Abstract: Modular, low power serializer-deserializer receivers and methods for configuring such receivers are disclosed. The disclosed receivers are configured to sample input signals at the front-end utilizing a plurality of track-and-hold circuits time-interleaved based on a plurality of phase-shifted clock signals. The disclosed receivers are also modular and various processing components, including analog front-end and equalizers, are selectively utilized based on the determined length of the communication channel, ranging from ultra short reach applications to very short reach, medium reach, long reach and extra long reach applications.

Abstract: Phase detectors and timing recovery techniques that do not require error latches nor oversampling of the received input data are disclosed. The phase detection method includes separating an input signal into N consecutive data bits; comparing at least two consecutive data bits within the N consecutive data bits; estimating a data bit value for each of the N consecutive data bits; and determining a phase difference based on a data bit pattern formed by the data bit values of the N consecutive data bits and the comparison of the at least two consecutive data bits within the N consecutive data bits.

Abstract: Methods and devices for eliminating a systematic imbalance and reducing variations in circuit parameters for a high gain amplifies. A bias generator having a copy of an actual amplifier branch and an already generated bias voltage can be added to the amplifier to generate a bias voltage for a final current source at a current summing node so as to eliminate systematic imbalance in the bias current. A high impedance node can be wired in the bias generator such that all devices in the bias generator are in saturation across, for example, PVT (Process, Voltage and Temperature) corners in order to minimize tracking errors. A degeneration transistor similar to a differential pair element can be split into two equal halves.

Abstract: A multi-stage system and method for correcting intersymbol interference is disclosed. The system includes a first estimation module configured to sample an input signal to produce a first set of estimated data bits. The system also includes a second estimation module configured to sample the input signal phase shifted by a predetermined phase shift unit to produce a second set of estimated data bits, wherein the second set of estimated data bits are produced at least partially based on the first set of estimated data bits and at least one pre-cursor coefficient.

Abstract: An interleaved track-and-hold front-end with multiphase clocks computes and propagates unrolled decision feedback equalization results along a pipeline with the final outputs selected from one of the interleaved previous output bits with a multiplexer operating over multiple unit intervals instead of one unit interval. An n-way interleaved serializer/deserializer utilizes an n unit interval multiplexer or n one unit interval multiplexers. Pipelined decision feedback equalization allows multiple, slower multiplexers.

Abstract: Phase detectors and timing recovery techniques that do not require error latches nor oversampling of the received input data are disclosed. The phase detection method includes separating an input signal into N consecutive data bits; comparing at least two consecutive data bits within the N consecutive data bits; estimating a data bit value for each of the N consecutive data bits; and determining a phase difference based on a data bit pattern formed by the data bit values of the N consecutive data bits and the comparison of the at least two consecutive data bits within the N consecutive data bits.

Abstract: A multi-stage system and method for correcting intersymbol interference is disclosed. The system includes a first estimation module configured to sample an input signal to produce a first set of estimated data bits. The system also includes a second estimation module configured to sample the input signal phase shifted by a predetermined phase shift unit to produce a second set of estimated data bits, wherein the second set of estimated data bits are produced at least partially based on the first set of estimated data bits and at least one pre-cursor coefficient.

Abstract: Modular, low power serializer-deserializer receivers and methods for configuring such receivers are disclosed. The disclosed receivers are configured to sample input signals at the front-end utilizing a plurality of track-and-hold circuits time-interleaved based on a plurality of phase-shifted clock signals. The disclosed receivers are also modular and various processing components, including analog front-end and equalizers, are selectively utilized based on the determined length of the communication channel, ranging from ultra short reach applications to very short reach, medium reach, long reach and extra long reach applications.