Self series terminated serial link transmitter having segmentation for amplitude, pre-emphasis, and slew rate control and voltage regulation for amplitude accuracy and high voltage protection

摘要

A circuit design method and transmitter that enables flexible control of amplitude, pre- emphasis, and slew rate utilizing a design of a segmented self-series terminated (SSST) transmitter having a parallel configuration of multiple, individually controllable segments of dual pull-up and pull-down transistors. Amplitude control, slew rate control and pre-emphasis control are enabled by manipulation/selection of normal or inverted inputs for the various segments. Also provided is a mechanism for providing/maintaining accurate output across a self-series terminated (SST) transmitter by regulating the supply voltage. Regulation of the supply voltage allows compatibility with conventional serial link receiver termination voltages and protects the transmitter output devices when those voltages are larger than the normal supply for the devices.