Backplane equalization comparison for 10-Gb/s data communication with 0.25-μm SiGe BiCMOS and 0.18-μm CMOS feed-forward equalizers

Two feed-forward equalizers are designed to improve high data rate signal transmission in backplanes. They are fabricated in 0.18-mum CMOS and 0.25-mum SiGe BiCMOS technology respectively. The system specification for the two equalizers is similar and they both address 10-Gb/s data rate transmission. Analog multiplier cells, active delay units and output buffers comprise the building blocks of each FFE. A comparison of the two equalizers is conducted with reference to design topology. The impact of technology on key performance parameters such as delay and gain is discussed. When a 10-Gb/s non-return to zero signal is received through a 20-inch backplane, it is found that both equalizers successfully improve signal integrity by channel equalization. The BiCMOS FFE exhibits better performance as compared to the CMOS FFE but also dissipates more DC power.