A CMOS two-path tree search detector

Two-path tree search (TPTS) is a detection algorithm combining a decision-feedback equalizer and a two-path tree search estimator. This sub-optimal tree search overcomes the exponential increase in hardware complexity with tree length in a fixed-delay tree search structure. An adaptive mixed-signal CMOS TPTS detector is presented in this paper. The integrated circuit occupies 2.77 mm by 2.44 mm (including the bonding pads) in a 0.6 /spl mu/m CMOS process. It performs about 0.8 dB better than a conventional decision-feedback equalization for a disk drive read channel.