Equalization and the evolution of gigabit communications

Equalization is emerging as a necessary technique to achieve next generation data rates in high-speed communications systems. Equalization has been used for many decades in lower speed systems; however, its use in high-speed systems is new. In this paper, we discuss issues in bringing equalization to the high-speed arena. This includes a discussion of (i) the problems that equalization solves; (ii) various equalization strategies; and (iii) control issues for high-speed systems. Additionally, we introduce a new control method for adaptive equalization at multi-gigabit speeds.