of one or mote DFE latches using an evaluation of the incoming data eye. A threshold position is determined for one or more transition latches employed by a decision-feedback equalizer by obtaining a plurality of samples of a data eye using a data eye monitor; obtaining a vertical eye opening metric from the data eye monitor; and determining the threshold position for the one or more transition latches based on the vertical eye opening metric. A decision-feedback equalizer is also disclosed that comprises at least one data latch having a data threshold; and at least one transition latching having a transition threshold, wherein the transition threshold and the data threshold ate unequal.

主权项

1. A method for determining a threshold position of at least one pair of transition latches employed by a decision-feedback equalizer, comprising:
obtaining a plurality of samples of a data eye using a data eye monitor; obtaining a vertical eye opening metric from said data eye monitor; and determining a magnitude of said threshold position for said at least one pair of transition latches based on said vertical eye opening metric, wherein said threshold position of said transition latches in said at least one pair of transition latches have opposite magnitude values and wherein said at least one pair of transition latches is clocked using a transition clock having a phase that is offset from a data clock by approximately one-half of a sampling period of said data clock.