Time-Domain Pre-Emphasis Techniques for Equalization of Multiple-Valued Data

This paper presents a new equalization technique based on a pulse-width modulation (PWM) pre-emphasis method which utilizes time-domain information processing to increase the data rate for a given bandwidth of VLSI interconnection. The pre-emphasis method does not change the pulse amplitude as for conventional FIR pre-emphasis, but instead exploits timing resolution. This fits well with recent CMOS technology trends toward higher switching speeds and lower voltage headroom. We discuss new time-domain pre-emphasis techniques especially for multiple-valued data transmission in order to achieve high-speed data transmission in VLSI systems.