Enhancing the Capabilities of Digital Bit Synchronizers

Abstract

Bit synchronizers have traditionally provided very little feedback to the user. This paper describes features that give the user a window into the quality of the signal and verification that the bit synchronizer is performing properly. In addition, this paper describes a feature that automates some of the bit synchronizer’s functions to maximize its performance. The features described are: (1) a Built-in Oscilloscope (BIO) to provide the user with a visual representation of the input signal; (2) a Link Quality Analyzer (LQA) to provide the user with a quantitative measure of the input signal’s quality (signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurement); (3) a Built-in Test (BIT) to provide confidence in the unit’s functional and bit error performance; and (4) an Automatic Adaptive Control (AAC) to maximize acquisition and bit error rate performance.