Abstract: A method of equalizer adaptation involves comparing equalizer output values with a center threshold, and with at least one of a pair of outer thresholds, and adapting the equalizer in order to increase the degree of eye opening. The values of the outer thresholds are adapted such that a fixed proportion of equalizer output values lie between the outer thresholds, and the equalizer coefficients are adapted such the separation of the outer thresholds is increased. The equalizer coefficients are adapted on the basis of equalizer output values which lie between the pair of outer thresholds.

Abstract: A method of equalizer adaptation involves comparing equalizer output values with a centre threshold, and with at least one of a pair of outer thresholds, and adapting the equalizer in order to increase the degree of eye opening.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of transferring data from a first device to a second device over parallel connections. The data represents a signal which has some known statistical property, and the data is encoded and distributed between the parallel connections, such that each parallel connection carries a respective time-aligned sequence of bits, and such that the known statistical property of the signal represented by the data is used to establish a known correlation between the respective sequences. In the second device, the known correlation between the respective sequences is used to re-establish time alignment of the received sequences.

Abstract: A variable gain control circuit (10) provides an output signal having a gain dependent on first (34) and second (52) reference current sources. An amplifier circuit (14, 20) generates first and second dynamic control voltages that control current flow through an input stage (30) referenced to the first reference current source. The dynamic control voltages produce similar currents in an output stage (32) referenced to the second reference current source. The dynamic control voltages to the input and output stage allow the variable gain amplifier circuit to operate with low power supply potentials which is especially useful in battery applications.