Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to provide channel monitoring and/or performance monitoring for a communication channel. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an equalizer is disclosed that equalizes for channel distortions and also provides channel and performance monitoring information, such as for example bandwidth estimation, channel identification, signal-to-noise ratio, chromatic dispersion, and/or polarization-mode dispersion.

Abstract: An adaptive signal equalizer with a feedforward filter in which the feedback error signal and corresponding incoming data signal are dynamically aligned in time using signal interpolation, and further, to control the precursor/postcursor filter taps configuration, thereby producing more adaptive filter tap coefficient signals for significantly improved and robust signal equalization.

Abstract: An adaptive signal equalizer with a feedforward filter in which the feedback error signal and corresponding incoming data signal are dynamically aligned in time using signal interpolation, and further, to control the precursor/postcursor filter taps configuration, thereby producing more adaptive filter tap coefficient signals for significantly improved and robust signal equalization.

Abstract: A decision feedback equalizer with dynamic feedback control for use in an adaptive signal equalizer. Timing within the decision feedback loop is dynamically controlled to optimize recovery of the data signal by the output signal slicer. The dynamic timing is controlled by a signal formed as a combination of feedback and feedforward signals. The feedback signal is an error signal related to a difference between pre-slicer and post-slicer signals. The feedforward signal is formed by differentiating and delaying the incoming data signal.

Abstract: A decision feedback equalizer with dynamic feedback control for use in an adaptive signal equalizer. Timing within the decision feedback loop is dynamically controlled to optimize recovery of the data signal by the output signal slicer.

Abstract: A decision feedback equalizer with dynamic feedback control for use in an adaptive signal equalizer. Timing within the decision feedback loop is dynamically controlled to optimize recovery of the data signal by the output signal slicer. The dynamic timing is controlled by a signal formed as a combination of feedback and feedforward signals. The feedback signal is an error signal related to a difference between pre-slicer and post-slicer signals. The feedforward signal is formed by differentiating and delaying the incoming data signal.

Abstract: Tap coefficients for fractionally-spaced equalizers are updated iteratively using error statistics from an input bit stream and an output bit stream, such as from a forward error correction circuit. The process continues until the errors converge to a sufficiently small number. Knowledge of the error patterns are used apriori to adaptively change the tap coefficients in a feedforward filter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adaptively introducing a compensating signal latency related to a signal latency of a data symbol decision circuit. Adaptive timing control circuitry, including an interpolating mixer implemented as a tapped delay line with correlated tap coefficients, introduces a latency adaptively and substantially matching the latency of the data decision circuit for use within an adaptive equalizer, thereby minimizing the mean-squared error of such decision circuit. This adaptive latency is used in generating the feedback error signal which, in turn, can be used by the feedforward equalizer for dynamically adjusting its adaptive filter tap coefficients.

Abstract: A decision feedback equalizer with dynamic feedback control for use in an adaptive signal equalizer. Timing within the decision feedback loop is dynamically controlled to optimize recovery of the data signal by the output signal slicer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adaptively introducing a compensating signal latency related to a signal latency of a data symbol decision circuit. Adaptive timing control circuitry, including an interpolating mixer implemented as a tapped delay line with correlated tap coefficients, introduces a latency adaptively and substantially matching the latency of the data decision circuit for use within an adaptive equalizer, thereby minimizing the mean-squared error of such decision circuit. This adaptive latency is used in generating the feedback error signal which, in turn, can be used by the feedforward equalizer for dynamically adjusting its adaptive filter tap coefficients.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for chromatic dispersion compensation are provided. The apparatus includes a Gires-Tournois etalon, an optical beam separator, a GTE controller, an optical distortion analyzer, and a feedback controller.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adaptively introducing a compensating signal latency related to a signal latency of a data symbol decision circuit. Adaptive timing control circuitry, including an interpolating mixer implemented as a tapped delay line with correlated tap coefficients, introduces a latency adaptively and substantially matching the latency of the data decision circuit for use within an adaptive equalizer, thereby minimizing the mean-squared error of such decision circuit. This adaptive latency is used in generating the feedback error signal which, in turn, can be used by the feedforward equalizer for dynamically adjusting its adaptive filter tap coefficients.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adaptively introducing a compensating signal latency related to a signal latency of a data symbol decision circuit. Adaptive timing control circuitry, including an interpolating mixer implemented as a tapped delay line with correlated tap coefficients, introduces a latency adaptively and substantially matching the latency of the data decision circuit for use within an adaptive equalizer, thereby minimizing the mean-squared error of such decision circuit. This adaptive latency is used in generating the feedback error signal which, in turn, can be used by the feedforward equalizer for dynamically adjusting its adaptive filter tap coefficients.

Abstract: An adaptive signal equalizer with a feedforward filter in which the feedback error signal and corresponding incoming data signal are dynamically aligned in time using signal interpolation, and further, to control the precursor/postcursor filter taps configuration, thereby producing more adaptive filter tap coefficient signals for significantly improved and robust signal equalization.

Abstract: An adaptive signal equalizer with a feedforward filter in which the feedback error signal and corresponding incoming data signal are dynamically aligned in time using signal interpolation, and further, to control the precursor/postcursor filter taps configuration, thereby producing more adaptive filter tap coefficient signals for significantly improved and robust signal equalization.

Abstract: Techniques and devices for emulating polarization-mode dispersion in an optical signal that transmits through an optical fiber by using multiple birefringent wave-guiding sections that are interconnected to have adjustable polarization-changing connectors. The polarization of light transmitting from one section to another adjacent section can be modified differently between different adjacent sections according to a distribution function to produce one PMD state to represent one possible PMD state of a real PMD fiber. The connectors can be adjusted to produce different sets of polarization modifications to produce different PMD states to represent different possible PMD states of the real PMD fiber.

Abstract: Hybrid methods and apparatus for transforming the state of polarization of an electromagnetic wave are provided. The method includes varying both the retardation and the angular rotation of at least one section of a polarization transformer.

Abstract: Techniques and devices for emulating polarization-mode dispersion in an optical signal that transmits through an optical fiber by using multiple birefringent wave-guiding sections that are interconnected to have adjustable polarization-changing connectors. The polarization of light transmitting from one section to another adjacent section can be modified differently between different adjacent sections according to a distribution function to produce one PMD state to represent one possible PMD state of a real PMD fiber. The connectors can be adjusted to produce different sets of polarization modifications to produce different PMD states to represent different possible PMD states of the real PMD fiber.