Semiconductor signal conditioning and signal recovery innovations have extended data rates by managing allowable signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at progressively higher Nyquist frequencies. We have experienced how each successive signaling technology increases the electro-mechanical design resolution needed to address the channel physics while respecting the SNR of the chips. These movements throughout the years have provided a baseline of traditional design goals that lead us to better understand today’s 224 Gbps-PAM4 physical layer requirements.
