Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided fox equalizing a received signal. A received signal is equalized by determining a data rate of the received signal; obtaining one or more equalization parameters associated with the determined data rate; and equalizing the received signal using the obtained one or more equalization parameters. The equalization parameters may comprise, for example, one or more of a gain parameter, zero control for a high pass filter and one or more threshold settings for one or more latches used during the equalizing step, such as data latches or transition latches (or both).

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/540,946, filed Sep. 29, 2006, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Determining Latch Position for Decision-Feedback Equalization Using Single-Sided Eye,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/686,148, filed Mar. 14, 2007, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Decision-Feedback Equalization Using Single-Sided Eye with Global Minimum Convergence,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/414,522, filed Apr. 28, 2006, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Determining a Position of a Latch Employed for Decision-feedback Equalization,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/541,379, filed Sep. 29, 2006, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Non-Linear Decision-Feedback Equalization in the Presence Of Asymmetric Channel,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/864,110, filed Sep. 28, 2007, entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Positioning One or More DFE Transition Latches Based on Incoming Data Eye,” each incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to equalization techniques, and more particularly, to techniques for intelligent equalization. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Communication networks increasingly carry information at various data rates. The selected data rate for a given communication can be pre-established between the transmitter and receiver, can be signaled, for example, using handshaking techniques, or can by dynamically determined by the receiver. Data rate detection techniques allow a receiver to determine the rate of incoming data, for example, by examining the received data. Such automatic data rate detection techniques allow a receiver to receive data from a variety of transmitting devices operating at different speeds without having to establish data rates in advance. 
         [0004]    Signals arriving at a receiver are typically corrupted by intersymbol interference (ISI), crosstalk, echo, and other noise. In order to compensate for such channel distortions, communication receivers often employ well-known equalization techniques. For example, zero equalization or decision-feedback equalization (DFE) techniques (or both) are often employed. Such equalization techniques are widely-used for removing intersymbol interference and to improve the noise margin See, for example, R. Gitlin et al., Digital Communication Principles, (Plenum Press, 1992) and E. A. Lee and D. G. Messerschmitt, Digital Communications, (Kluwer Academic Press, 1988), each incorporated by reference herein Generally, zero equalization techniques equalize the pre-cursors of the channel impulse response and decision-feedback equalization equalizes the post cursors of the channel impulse response. 
         [0005]    A communication channel typically exhibits a low pass effect on a transmitted signal. The various frequency components of a signal will thus encounter different attenuation at the output of the channel, with higher frequency components of a transmitted signal being impaired more than lower frequency components. Thus, the impairment of a channel is said to be rate-dependent. As a result, the equalization parameters optimized for one data rate will typically not be applicable fox another data rate. 
         [0006]    In the absence of a received signal, the receiver lacks information (data transitions) and cannot sustain a frequency lock. If the equalizer is allowed to train when the signal has been lost, the equalizer will produce invalid updates. Likewise, there are a number of predefined patterns that are not sufficiently spectrally rich to provide valid equalization results. For example, many communications systems continuously send an idle pattern to keep the system alive, in a similar manner to a heart beat signal. The idle pattern, however, is not spectrally rich and is therefore not good for equalization. 
         [0007]    A need therefore exists for rate-dependent methods and apparatus for equalizing a channel. A further need exists for equalization methods and apparatus that can detect the data rate, and perform equalization based on the detected data rate. Yet another need exists for equalization methods and apparatus that update the equalization parameters only if one or more predefined qualifier conditions, such as a loss of signal, are not present. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Generally, methods and apparatus are provided for equalizing a received signal According to one aspect of the invention, a received signal is equalized by determining a data rate of the received signal; obtaining one or more equalization parameters associated with the determined data late; and equalizing the received signal using the obtained one or more equalization parameters The equalization parameters may comprise, for example, one or more of a gain parameter, zero control for a high pass filter and one or more threshold settings for one or more latches used during the equalizing step, such as data latches or transition latches (or both). 
         [0009]    The equalization can be an incremental steady state equalization if the equalization parameters have been previously determined for the determined data rate or a full equalization if valid equalization parameters are not available for the determined data rate. The rate can be determined, for example, by analyzing the received signal or obtaining a data rate established by a controller. 
         [0010]    A more complete understanding of the present invention, as well as further features and advantages of the present invention, will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description and drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary server environment in which the present invention can operate; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a schematic block diagram of a smart equalizer incorporating features of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart describing an exemplary implementation of a smart equalization process incorporating features of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4A  illustrates an exemplary input signal to a pre-amplified in a receiver and  FIG. 4B  illustrates the saturation of the signal if the gain value is not set correctly, causing undesired compression of the received signal; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5A  illustrates the attenuation characteristics of an exemplary channel and  FIG. 5B  illustrates the transmitted full rate, half rate, and quarter late signal after traversing the lossy channel of  FIG. 5A ; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary invalid equalization detector. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    The present invention provides intelligent methods and apparatus for equalizing a channel. According to one aspect of the invention, the data rate is detected and equalization is performed based on the detected data rate. A smart equalizer is disclosed that maintains equalization parameters for each supported rate. The disclosed smart equalizer automatically activates rate specific equalization based on the supported rates. According to another aspect of the invention, one or more predefined qualifier conditions, such as a loss of signal, are monitored during equalization and if a qualifier condition is detected, the determined equalization parameters are not updated. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary server environment  100  in which the present invention can operate. The exemplary server  100  includes a number of exemplary transceivers  110 - 1  and  110 - 2  for the transmission and reception of data. The exemplary transceivers  110 - 1  and  110 - 2  each support a receive (RX) and transmit (TX) function for multiple communication channels CH 1  through CH N . As shown in  FIG. 1 , a second channel CH 2  on transceiver  110 - 1  is communicating with a first channel CH 1  on transceiver  110 - 2 . 
         [0019]    Typically, a server  100  will incorporate several layers of control. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , each transceiver  110 - 1  and  110 - 2  includes a corresponding microprocessor  120 - 1  and  120 - 2  The microprocessors  120 - 1  and  120 - 2  may be embodied, for example, as the Intel 8051 single chip microcontroller. The microprocessors  120 - 1  and  120 - 2  control the various channels CH 1  through CH N  on the corresponding transceiver  110 . The microprocessors  120 - 1  and  120 - 2  may perform round robin control to equalize each channel CH 1  through CH N . 
         [0020]    In addition, system level control in the exemplary embodiment is performed, for example, by an Advanced RISC Machine (ARM)  150 . Among other control features, the ARM processor  150  may control the data rate and initiate a rate change in a known manner, as discussed hereinafter. The control information, including a late change, may be communicated by the ARM processor  150  to the microprocessors  120 - 1  and  120 - 2  and/or channels CH 1  through CH N  on a given transceiver  110  using an exemplary backchannel  170   
         [0021]    As previously indicated, the equalization parameters optimized for one data rate will typically not be applicable for another data rate. Thus, one aspect of the present invention maintains equalization parameters for each supported late and automatically activates late specific equalization based on the supported rates. As discussed further below in conjunction with  FIG. 2 , in the exemplary embodiment, the rate-specific equalization parameters comprise (1) signal amplitude for a gain stage, (2) high pass filtering for the zero control, (3) DFE thresholds for the data latches used during equalization, and (4) transition thresholds for the transition latches used during equalization. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a schematic block diagram of a smart equalizer  200  incorporating features of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 2 , a received signal is processed by an automatic gain control (AGC) stage  230  that typically attenuates the outer data eye to prevent the pre-amplified from saturating or a gain signal if the input amplitude is small. The AGC is discussed further below in conjunction with  FIGS. 4A and 41 . Following the AGC, the attenuated signal is applied to a high pass filter  240  having zero control. The high pass filter  240  is discussed further below in conjunction with  FIGS. 5A and 51B . The filtering performed by the high pass filter  240  is often considered to be part of the equalization process. 
         [0023]    The filtered signal is then further equalized by a full or partial equalization process  300 , as discussed further below in conjunction with  FIG. 3 . The rate-dependent parameters for the equalization process  300  are loaded from a storage element  290 - 1  through  290 -N, where N is the total number of supported data rates. The particular storage element  290 - 1  through  290 -N is selected by a multiplexer  295 , based on a data rate signal generated in real-time by a late detector  170 . The rate detector  270  may be embodied, for example, using the techniques described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/686,144, filed Mar. 14, 2007, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Data Rate Detection Using a Data Eye Monitor,” incorporated by reference herein. In addition, the smart equalizer  200  can optionally be notified of a rate change by the controller  150  (e.g., an ARM processor). A multiplexer  275  selects the rate information from the controller  150  or the rate detector  270  based on a select control signal. In this manner, the multiplexer  275  selects real-time rate detection or processor control. 
         [0024]    In addition, the smart equalizer  100  includes one or more equalization qualifiers  250  that are monitored during equalization to ensure valid operation of the equalization process  300 . As discussed further below in conjunction with  FIG. 3 , if a qualifier condition is detected, the determined equalization parameters are not updated. For example, the exemplary smart equalizer  200  includes a loss of signal detector  250 - 1 , predefined pattern detector  250 - 2 , a loss of light detector  250 - 3 , a loss of lock detector  250 - 4 , a macro reset detector  250 - 5 , a loss of power detector  250 - 6  and a rate change detector  250 - 7 . The various detectors in the equalization qualifier  250  may be embodied, for example, using sticky logic discussed further below in conjunction with  FIG. 6 . In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the signals generated by the various detectors in the equalization qualifier  250  are applied to an OR gate  280 , that is used to enable the equalization process  300 . In alternate implementations, the signals generated by the various detectors in the equalization qualifier  250  can be processed one at a time. 
         [0025]    As indicated above, the present invention recognizes that equalization parameters vary with the data rate. The disclosed smart equalizer  100  adjusts the following equalization parameters: (1) signal amplitude for the AGC stage  230 , (2) high pass filtering for the zero control  240 , (3) DFE thresholds for the data latches used during equalization  300 , and (4) transition thresholds for the transition latches used during equalization  300 . The rate-dependent equalization parameters are stored in the storage element  290 - 1  through  290 -N corresponding to the given data rate. The techniques of the present invention can be applied towards any form of equalization algorithm, such as an equalizer comprised of FIR filter coefficients. 
         [0026]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart describing an exemplary implementation of a per channel intelligent equalization process  300  incorporating features of the present invention. Generally, the exemplary implementation of the intelligent equalization process  300  may employ a full or partial equalization. Typically, a full equalization is performed at system start-up or whenever there is no starting equalization information. During a full equalization, the full process is performed over the full range of possible values to determine the equalization parameters. A preset equalization can optionally be performed to load known equalization parameters for a given rate in the appropriate storage element  290 . A partial (or steady state) equalization can optionally be performed when prior valid equalization parameters exist and can be used as a starting point. The partial equalization incrementally tracks changes from the known equalization state, in a known manner. In one implementation, a steady state flag can be set during a prior execution of the equalization process  200  to indicate that equalization parameters are available and partial equalization is appropriate. 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , upon initiating a fall or partial equalization process during step  310 , the intelligent equalization process  300  initially reads the appropriate rate-dependent equalization parameters from the corresponding cache  290 , by applying the appropriate control signal to the multiplexer  295 . The qualifier flags for the qualifier detectors  250  are reset during step  320 . The equalization parameters (e.g., gain, high pass filter, DFE data and transition latch thresholds) are updated during step  330  using well-known techniques, such as a Least Mean Square algorithm or the data eye monitoring techniques referenced herein. 
         [0028]    A test is performed during step  340  to determine if any qualifier flags were set during the current equalization iteration. If it is determined during step  340  that one or more qualifier flags were set during the current equalization iteration, then the updated equalization parameters are discarded during step  350 . If, however, it is determined during step  340  that no qualifier flags were set during the current equalization iteration, then the updated equalization parameters are written to the appropriate cache  290 . 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the rate-dependent parameters, such as thresholds for one or more data latches  370 -D 1 ,  370 -D 2  (collectively,  370 -D), are used for real-time equalization during step  360 . 
         [0030]    AGC 
         [0031]    As previously indicated, the AGC  130  attenuates or amplifies the outer data eye for keeping the pre-amplifier from saturating.  FIG. 4A  illustrates an exemplary input signal to a pre-amplifier in a receiver and  FIG. 4B  illustrates the saturation of the signal if the gain value is not set correctly, causing undesired compression of the received signal This nonlinear effect renders the signal useless for linear equalizer. 
         [0032]    High Pass Filtering 
         [0033]    As previously indicated, the attenuated or amplified signal following AGC is applied to a high pass filter  140  having zero control This equalization parameter controls the magnitude of the high pass filtering on the pre-amplifier output.  FIG. 5A  illustrates the attenuation characteristics of an exemplary channel and  FIG. 5B  illustrates the received full rate, half rate, and quarter rate signal after traversing the lossy channel of  FIG. 5A . In the upper panel of  FIG. 5A , the amplitudes are the same for the various signal rates. As shown in  FIG. 5B , the full rate signal is the most attenuated and the quarter rate signal is the least attenuated. To recover the distorted signal, the pre-amplifier asserts frequency selective high pass filtering on the received signal, in a known manner. 
         [0034]    DEE Data and Transition Latch Thresholds 
         [0035]    For a detailed discussion of suitable DFE data latch positioning techniques, see, for example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/540,946, filed Sep. 29, 2006, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Determining Latch Position for Decision-Feedback Equalization Using Single-Sided Eye,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/686,148, filed Mar. 14, 2007, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Decision-Feedback Equalization Using Single-Sided Eye with Global Minimum Convergence,” each incorporated herein by reference. For a detailed discussion of suitable transition latch positioning techniques, see, for example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/864,110, filed Sep. 28, 2007, entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Positioning One or More DFE Transition Latches Based on Incoming Data Eye,” incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0036]    Valid Equalization Operation 
         [0037]    According to the equalization qualified aspect of the present invention, the smart equalizer  200  ensures that the determined equalization parameters aye valid before using them. In one exemplary embodiment, the determined equalization parameters are qualified against information from one or more detectors  250 . For example, in the absence of any signal (loss of signal), the receiver lacks information (data transition) and cannot sustain a frequency lock. If the equalizer is allowed to train when the signal has been lost, the equalizer will produce invalid updates. The loss of signal detector  250 - 1  may be embodied, for example, as a received signal strength detector that triggers when the input signal amplitude falls below adjustable signal amplitude. 
         [0038]    Likewise, there are a number of predefined patterns that are not sufficiently spectrally rich to provide valid equalization results For example, many communications systems continuously send an idle pattern to keep the system alive, in a similar manner to a heart beat signal. The idle pattern, however, is not spectrally rich and is therefore not good for equalization. Thus, if one or more predefined patterns are detected during an iteration of the smart equalization process  300 , then the determined equalization parameters should be discarded. 
         [0039]    The loss of light detector  250 - 3  may be embodied, for example, using data eye monitoring techniques to detect when there is substantially no eye opening. The exemplary loss of lock detector  250 - 4  may monitor a loss of lock signal generated by a clock and data recovery (CDR) system. The exemplary macro reset detector  250 - 5  can monitor signals to determine if a reset button has been pressed or if a reset signal has otherwise been generated. The exemplary loss of power detector  250 - 6  monitors signals to detect if a sleep or low power mode is entered. The exemplary rate change detector  250 - 7  can monitor the signals generated by the rate detector  270  to detect a rate change. 
         [0040]      FIG. 6  is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary invalid equalization detector  600 . The invalid equalization detector  600  processes the outputs of the various detectors  250  and sets a sticky bit if a predefined qualifier situation is detected. Generally, before the smart equalization process  300  is executed, the qualifier flags are reset during step  320  (e.g., the sticky status of the invalid equalization detector  600  is set to zero). While the smart equalization process  300  progresses, if at any instance the qualifier circuit  250  triggers, the invalid equalization detector  600  will asynchronously set the sticky register status. After the equalization completes, the smart equalization process  300  checks the qualifier status during step  340 . If any sticky bit was set, the determined equalization results are discarded because at some point during the equalization process a qualifier condition was detected. 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the output of the detectors are each applied to corresponding sticky logic (registers)  610 . Generally, a sticky register, once set to a logic value of one at any time, will maintain the value of one until reset. As indicated above, before the smart equalization process  300  is executed, the detector sticky status of the invalid equalization detector  600  is set to zero using a clear signal (CLR) applied to a multiplexer  620 . The sticky logic (register)  610  is reset using a RESET control signal. 
         [0042]    A plurality of identical die are typically formed in a repeated pattern on a surface of the wafer. Each die includes a device described herein, and may include other structures or circuits. The individual die are cut or diced from the wafer, then packaged as an integrated circuit. One skilled in the art would know how to dice wafers and package die to produce integrated circuits. Integrated circuits so manufactured are considered part of this invention. 
         [0043]    While exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described with respect to digital logic blocks, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art, various functions may be implemented in the digital domain as processing steps in a software program, in hardware by circuit elements or state machines, or in combination of both software and hardware. Such software may be employed in, for example, a digital signal processor, micro-controller, or general-purpose computer. Such hardware and software may be embodied within circuits implemented within an integrated circuit. 
         [0044]    Thus, the functions of the present invention can be embodied in the form of methods and apparatuses for practicing those methods. One or mole aspects of the present invention can be embodied in the form of program code, for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a machine, or transmitted over some transmission medium, wherein, when the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. When implemented on a general-purpose processor, the program code segments combine with the processor to provide a device that operates analogously to specific logic circuits. 
         [0045]    It is to be understood that the embodiments and variations shown and described herein are merely illustrative of the principles of this invention and that various modifications may be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.