Abstract:
Memory links use variable-impedance drivers, feed-forward equalization (FFE) [1], on-die termination (ODT) and slew-rate control to optimize the signal integrity (SI). An...Show MoreMetadata
Abstract:
Memory links use variable-impedance drivers, feed-forward equalization (FFE) [1], on-die termination (ODT) and slew-rate control to optimize the signal integrity (SI). An asymmetric DRAM link configuration exploits the availability of a fast CMOS technology on the memory controller side to implement powerful equalization, while keeping the circuit complexity on the DRAM side relatively simple. This paper proposes the use of Tomlinson Harashima precoding (THP) [2-4] in a memory controller as replacement of the afore-mentioned SI optimization techniques. THP is a transmitter equalization technique in which post-cursor inter-symbol interference (ISI) is cancelled by means of an infinite impulse response (IIR) filter with modulo-based amplitude limitation; similar to a decision feedback equalizer (DFE) on the receive side. However, in contrast to a DFE, THP does not suffer from error propagation.
Date of Conference: 17-21 February 2013
Date Added to IEEE Xplore: 28 March 2013
ISBN Information: