Improving COM Accuracy for 400G Ethernet

This white paper addresses the critical need for accurate Channel Operating Margin (COM) predictions in the evolving landscape of high-speed Ethernet signaling.

Key points include:

• The impact of Ratio Level Mismatch (RLM) on signal integrity and margin predictions.
• Introduction of an outer-eye-referenced RLM derating method to improve COM accuracy.
• Insights into how non-linear compression affects outer and inner eye degradation.
• Validation of the proposed method through COM simulations under IEEE 802.3 400G-KR configurations.
• Practical implications for design teams in achieving reliable link performance for next-generation Ethernet links.