Adaptive equalization and regeneration system

Abstract

An adaptive equalization and regeneration system is provided for accurately reconstructing a received data pulse train which has been degraded with respect to amplitude and instantaneous frequency. The system comprises an equalizer which responds to a control signal to provide a variable gain function for the received signal and output an equalized signal, digital phase lock logic for receiving and extracting timing information from the equalized signal, a regenerator for matching the timing information with the equalized signal to reconstruct the received data in its originally transmitted form, and control circuitry for providing the control signal to the equalizer. The control signal adjusts the slope of the equalizer gain function so as to minimize amplitude and instantaneous frequency degradation at the equalizer output. The system includes a mechanism to detect and calculate total signal degradation at the equalizer output. Control logic is used to identify the slope of the equalizer gain function at which total signal degradation is minimized. The control signal, which corresponds to this identified slope, is applied to the equalizer in real time to maintain minimum total signal degradation at the equalizer output.