Abstract:
Techniques for generating bias voltages for a multi-cascode amplifier. In an aspect, a multi-cascode bias network is provided, each transistor in the bias network being a replica of a corresponding transistor in the multi-cascode amplifier, enabling accurate biasing of the transistors in the multi-cascode amplifier. In another aspect, a voltage supply for the multi-cascode amplifier is provided separately from a voltage supply for the replica bias network, to advantageously decouple variations in the amplifier voltage supply from the bias network voltage supply. In yet another aspect, the bias voltages of transistors in the multi-cascode amplifier may be configured by adjusting the impedance of resistive voltage dividers coupled to the transistor gate biases. As the gain of the amplifier depends on the bias voltages of the cascode amplifiers, the gain of the amplifier may be adjusted in this manner without introducing a variable gain element directly in the amplifier signal path.
Abstract:
Provided is a high speed bit stream data conversion circuit that includes input ports to receive first bit streams at a first bit rate. Data conversion circuits receive the first bit streams and produce second bit stream(s), wherein the number and bit rate of the first and second bit stream(s) differ. Symmetrical pathways transport the first bit streams from the input ports to the data conversion circuits, wherein their transmission time(s) are substantially equal. A clock distribution circuit receives and symmetrically distributes a clock signal to data conversion circuits. A central trunk coupled to the clock port and located between a first pair of circuit pathways with paired branches that extend from the trunk and that couple to the data conversion circuits make up the clock distribution circuit. The distributed data clock signal latches data in data conversion circuits from the first to the second bit stream(s).
Abstract:
Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include a continuous time filter, a decision feedback equalizer, a clock and data recovery circuit, and an adaptation circuit. The adaptation circuit may be configured to adapt equalization according to at least one dithering algorithm by adjusting a delay adjust signal based on a mean square error of equalized data signals.
Abstract:
Equalization is provided in a high speed communication receiver that includes in various aspects an automatic gain control input stage, a decision feedback equalizer, a clock and data recovery circuit and equalization control circuits. The automatic gain control stage may include a continuous time filter with an adjustable bandwidth. A threshold adjust signal may be applied to the output of the automatic gain control stage. The equalization control circuits may be implemented in the digital domain and operate at a lower clock speed than the data path.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a clock circuit to produce a Reference Clock Signal used to latch data between first bit stream(s) and second bit stream(s), wherein the number and bit rate of the first bit stream(s) and the second bit stream(s) differ. The VCO generates one of a number of inputs to a PLL within the clock circuit. At a minimum, these inputs include a first bit stream data clock. Additionally, these inputs may further include a Loop Timing Clock Signal, an External Reference Clock Signal, and/or a Reverse Clock Signal for the PLL. The input provided by the VCO make up a VCO Output Signal wherein a filtering circuit that circuit includes a capacitor and a resistor reduces noise contained within the VCO Output Signal.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for adaptively controlling a variable gain amplifier (VGA). The operation of the VGA is separated into a low gain mode and a high gain mode and the mode in which the VGA is currently operating in is adaptively sensed. A threshold voltage is compared to a control voltage of the VGA; if the VGA is currently operating in the low gain mode and the control voltage is higher than the threshold voltage, the VGA is switched from the low gain mode to the high gain mode; and if the VGA is currently operating in the high gain mode and the control voltage is lower than the threshold voltage, the VGA is switched from the high gain mode to the low gain mode.
Abstract:
Equalization is provided in a high speed communication receiver that includes in various aspects an automatic gain control input stage, a decision feedback equalizer, a clock and data recovery circuit and equalization control circuits. The automatic gain control stage may include a continuous time filter with an adjustable bandwidth. A threshold adjust signal may be applied to the output of the automatic gain control stage. The equalization control circuits may be implemented in the digital domain and operate at a lower clock speed than the data path.
Abstract:
An integrated circuit includes a core circuit and a buffer circuit. The buffer circuit includes a plurality of input buffers and a plurality of output buffers that service a plurality of voltage domains on a single set of input/output lines. These voltage domains are controllable to service multiple voltage levels, consistent with various interface standards. In one construction, the core circuit operates at 1.2 volts and the buffer circuit supports both a 1.2 volts interface standard and a 3.3 volts interface standard.
Abstract:
A communication system for the wireless transmission of information through a single antenna is disclosed. The communication system comprises a handset and one or more modules capable of being coupled to the handset. The handset processes baseband information signals being received and transmitted, and transmits and receives radio frequency (RF) information signals through its antenna. Each module is removably couplable to the handset for converting baseband information signals into RF information signals for transmission, and for converting received RF information signals into baseband information signals. Each removably couplable module is optimized to enable wireless communication in accordance with at least one communication standard when coupled to the handset. By coupling the appropriate module with the handset, wireless communication in a number of geographic locations may be achieved.
Abstract:
Methods, apparatus, and means for maintaining a low output common-mode voltage in a driver are provided. One example apparatus includes a first differential amplifier stage configured to provide a differential output for the apparatus; and a second differential amplifier stage configured to drive the first differential amplifier stage, the second differential amplifier stage including a pair of pre-driver amplifiers, a pair of n-stage circuits, and an input skew averaging circuit, wherein each of the pair of n-stage units is split into two half blocks. The input skew averaging circuit is configured to suppress the output common-mode voltage by driving the blocks with complementary digital inputs to average out a skew in a gate-to-source voltage of the pair of n-stage circuits. For certain aspects, two feed-forward capacitors may be added to enhance the transconductance and operating speed of main transistors of the first differential amplifier stage.