Patent Publication Number: US-2015063505-A1

Title: Apparatus and method for compensating for channel loss in an electronic device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     The present application is related to and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of a Korean patent application filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Aug. 28, 2013 and assigned Serial No. 10-2013-0102620, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to an electronic device, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for compensating for channel loss in an electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable terminals such as smart phones and table Personal Computers (PCs) provide many useful functions to users by various applications. The portable terminals are now evolving to devices that allow users to use various types of information through applications, in addition to a voice call function. Particularly, these portable terminals are connected to external devices and transmit data to or receive data from the external devices by a data input/output function. 
     To provide the data input/output function, a portable terminal should be connected to an external device in a specific communication scheme. The specific communication scheme may be Universal Serial Bus (UBS) communication. 
     The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the present disclosure. 
     SUMMARY 
     In USB communication, an electronic device transmits a data signal to an external device via a connector of the electronic device. However, the data signal is transferred from a controller to the connector via a line in the electronic device and thus experiences channel loss. As a result, the data signal is damaged. 
     To address the above-discussed deficiencies, it is a primary object to provide an apparatus and method for compensating for channel loss by means of a channel loss compensator configured to compensate for channel loss caused by a transmission line of a data signal in an electronic device. 
     In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus includes a resistor configured to increase an output voltage swing level, and a connector configured to receive a data signal, to compensate for channel loss of the received data signal by amplifying the received data signal, and to output the amplified data signal. 
     In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for compensating for channel loss in an electronic device. The method includes increasing an output voltage swing level, receiving a data signal, compensating for channel loss of the received data signal by amplifying the received data signal, and outputting the amplified data signal through a connector. 
     Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses embodiments of the disclosure. 
     Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term “or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term “controller” means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation, such a device may be implemented in hardware, firmware or software, or some combination of at least two of the same. It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior, as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a configuration of a communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate boards of electronic devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a chip on which a channel loss compensator is implemented according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a circuit diagram of a channel loss compensator according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a method for compensating for channel loss according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a channel loss compensation effect according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood to refer to like parts, components, and structures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 through 7 , discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged wireless communication device. The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely examples. Accordingly, those of ordinary skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness. 
     The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces. 
     By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide. 
     An electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure refers to a mobile electronic device that is readily carried with a user. For example, the electronic device can be one or a combination of two or more of various devices such as video phone, portable phone, smart phone, International Mobile Telecommunication 2000 (IMT-2000) terminal, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) terminal, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) terminal, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) terminal, e-Book reader, portable computer (e.g., laptop, tablet, and the like), digital camera, and the like. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned devices. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a configuration of a communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the communication system includes an electronic device  101 , an external device  103 , and a cable  105  that connects the electronic device  101  to the external device  103 . 
     The cable  105  connects the electronic device  101  to the external device  103 . The cable  105  may transmit a data signal from the electronic device  101  to the external device  103  or from the external device  103  to the electronic device  100  in a specific communication scheme supported by the electronic device  101  and the external device  103 . For example, the specific communication scheme can be Universal Serial Bus (USB) communication. The USB communication has evolved gradually from USB 1.0 to USB 3.0. The specific communication scheme can be USB 3.0. 
     The external device  103  is connected to the electronic device  101  via the cable  105 , The external device  103  may transmit a stored data signal to the electronic device  101  or receive a data signal from the electronic device  101 . The external device  103  can be any of Television (TV), monitor, beam projector, keyboard, touch screen, keyboard, Personal Computer (PC), audio player, auxiliary battery, and the like. 
     The electronic device  101  is connected to the external device  103  via the cable  105 . The electronic device  101  transmits a stored data signal with channel loss compensated for to the external device  103 . 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the electronic device  101  includes a controller  201 , a display  203 , an input unit  205 , a memory  207 , a channel loss compensator  209 , a connector  211 , a Radio Frequency (RF) unit  213 , a data processor  215 , and an audio processor  217 . 
     The RF unit  213  performs a wireless communication function of the electronic device  101 . Specifically, the RF unit  213  includes an RF transmitter that upconverts the frequency of a transmission signal and amplifies the upconverted transmission signal and an RF receiver that low-noise-amplifies a received signal and downconverts the low-noise-amplified signal. The data processor  215  includes a transmitter that encodes and modulates a transmission signal and a receiver that demodulates and decodes a received signal. The data processor  215  can include two Modulators-Demodulators (MODEMS) and two Coders-Decoders (CODECs). The CODECs can be a data CODEC that processes a packet data signal and an audio CODEC that processes an audio signal such as voice. 
     The audio processor  217  reproduces an audio signal received from the data processor  215  through a speaker  219  or transmits an audio signal generated from a microphone  221  to the data processor  215 . The input unit  205  includes alphanumerical keys used to enter numerals and characters and function keys. The display  203  displays an image signal on a screen, and displays a data signal upon request of the controller  201 . 
     If the display  203  is implemented as a capacitive or resistive touch screen, the input unit  205  can include a minimum number of predetermined keys and the display  203  can take over a part of a key input function of the input unit  205 . 
     The memory  207  may include a program memory and a data memory. The program memory stores a booting program and an Operating System (OS) to control general operations of the electronic device  101  and the data memory stores data signals generated during operations of the electronic device  101 . 
     The connector  211  connects the electronic device  101  to the external device  103  via the cable  105 . The connector  211  can be a USB connector or a connector supporting USB communication and any other communication (e.g., Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) communication). 
     The controller  201  provides overall control to the electronic device  101 . Particularly, the controller  201  transmits a data signal stored in the memory  207  to the connector  211 . During transmission from the controller  201  to the connector  211  via a line, the data signal experiences channel loss and thus voltage reduction. 
     To compensate for voltage reduction of a data signal, the channel loss compensator  209  is interposed between the controller  201  and the connector  211 , receives a data signal from the controller  201 , and compensates for channel loss of the data signal. For example, the channel loss compensator  209  may be disposed as near to the connector  211  as possible, to thereby compensate for channel loss caused by the line between the controller  201  and the connector  211  as much as possible. If the channel loss is −6, −9, or −12 dB, the channel loss compensator  209  may compensate the data signal for −6, −9, or −12 dB. 
     Specifically, the channel loss compensator  209  may raise an output voltage swing level received from the controller  201  or an oscillator (not shown) or control the output voltage swing level within a predetermined range. For example, if the output voltage swing level is 0.9V, the channel loss compensator  209  may raise the output voltage swing level to a range of 1.0 to 1.2V. In another example, the channel loss compensator  209  may select a specific voltage from the range of 1.0 to 1.2V and then raise the output voltage swing level to the specific voltage. 
     The channel loss compensator  209  may compensate for channel loss of a data signal received from the controller  201  by amplifying the data signal according to the raised output voltage swing level and may output the compensated data signal to the connector  211 . 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate boards of electronic devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3A , if the electronic device  101  is a table computer, the electronic device  101  includes a board  301 . The board  301  of the electronic device  101  includes a channel loss compensator  303  to compensate for channel loss between the controller  201  and the connector  211 . 
     If the electronic device  101  is a hand-held phone (as shown in  FIG. 3B ), the electronic device  101  includes a board  305 . The board  305  of the electronic device  101  includes a channel loss compensator  307  to compensate for channel loss between the controller  201  and the connector  211 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a chip on which a channel loss compensator is implemented according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the chip of the channel loss compensator  209  may include a ground pin  401  (GND), a power pin  403  (VCC), data signal input pins  405  and  407  (RXP and RXN, respectively), an output voltage swing pin  409 , a driver enable pin  411  (DE), data signal output pins  413  and  415  (TXP and TXN, respectively), and an equalizer pin  417  (EQ). The chip can further include a resistor  419  near to the connector  211 . 
     The ground pin  401  (GND) is a pin for grounding the chip and the power pin  403  (VCC) is used to supply power to the chip. The data signal input pins  405  and  407  (RXP and RXN) receive data signals from the controller  201 . The data signal output pins  413  and  415  (TXP and TXN) output data signals with channel loss compensated for. 
     The resistor  419  can be one of a pull-up resistor, a pull-down resistor, and a No Connection (NC) resistor, or can be a variable resistor that acts variably as a pull-up resistor, a pull-down resistor, and an NC resistor. For example, the resistor  419  may control an output voltage swing level received at 0.9 to 1.2V and outputs the controlled output voltage swing level. For example, if the output voltage swing level is 0.9V and the resistor  419  is a pull-up resistor, the resistor  419  may raise the output voltage swing level to a range of 1.0 to 1.2V. In another example, if the output voltage swing level is 0.9V and the resistor  419  is a variable resistor, the resistor  419  may raise the output voltage swing level to a range of 1.0 to 1.2V through control of a variable resistance value. In another example, if the resistor  419  is a variable resistor, the resistor  419  may control the output voltage swing level within the range of 1.0 to 1.2V through control of a variable resistance value. If the resistor  419  is designed as a pull-up resistor, a pull-down resistor, an NC resistor, or a variable resistor, its resistance value may be controlled in hardware or software by a user. 
     The output voltage swing pin  409  receives a controlled output voltage swing level, the driver pin  411  (DE) receives a first gain by which to amplify a data signal, and the equalizer pin  417  (EQ) receives a second gain by which to equalize a data signal. 
       FIG. 5  is a circuit diagram of a channel loss compensator according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the channel loss compensator  209  includes first and second terminations  501  and  507 , an equalizer  503 , and a driver  505 . 
     The equalizer  503  receives a controlled output voltage swing level, receives a data signal through the first termination  501 , primarily amplifies the data signal according to the controlled output voltage swing level, and outputs the primarily amplified data signal to the driver  505 . The first termination  501  may prevent returning of the input data signal. 
     The driver  505  receives first and second gains, receives the primarily amplified data signal, secondarily amplifies the primarily amplified data signal according to the first and second gains, and outputs the secondarily amplified data signal to the connector  211  through the second termination  507 . The second termination  507  may prevent the secondarily data signal from returning to the driver  505 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a method for compensating for channel loss according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the channel loss compensator  209  receives an output voltage swing level in block  601  and proceeds to block  603 . For example, the channel loss compensator  209  may receive an output voltage swing level lower than 1.0V. 
     In block  603 , the channel loss compensator raises the output voltage swing level. For example, if the output voltage swing level is 0.9V, the channel loss compensator  209  may raise the output voltage swing level to a range of 1.0 to 1.2V. 
     The channel loss compensator  209  receives a data signal from the controller  201  in block  605  and compensates for channel loss of the data signal according to the raised output voltage swing level in block  607 . The channel loss is caused by the line between the controller  201  and the connector  211 . 
     In block  609 , the channel loss compensator  209  outputs the channel loss-compensated data signal to the connector  211 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates eye patterns showing a channel loss compensation effect according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically,  FIG. 7  illustrates eye patterns of data signals transmitted from the controller  201  to the connector  211  via the line, as measured using measurement equipment. From the eye patterns, the impact of jitter and noise reflected in a signal output from the connector  211  can be confirmed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , an eye pattern  701  represents a closed-eye waveform caused by channel loss of a data signal. The eye pattern  701  shows a waveform indicating signal attenuation and distortion of the data signal caused by jitter or noise, as an eye mask  703  generated inside the measurement equipment contacts a signal waveform. In an eye-closed case of the eye mask  703  as illustrated in the eye pattern  701 , a data signal may experience data loss caused by channel loss. 
     An eye pattern  705  represents an eye waveform after channel loss of a data signal is compensated for. This eye waveform makes an eye mask  707  and a data signal waveform distinctive from each other, like an eye. As noted from the eye pattern  705 , if the eye waveform is generated, the data signal does not experience channel loss-incurred data loss. 
     The proposed apparatus and method for compensating for channel loss in an electronic device can be implemented as computer-readable code in a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium can include any kind of recording device storing computer-readable data. Examples of the recording medium include Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), optical disk, magnetic tape, floppy disk, hard disk, non-volatile memory, and the like, and can also include the medium that is implemented in the form of carrier waves (for example, transmission over the Internet). In addition, the computer-readable recording medium can be distributed over the computer systems connected over the network, and computer-readable codes can be stored and executed in a distributed manner. 
     According to embodiments of the present disclosure, each programming module can be configured in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of at least two of them. The foregoing names of hardware components can be changed depending on the type of the electronic device. In embodiments of the present disclosure, hardware may be configured so as to include at least one the aforementioned components. Some components may be added to or removed from the hardware configuration. In addition, a part of the hardware components may be incorporated into a single entity that performs the same functions of the hardware components. 
     The controller  201  may include at least one Application Processor (AP) or at least one Communication Processor (CP). For example, if the controller  201  includes an AP and a CP, the AP and the CP can be included in one Integrated Circuit (IC) package or in different IC packages. The AP may control a plurality of hardware components or software components connected to the AP by driving an OS or an application program, and may process and operate various types of data including multimedia data. For example, the AP can be implemented as a System on Chip (SoC). In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller  201  may further include a Graphic Processing Unit (GPU). 
     As is apparent from the above description, various embodiments of the present disclosure compensate for channel loss using a channel loss compensator configured to compensate for channel loss of a data signal caused by a transmission line in an electronic device. 
     Although the present disclosure has been described with embodiments, various changes and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.