An error margin analysis technique for fixed delay tree search and decision feedback detectors

An error margin analysis procedure for fixed delay tree search with decision feedback (FDTS/DF), decision feedback equalization (DFE), and RAM-DFE detectors is presented. The technique does not require correct decisions in the feedback path. The method is similar to the sequenced amplitude margin (SAM) procedure originally derived for PRML detectors. The derivation of the algorithms and their application for error rate prediction is introduced. Error margin plots similar to timing window margin plots may be produced with this technique and used for performance analysis of these types of detectors. Experimental results demonstrate the usefulness of the technique.