A Time-Division Multiplexing Signaling Scheme for Inter-Symbol/Channel Interference Reduction in Low-Power Multi-Drop Memory Links

A time-division multiplexing digital channel coding scheme with inter-channel interference reduction property for multi-drop memory interfaces has been proposed. Shaping the transmitter output spectrum to avoid channel frequency notches, the proposed digital time-domain multiplexing signaling reduces inter-symbol interference and far-end crosstalk in multi-drop bus interfaces. Thanks to a proper guard interval insertion, the transmitted signal exhibits reduced inter-channel interference among time-domain sub-channels, as compared to the previously proposed digital spectrum shaping signaling. Applying the proposed coding scheme, the data rate can be four times as high as the first channel notch frequency, without employing decision-feedback equalizer, feed-forward equalizer, and continuous-time linear equalizer. On the other hand, non-return-to-zero signaling necessitates decision-feedback equalizer with at least 12 taps on the receiver side for receiving data at the same rate for the same multi-drop bus interface.