Method and apparatus for statistical loss of signal detection providing low capacitive load on input signals

摘要

Methods and circuitry for implementing high speed loss-of-signal detectors for use in Gb/s telecommunication applications. The invention measures bit error rate (BER) of the incoming data by comparing the phase of the clock signal (CLK) extracted from the incoming data (DataIn) with that of a delayed version (110) of the incoming data. The results of this comparison (108) are averaged over time (112) to arrive at the BER. The measured BER is compared (114) to a predetermined threshold value (VTH) to detect a loss-of-signal condition. The invention adjusts the amount of delay of the incoming data in such a manner as to minimize the capacitive loading on the data line (110) and clock line (108) introduced by the loss-of-signal circuitry.