Continuous time—decision feedback equalizer

A method for reducing signal distortion in a continuous time-decision feedback equalizer, comprising:

• transmitting a feedback signal decision;
• filtering the feedback signal decision by utilizing an adaptation algorithm suitable for simultaneously adapting both a pole setting and a swing setting based upon a least mean squared error criteria to form a filtered feedback signal;
• subtracting the filtered feedback signal from an incoming signal resulting in a net signal with less distortion;
• and
• wherein the least mean squared error criteria is configured to minimize a means squared error of a difference between mid-window symbol decision samples and a mean input level corresponding to a desired amplitude for the incoming signal.

An apparatus implementing a continuous time-decision feedback equalizer, comprising:

• a summer suitable for subtracting a filtered feedback signal from an input signal;
• a symbol decision device suitable for receiving an output from the summer,
• a feedback filter suitable for filtering an output from the symbol decision device and for sending the filtered feedback signal to the summer, the feedback filter comprising an adjustable swing amplifier and an adjustable pole fitter;
• an adaptation algorithm suitable for simultaneously adapting both a pole setting and a swing setting based upon a least mean squared error criteria,
• wherein the summer, the symbol decision device, and the feedback filter form a feedback circuit utilized to reconstruct an electrical signal distorted during transmission;
• and
• wherein the adaption algorithm is configured to minimize a means squared window duration through which transition crossings occur in the input signal.