A 4.8-6.4 Gbps serial link for back-plane applications using decision feedback equalization

Abstract

In this paper, a serial link design that is capable of 4.8-6.4 Gbps binary NRZ signaling across 40" of FR4 copper back plane and two connectors is described. The transmitter features a programmable feed forward (FF) equalizer and the receiver uses adaptive decision feedback equalization (DFE) to compensate for the losses in the channel. The transceiver core is built in a 0.13 /spl mu/m standard CMOS technology to be integrated into ASIC chips that require serial links.