Testing of Elements Used in Communication Links
AssigneeClariPhy Communications, Inc.
InventorsThomas A. Linsday, Norman L. Swenson, Paul Voois
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Abstract
A receiver for a communications link includes a receiver module and a host receiver. These two components can be tested independently. In one embodiment, the receiver module is characterized with respect to noise and distortion. The noise performance can be determined by comparing input and output signals of the receiver module, to determine the relative noise of the receiver module. The distortion performance can be determined by comparing the distortion of input and output signals of the receiver module, using a reference host receiver that includes an equalizer. The host receiver can be tested by using a reference receiver module.
Claims50
A method for testing an element of a communication link intended for use with a receiver that includes equalization, the method comprising:
- measuring an output waveform for the element under test using a signal measurement device, wherein the output waveform is generated by the element in response to a test signal applied to the element under test;
- processing the output waveform in software executed by a simulator, to simulate propagation of the output waveform through a reference receiver that includes an equalizer;
- calculating a distortion metric for the element based on the simulated propagated output waveform;
- and
- determining a noise performance of the element.
A test system for testing an element of a communication link intended for use with a receiver for the communications link, the test system comprising a software simulator for:
- receiving an output waveform for the element under test, wherein the output waveform is based on an electrical output generated by the element in response to a test signal applied to the element;
- processing the output waveform in software, to simulate propagation of the output waveform through a reference receiver that includes an equalizer;
- and
- calculating a distortion metric for the element based on the simulated propagated output waveform.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.