Minimum jitter adaptive decision feedback equalizer for 4PAM serial links

This paper presents a minimum jitter-based adaptive decision feedback equalizer (DFE) for 4PAM serial links. For each signal level, a dedicated sign-sign least-mean-square (SS-LMS) algorithm is employed to adjust corresponding DFE tap coefficient as per data rate and the characteristics of channels. The proposed adaptive DFE is embedded in a 2 Gbps serial link over a 12-inch FR4 channel implemented in an IBM 130 nm 1.2V CMOS technology. The link is analyzed using Spectre from Cadence Design Systems with BSIM4 device models. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed adaptive DFE is capable of opening completely closed data eyes.