Abstract: A phase detector apparatus and method used for clock recovery from a data signal is provided. The phase detector provides phase correction signals to a clock signal generator, where the phase correction signals are only generated if a predetermined data sample pattern is observed. In particular, the predetermined data sample pattern is preferably a transition from one to zero. Thus, transitions from zero to one will not provide a valid phase update output signal, even though a transition has occurred. In other embodiments the predetermined data sample pattern is preferably a one to zero transition preceded by an additional logic one sample.

Abstract: A high-speed maximum likelihood sequence estimation method and device. The method includes identifying candidate paths through a state trellis based on a group of observed data, where each candidate path corresponds to a best path through a trellis beginning at one of a possible prior states (and corresponding prior data bit or bits), and then selecting one of the paths based on candidate sequence selection information, typically prior state decisions (e.g., data symbols in the form of one or more bits). The path selection, in turn, provides decoding of symbols and data bit information for use in selecting one of the candidate paths in a subsequent stage.

Abstract: A high-speed maximum likelihood sequence estimation method and device. The method includes identifying candidate paths through a state trellis based on a group of observed data, where each candidate path corresponds to a best path through a trellis beginning at one of a possible prior states (and corresponding prior data bit or bits), and then selecting one of the paths based on candidate sequence selection information, typically prior state decisions (e.g., data symbols in the form of one or more bits). The path selection, in turn, provides decoding of symbols and data bit information for use in selecting one of the candidate paths in a subsequent stage.

Abstract: A noise tolerant voltage controlled oscillator is described. The voltage controlled oscillator include a varactor element as part of an LC tank circuit. The varactor element is biased by a bias signal and a bias-dependent control signal. The bias-dependent control signal tunes the LC tank circuit. Because the control signal is bias-dependent, noise and other deleterious influences do not cause the varactor element to deviate in capacitance. Instead, the bias-dependent control signal is a tuning signal that is centered around the bias signal, which allows the varactor element to provide a constant capacitance in the event of a varying bias signal.

Abstract: A high-speed maximum likelihood sequence estimation method and device. The method includes identifying candidate paths through a state trellis based on a group of observed data, where each candidate path corresponds to a best path through a trellis beginning at one of a possible prior states (and corresponding prior data bit or bits), and then selecting one of the paths based on candidate sequence selection information, typically prior state decisions (e.g., data symbols in the form of one or more bits). The path selection, in turn, provides decoding of symbols and data bit information for use in selecting one of the candidate paths in a subsequent stage.