Peter Pupalaikis, Principal Technologist, LeCroy Corporation
Jared Zerbe, Director of Engineering, Rambus, Inc.
Bryan Casper, Circuits Researcher, Intel Labs

Equalization is an important aspect of serial data systems. This TecForum provides a basic overview of the serial data transmission problem and the goals of equalization, along with a brief history of how it has been used in the past. We will explore the topology of an equalized system presenting key types of equalizers such as linear receive equalizers, transmitter pre-emphasis, and the decision feedback equalizer, along with the pros and cons of each type; more important, we show how various equalizer components can be used together to mitigate each other's weaknesses. Equalizers will be presented from various viewpoints, including effectiveness and practical circuit design. We will also cover modeling and optimization of equalized systems.