Layer misregistration in PCB and its effects on signal propagation
Layer misregistration is one of the common issues in PCB manufacturing processes. In addition to physical limitations of manufacturability (large via pad/anti-pad), it may also have impact on the electrical performance of signal lines running through via fields with anti-pad openings. In order to quantify its effects on signal propagation, comprehensive test vehicles were designed, measured, and analyzed. Significant increases in layer-to-layer crosstalk and common-to-differential mode conversion were observed, when corresponding layers were misaligned. The results helped understand the mechanisms, validate modeling methodology, and define design rules.
COMMON-MODE SUPPRESSION IN BROADSIDE COUPLED COPLANAR WAVEGUIDES
Differential signaling is used in digital circuitry and high speed communication links due to its lower level of radiation and lower susceptibility to interference. Signal skew, amplitude differences and unequal parasitic electric or magnetic coupling to nearby structures can lead to common-mode signals being present on differential communication links which can result in unwanted electromagnetic interference and crosstalk. Common-mode filtering is often employed to suppress common-mode signal propagation in order to mitigate against these negative effects. In this paper broadside coupled differential coplanar waveguides are used which provide effective differential transmission from dc through 40 GHz. Simulation and measurement show that dipole-like common-mode filtering elements placed between the broadside coupled traces offer common-mode suppression of more than 10 dB over bandwidths greater than 5GHz. A design equation is developed which can be used to estimate filtering frequencies from filter dimensions through 30 GHz. Filters can be cascaded to broaden filtering around a single frequency to filter at multiple frequencies. Simulation based registration studies were conducted which show stable filtering performance in the presence of layer-to-layer misregistration up to 0.254 mm.
Electronic equalization for enabling communications at OC-192 rates using OC-48 components.
We propose using electronic equalization technology to allow components typically used in 2.5Gb/s systems to be used at 10Gb/s. We simulate the performance of links exploiting this concept and study the effect of receiver bandwidth on equalized systems in general. Links utilizing transmitters designed for 2.5Gb/s rates are experimentally demonstrated. Experiments also show that photo-receivers with 2.5 GHz bandwidths add minimal penalty when post-detection electronic equalization is employed.