On overcoming the limitations of single-ended signaling for graphics memory interfaces

In this paper, we explore the effectiveness of various solutions that can be applied to improve the performance of SE signaling at small incremental cost to the system. Specifically, we examine solutions for mitigating the impact of crosstalk, supply noise, and inter-symbol interference (ISI) to enable reliable communication over a graphics memory channel at 12.8-Gbps. We further compare measured silicon data from a 12.8-Gbps SE interface to a 20Gbps differential (DIFF) interface, implemented in the same silicon technology and sharing many of the critical circuits.