Specialized Waveform Equalization Techniques for Multi-Valued Data Transmission

Pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM)-4 signals display more complex inter-symbol transitions than binary signaling. Therefore, this study explores novel configuration and coefficient settings methods for a feed-forward equalizer (FFE) based on the inherent characteristics of PAM-4 signals. We assess the potential for enhancing the eye-opening in PAM-4 eye diagrams with a minimal increase in hardware costs by developing an efficient FFE circuit configuration and a coefficient setting strategy. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed design approach for an equalizer tailored to multi-valued data transmission through MATLAB and circuit simulations.