High-Speed PCB Design (DS1-1-43)

SynopsisIn the past, those working in the digital field share little commonality in terms of theories, analysis and design principles with their counterparts who work with RF/Microwave frequencies. Today however the line of separation is blurring due to the reduction in digital signal transition time or the consequent rise in bandwidth requirement.

The underlying knowledge for those working in these fields is RF/Microwave theories or in their more basic forms, the Maxwell's Equations. EMI forms the subset of knowledge within the area of signal integrity. Hence this course imparts first the RF/Microwave theories before going into discussion on signal integrity and EMI.

Whether a circuit is "high-speed" or not depends on the signal transition time. Hence this course is relevant not only for those working with high speed clock but for almost all circuit design engineers who have seen their signal transition time reducing over time.

What previous participants say about this course
Answers to the question 'what did you like most about the course'

• "Lecturers are very knowledgeable and able to explain and give good examples" - 14 Dec 04
• "The example of designing the trace. The explanatory with example showing us the match & mismatch of impedance of the line" - 14 Dec 04
• "A lot of practical example & the instructors are very knowledgeable" - 23 Nov 04
• "The course has covered very detailed subject on High Speed & the explanation by both instructors are very good & thorough" - 22 Feb 05
• "Very practical, present in interesting manner" - 27 June 05
• "Clear explanation, teaching stuff (get to know by apply the fundamental knowledge), demo of application & software & arrangement of food / rest time" - 27 June 05
• "Broad coverage of EM field theory and direct application" - 20 Dec 05
• "Learning of software tools for the circuit characteristic simulation" - 18 Jan 06

What You Will Learn

• relevant "tools" for tackling high-speed digital design issues. Such "tools" include EM and Microwave theories, design equations, exposure to usage of software tools, basic understanding of measurement and experimental techniques
• practical design aspects to consider in the design of PCB in order to tackle signal integrity (SI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) issue.

Who Should AttendTechnicians and engineers who work with digital circuits in the role of :

• product marketing
• application engineering
• design and development
• test development
• product engineering
• testing
• system architect
• PCB layout specialist
• EMC specialist

PrerequisiteTechnical background or working experience with PCB layout for digital circuit.

Course MethodologyThis course is presented classroom style, with case studies to illustrate the concepts taught. Usage of industry-leading software tools for SI such as CST's Microwave Studio will be demonstrated.

Course Duration3 days, 9am - 5pm

Course StructureDay 1

Fundamental Concepts and Signal Integrity (SI)

• Definition of SI
• Why is SI important
• SI and EMI/EMC
• Field theory versus circuit theory
• Time and frequency domain representation of signals
• Analog and digital circuits/signals
• Bandwidth of signals
• What do we mean by "High-Speed"
• Importance of interconnection

• Brief review of PCB technology and terminology (fabrication, material, cost)
• Traces, transmission lines and interconnect
• Integrated circuit packaging

• Transmission theory - propagation modes, telegraphic equations, distributed circuit model
• Transmission configurations
• Digital signals and transmission line - delay, attenuation, reflection, and dispersion
• Transmission line design

• Termination
• Crosstalk and shielding
• Transmission line characterization through measurement in time domain (TDR) and frequency domain (Network measurement)

• Discontinuities and other higher order mode effect - bend, vias, pads, connectors
• Basic layout rules to minimize interference.
• Basic grounding rules to minimize interference.

• Numerical methods for Maxwell's Equations and electromagnetic field solver program
• EM modeling of structures
• Circuit simulations
• Behavioral modeling
• System simulation
• Some commercial tools

• Motivation for differential signaling
• Basic differential signaling theory
• Differential transmission design on PCB
• Layout and termination for differential transmission line

• Comparison of high-speed digital design and microwave circuit design
• Probing of high-speed signals
• Clock Distribution, Jitter and delay adjustment