VLSI implementation of an adaptive equalizer for ATSC digital TV receivers

An adaptive equalizer for ATSC standard HDTV receivers is developed and implemented in VLSI. This equalizer is based on the G-pseudo algorithm that combines the advantages of decision directed and blind algorithms. It also conducts ghost cancelling for the reception of NTSC analog TV signals. A programmable error calculation unit is employed for a flexible implementation of several equalization algorithms. The filter coefficients have a quite long internal word-length for satisfactory operation in the blind adaptation mode, but only parts of them are used for output calculation to reduce the hardware complexity. The performance of the system for seven GA (Grand Alliance) reference channels is evaluated according to the adaptation algorithms, the number of delays for the adaptation, and the word-length of the filter coefficients. The chip area and power consumption according to the time multiplexing ratio is estimated.