Emerging 100 Gigabit Ethernet and 400 Gigabit Ethernet requirements for communication networks have put increasing demands on Internet infrastructure. New methods of design, validation, and troubleshooting to optimize high speed digital channels are being employed in the R&D laboratory. This article discusses new concepts for serial link design and analysis as applied to physical layer test and measurement techniques. Novel test fixtures and signal integrity software tools will be discussed in real world applications in the form of design case studies.
