Receiver equalization circuitry using variable termination and t-coil

Abstract

Systems, apparatuses, and methods for performing efficient data transfer in a computing system are disclosed. A computing system includes multiple transmitters sending singled-ended data signals to multiple receivers. In order to better handle noise issues when using single-ended signaling, one or more of the receivers include equalization circuitry and termination circuitry. The termination circuitry prevents reflection on a corresponding transmission line ending at a corresponding receiver. The equalization circuitry uses a bridged T-coil circuit to provide continuous time linear equalization (CTLE) with no feedback loop. The equalization circuitry performs equalization by providing a high-pass filter that offsets the low-pass characteristics of a corresponding transmission line. A comparator of the receiver receives the input signal and compares it to a reference voltage. The placement of the comparator and the ratio of the inductances of the inductors of the bridged T-coil circuit are based on whether the receiver includes self-diagnostic circuitry.