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227-0131-00L 6 Credits MSC D-ITET
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Wireline Communication Circuits and Systems

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Hua Wang, Dr. Börteçene Terlemez
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:31:03

Abstract

This course explores the design of wireline communication circuits for high-speed data links, covering transmitters, receivers, equalizers, CDRs, PLLs, and SerDes. Emphasis is placed on analog and mixed-signal techniques, signal integrity, and interconnect challenges in multi-Gb/s electrical and optical systems.

Objective

Analyze the performance and limitations of wireline communication channels, including electrical and optical interconnects. • Model interconnect behavior and channel impairments to guide circuit-level compensation strategies. • Transmission Lines • S-parameter channel models • Termination & the Smith chart Design key building blocks of wireline transceivers, including • Transmitters & receivers o Limiting and linear amplifiers for various modulation formats o state-of-the-art analog & RF design techniques to achieve high data-rate and reliable data transmission • Equalizers & Signal Integrity o Continuous Time Linear Equalizers o FFE, DFE, and adaptive equalizers • clock and data recovery (CDR) circuits & phase-locked loops (PLLs) o System fundamentals and loop operation o Designing key building blocks o Noise sources, phase noise, jitter o Clock distribution • SerDes o Mux/Demux o Electromagnetic Interference • Optical Interface introduction o Transimpedance amplifiers o Laser drivers • SerDes Auxiliary circuit design basics o Loss of signal o PLL runaway detector o Encoder/decoder o PRBS Generator/Checker o FIFO o Temperature Sensor • Real-life challenges; tips and tricks o Layout best practices o ESD o Yield and reliability aware design

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Wireline Communication Circuits and Systems
  • Thu 14:15-16:00 (HG G 26.5)
2 h weekly
exercise Wireline Communication Circuits and Systems
  • Fri 16:15-18:00 (ETZ E 8)
2 h weekly

Offered In

  • Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnologie Master
    • 01 - Fächer der Vertiefungen
      • Vertiefung: Electronics and Photonics (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Electronics and Photonics", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
        • Vertiefungsfächer (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Electronics and Photonics", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)
      • Vertiefung: Communication (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Communication", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
        • Vertiefungsfächer (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Communication", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)