Method and system for slicing a communication signal
First Claim
1. A method for processing a multilevel communication signal comprising a series of symbol periods, each of a time duration, the method comprising the steps of:
- slicing a waveform of a first symbol period in response to performing, in less time than the time duration, the steps of;
generating a first signal in response to comparing the waveform of the first symbol period to a first amplitude threshold using a first comparator disposed in a first circuit branch;
generating a second signal in response to comparing the waveform of the first symbol period to a second amplitude threshold using a second comparator disposed in a second circuit branch that is substantially parallel with the first circuit branch; and
forming a quantized signal comprising a selected level of a multilevel communication scheme for the first symbol period in response to adding the first signal to the second signal; and
compensating for intersymbol interference on a waveform of a second symbol period that immediately follows the first symbol period in response to performing the steps of;
forming a feedback signal via applying a first amount of delay and an adjustable level of gain to the formed quantized signal; and
applying the feedback signal to the waveform of the second symbol period.
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Abstract
A slicer can receive a communication signal having a level or amplitude that is between two discrete levels of a multilevel digital communication scheme. The slicer can compare the communication signal to a plurality of references such that multiple comparisons proceed essentially in parallel. A summation node can add the results of the comparisons to provide an output signal set to one of the discrete levels. The slicer can process the communication signal and provide the output signal on a symbol-by-symbol basis. A decision feedback equalizer (“DFE”) can comprise the slicer. A feedback circuit of the DFE can delay and scale the output signal and apply the delayed and scaled signal to the communication signal to reduce intersymbol interference (“ISI”).
308 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method for processing a multilevel communication signal comprising a series of symbol periods, each of a time duration, the method comprising the steps of:
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slicing a waveform of a first symbol period in response to performing, in less time than the time duration, the steps of; generating a first signal in response to comparing the waveform of the first symbol period to a first amplitude threshold using a first comparator disposed in a first circuit branch; generating a second signal in response to comparing the waveform of the first symbol period to a second amplitude threshold using a second comparator disposed in a second circuit branch that is substantially parallel with the first circuit branch; and forming a quantized signal comprising a selected level of a multilevel communication scheme for the first symbol period in response to adding the first signal to the second signal; and compensating for intersymbol interference on a waveform of a second symbol period that immediately follows the first symbol period in response to performing the steps of; forming a feedback signal via applying a first amount of delay and an adjustable level of gain to the formed quantized signal; and applying the feedback signal to the waveform of the second symbol period. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification