Dynamic variable inter-symbol interference (IS) stress impairment system

摘要

Embodiments of the present invention provide a variable inter symbol interference generator that generates a data signal having a variable amount of inter symbol interference by passing a data signal through (1) a programmable filter having an adjustable frequency response, and through (2) a fixed filter having a fixed frequency response such as a PCB trace, a length of cable, a discrete filter, or the like. By adjusting the parameters and therefore the insertion gain or loss of the programmable filter, and combining this with one or more fixed filters, a large range of continuously variable and finely tunable inter symbol interference amounts can be easily generated.

主权项

1. A variable inter symbol interference generator comprising:
a data signal generator that produces a data signal; a programmable filter structured to receive a user-specified amount of inter symbol interference stress and structured to receive and filter the data signal to produce an intermediate signal; and a fixed filter having a fixed insertion loss that receives and filters the intermediate signal to produce an output signal, the fixed filter including a plurality of fixed filters and a selection circuit programmable to select one of the plurality of fixed filters, or a combination of the plurality of fixed filters to provide the fixed insertion loss of the fixed filter.