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This article demonstrates accurate differential S-parameter measurements obtained from a single-ended 2-port VNA using ultra-broadband baluns and attenuators. This measurement system is a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a multi-port test set for a VNA. 

In this article, power rail voltage measurement uncertainty is examined using several different probe configurations to monitor VCore measurements on a Picotest S2000 load stepper board. The results reveal measurement variations up to 27 mV — a level of uncertainty that can completely mask the performance improvements engineers are seeking from advanced VRM technologies. Read on to learn how engineers can trust their measurements when the uncertainty exceeds the performance gains they are trying to validate.

As Ray Kurzweil’s predictions edge closer to reality, AI continues to transform engineering, education, and daily life. Follow along as Signal Integrity Journal Technical Editor Eric Bogatin examines the risks and rewards of technological evolution while reflecting on the role of humans in an AI-driven future.

This article introduces a hardware-centric definition of compute cluster bisection bandwidth as a performance metric for AI-scale 448 Gbps systems. Unlike traditional abstractions, this metric is grounded in physical interconnect layout and IO port availability, enabling system architects to evaluate bandwidth provisioning through real, bidirectional link paths.

EM simulators that are optimized for PCB PDN simulations provide an increased level of automation to enable the basics of DC IR Drop, electrothermal, and AC impedance for early detection of design issues. In this article, Heidi Barnes, Steve Sandler, and Benjamin Dannan examine why the ability to optimize a PDN for Z_Target with PCB parasitics in the frequency domain and then export to an end-to-end PI Digital Twin simulation for validation in the time domain should be standard practice for the PI engineer.

When designing circuit boards, a change made to one aspect of the design intended to resolve an issue can cause problems elsewhere. To reduce the problem of soldering on SMA connectors in an edge launch, a significant signal integrity problem has been introduced. This article explores best practices and provides insight into avoiding an inadvertent mistake.

Intra-pair skew is a crucial metric when working with multiple lines. Its behavior, measurements, and interpretations are closely linked to other forms of signal degradation, making the definition of a single skew value a nuanced issue that requires careful consideration. In this article, Gustavo Blando and Prashant Pappu introduce three distinct methods for measuring skew, providing options for a wide variety of contexts and skew measurement goals.

In this article, Steve Sandler presents three viable solutions for measuring ultra-low impedance with a maximum of 10 ms, each of which can be performed using sophisticated and novel FFT based 3-port measurement. These methods involve applying digitally modulated patterns to create modulated load currents up to 1500 A and recording the resulting power rail voltage perturbations. 

The need for speed will be the driving force behind energy production and efforts to make increasingly efficient use of available energy. Eric Bogatin reflects upon the evolution of power resources from the Industrial Revolution to today’s generation of AI and network processors.

This article covers the importance of proper calibration, measurement, and de-embedding to ensure that the final capacitor model is free of errors, allowing an accurate representation of the PDN used in simulation. While capacitor models may play a seemingly minor role in the overall system design, the impact of capacitor models can significantly impact the system design and, importantly, design sign-off.