Method and apparatus for non-linear decision-feedback equalization in the presence of asymmetric channel

A system for determining a threshold position of a latch employed by a decision-feedback equalizer for a non-linear channel, comprising:

• a mask circuit for constraining input data such that said input data only contains transitions from a first binary value;
• a plurality of latches for obtaining a plurality of samples of a single-sided data eye associated with said constrained input data;
• a latch threshold positioning system for determining a threshold position of said latch based on said samples;
• and
• a non-linear mapping circuit to transform said determined threshold position to address said non-linearity of said channel.

An integrated circuit, comprising:

• a circuit for determining a threshold position of a latch employed by a decision-feedback equalizer for a non-linear channel, comprising:
• a mask circuit for constraining input data such that said input data only contains transitions from a first binary value;
• a plurality of latches for obtaining a plurality of samples of a single-sided data eye associated with said constrained input data;
• a latch threshold positioning system for determining a threshold position of said latch based on said samples;
• and
• a non-linear mapping circuit to transform said determined threshold position to address said non-linearity of said channel.