DataTransition Decision Feedback Equalizer with EdgeEmphasis Taps and Raised References This paper presents an adaptive datatransition decision feedback equalizer (DTDFE) with edgeemphasis (EE) taps and raised reference voltages. The distinct characteristics of datastate (DS) DFE and DTDFE are examined first. It is followed with an introduction of DTDFE with EEtaps. We show that the proposed DFE is capable of improving the edges and vertical eyeopening of equalized data. We further show that the proposed DFE is capable of raising reference voltages to desired values so as to improve vertical eyeopening. The details of the design of the DFE are provided. The effectiveness of the proposed DFE is validated using a 10 Gbps backplane link. Simulation results show that the DFE is capable of sharpening data edges by 3.28 times, lowering data jitter by 3.36 times, and improving vertical eyeopening by 3.7 times.

A 34fJbit 20Gbs 18rate ChargeSteering DFE for IoT Applications The need for receiver equalization in wireline communication systems has increased with the large increase in data rates. There are two main categories for equalizers; continuoustime linear equalizers and nonlinear equalizers implemented as decision feedback equalizers (DFE). Most DFEs use halfrate or quarterrate architectures. The DFE proposed in this paper, however, uses a 18rate architecture to relax the timing constraints and reduce power consumption. This paper presents the design of a 1tap 20Gbs chargesteering 18rate DFE in a 65nm CMOS technology. The proposed DFE consumes 0.68mW from a 1V supply and compensates for 7dB channel loss at Nyquist when processing 20Gbs data.