Signal Integrity

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Modeling and measurement of digital serial interconnects is usually done in the frequency domain. That means that the minimal and maximal frequencies (or bandwidth) should be defined even before the analysis or measurement begins. This post introduces a simple and practical way to identify the bandwidth with a numerical analysis of defects in a single bit (SBR) or single symbol response (SSR).

This fundamentals piece looks at the digital applications of a coax cable, such as in testing USB4 implementations, with a focus on one pair of coax cables to highlight measuring some of their digitally oriented parameters not always considered on an RF based datasheet. 

What are the optimal methods to achieve 224/212 Gb/s common electrical I/O and Ethernet, the highest speed/data rate per lane electrical input/output and link systems? By way of understanding, we begin by investigating optimal pulse amplitude modulationvs. channel characteristics at 224 Gb/s.

If you’ve just started on the path of designing high-speed serial links or have designed dozens of your own, Don Telian’s Signal Integrity in Practice is the book that will accelerate your engineering judgment and possibly save you from multiple design spins. Eric Bogatin takes a closer look at what he considers a must-have book for new and experienced engineers.

In earlier DDR systems, the clock, command, and address signals (here in referred to as C/A) were distributed to multiple DRAMs using a forked topology, in which these signals propagate to all the DRAMs in the system at approximately the same time. The propagation delays on the command and address lines (in such systems) introduced timing skew into the system, limiting the operating frequency of the bus and eventually impacting the performance of these memory systems.

Ever wonder how much energy is required to transmit data and why so much power is dissipated into heat? SIJ EAB member Yuriy Shlepnev takes a closer look.

Who doesn’t love an easy-to-use 2D field solver to calculate the single-ended or differential impedance of PCB transmission lines? Eric Bogatin takes this one from Sierra Circuits for a test drive.

Recent studies indicate that the industry is nearing the precipice where plated through hole via technology has reached a limit in supporting serial links with 28 GHz Nyquist frequency requirements. At DesignCon2021, a team from the Mayo Clinic presented this paper about their work to extend the “life” of conventional PCB technology.

Microchip Technology Inc. has eliminated the cost, complexity, and customization challenges of these hybrid solutions by offering a discrete-component-based, space-grade DC-DC power converter family that now includes 28V-input, 50-watt (W) radiation-tolerant options.

5 Series mixed signal oscilloscope (MSO). With numerous enhancements, the 5 Series B MSO delivers even more versatility while continuing to provide high-fidelity waveforms, spectrum analysis capabilities, and flexible signal access.