Patent ID: 6418121
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
Transceiver circuitry adapted for use in a gigabit interface converter module to process receive and transmit signals in a differential format, the circuitry being installed between and coupled to a plug connected to a host and a receptacle connected to a transmission medium, wherein the host provides to the circuitry power and differential signals for transmission, wherein the circuitry provides to the transmission medium amplified differential transmission signals, wherein the transmission medium provides to the circuitry received differential signals, wherein the circuitry provides to the host a signal detect indication when the differential of the received differential signals falls below a predetermined differential threshold and when the received differential signals switch at greater than a predetermined rate, and wherein the circuitry further provides to the host amplified differential signals corresponding to the differential signals provided to the circuitry by the transmission medium, the circuitry comprising:a comparator having an inverting input, a non-inverting input and an output; a source of current; a first controllable switching element coupled to said current source and to the non-inverting input of said comparator; a second controllable switching element coupled to said current source and to the inverting input of said comparator, said second controllable switching element having a control terminal coupled to receive a first of the differential signals provided by the transmission medium; and a third controllable switching element coupled to said current source and to the inverting input of said comparator, said third controllable switching element having a control terminal coupled to receive a second of the differential signals provided by the transmission medium; wherein the control terminals of the second and third controllable switching elements are further coupled to a fixed bias voltage and the control terminal of the first controllable switching element is coupled to a bias voltage equal to said fixed bias voltage plus one half said predetermined differential threshold; whereby the output of said comparator is at a first level when the differential of the received differential signals exceeds said predetermined differential threshold and is at a second level when the differential of the received differential signals is less than said predetermined differential threshold.