Predicting and understanding the performance and the limiting factors of a serial data link is critical to high speed serial design process. To this end we concerned ourselves with characterization of active and non-linear components of serial data links, such as transmitters or buffers, by deconvolution of the impulse response from a pattern in either simulation or measurement environments. Mathematical derivation of the calculation is given for ‘symmetrical’ and ‘asymmetrical’ edges, with discussion of singularity. The practical impact on simulation and measurement methodology is discussed, as well as overall improvement in accuracy with real DUTs. Simulation and measurement results are compared.