Transmitter and channel equalization for high-speed server interconnects

Abstract

As the demand for higher performance increases the operating frequencies, the complexity and sophistication of interface designs are increased to enable operation of high speed links in imperfect, lossy, and cost competitive environments. This paper investigates three equalization methods for high speed differential serial links: transmitter equalization, discrete equalization, and distributed cable equalization. The performance, advantages, and tradeoffs among the methods is examined.