Signal Integrity & EMC
Module Overview
Signal Integrity is a key issue in the design of electronic based products
and in particular printed circuit boards (PCBs). As digital circuits operate
at higher and higher clock speeds signal integrity becomes increasingly important.
The PCB can dramatically alter the performance of circuits and it should be
considered as a major component that impacts on the design activity at an
early stage.
Compliance with European Directives for products that are to be used in the European Community is a legal requirement and should be taken into account in the design phase of a product. The Electromagnetic Directive (EMC) is of particular importance in the design of electronic based products.
Signal integrity and EMC are interrelated and this module covers the concepts of both topic areas.
After completing this module you will have an understanding of the concepts of signal integrity and EMC and be able to relate them to product performance.
The module makes extensive use of field plotting software, , and you are introduced to this with walk throughs- detailed instructions on how to use the package.
It is essential that you read this overview carefully- it will help you plan your studies and, importantly, provide you with guidance in carrying out the assignments.
Module Contents & Suggested Study Plan
Module Structure
The module is divided into two sections, Units 1 to 6 concentrate on the concepts of electromagnetic fields and attempts to relate them to both signal integrity and EMC. Units 7 to 12 inclusive are more application based and build on the concepts developed in units 1 to 6.
With the exception of the introductory units (1 & 2), and the final unit (13), each unit is a self contained study block and it is advisable to complete each unit in sequence before continuing to the next.
In general concepts and applications are developed in a unit and these are reinforced and expanded by problems, which you are expected to solve before studying the next unit. This is essential in earlier units because the problems are solved with the aid of walk throughs, detailed instructions on how to use Comsol, the field plotting software used in this module.
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Assignments
There are two assignments for this module and details can be found on each by clicking on their links in the module table of contents.
It is important that you start the assignments early, as indicated in the suggested study plan below. The assignment require you to use the field plotting software which you will learn how to use progressively, week by week.
If you do not solve the problems week by week and leave the assignments to the last minute you are unlikely to be able to complete them.
The assignments must be referenced, details of which are included in the assignment descriptors. It is important to realise that internal references are required, that is material used from the module material should be referenced in the assignments.
If you study the modules on a regular basis, solve the problems, take brief notes and also note references, both internal and external, you should be able to complete the assignments satisfactorily.
Although we have suggested that you study the units in sequence, it is sensible to start you studies by checking over all the modules briefly and the assignments- in other words have an initial look around.
Make sure you can access the field plotting software, Comsol, on the Bolton server, as soon as possible. If you are a new student you will need to install Citrix, a free download, on your PC.
Author
Ron
Hood
Ron has many years industrial experience as an electronic development engineer
working for large companies such as GEC and several smaller companies throughout
the UK. He has developed industrial electronic systems, instrumentation systems
and control systems for both military and industrial applications. As Technical
Director he was responsible for products that included customised ASIC solutions
and microprocessors, and for liaison with manufacturers in the Far East. For
the last ten years he has run a design consultancy providing hardware and
software solutions to clients that include large and small companies.Ron has more than ten years experience working with higher education, lecturing in electronics and related subjects at honours degree and MSc level and supervising projects for MSc and PhD degrees.
Suggested Reading
Useful Texts
| Title | Author | ISBN | Publisher | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electromagnetics with Applications |
Kraus/Fleisch | 0071164294 |
WCB McGraw-Hill | 5th Edition 1999 |
| A Student's Guide to Maxwell's Equations | Fleisch D. | 9780521701471 | Cambridge University Press | 2008 |
| EMC for Product Designers | Williams T. | 0750649305 | Newnwes | 3rd Edition 2005 |
| EMC for Printed Circuit Boards | Armstrong K. | 9780955511806 | Nutwood UK | 1st Edition 2007 |
| Signal Integrity Simplified |
Bogatin E. | 0130669466 | Prentice Hall | 4th Printing 2004 |
It is not necessary to purchase any books in order to study this module. However, it is usually beneficial to get different points of view and different treatments of material. In addition, the books often contain more information than is included in the module. The books listed above are briefly summarised below.
Electromagnetics with Applications
This book covers the whole of electromagnetism comprehensively and provides concise applications which are interesting and relevant to both engineering and science.
EMC for Product Designers
This book is an acknowledged reference for EMC at a professional level and covers directives, standards and technical issues.
EMC for Printed Circuits- Basic and Advanced Layout Techniques
This is a book for electronic and PCB engineers who need to employ good EMC and Signal Integrity practices to save both time and money when designing with the latest technologies, to make reliable and compliant products. The book provides well illustrated examples of PCB layouts in colour supported by concise and informative descriptions of design techniques.
Signal Integrity Simplified
This book describes signal behaviour in a manner similar to that used in the module- it is not overly mathematical and it provides practical examples throughout the text.
All the above books are available from the university library- we strongly recommend that you obtain a library copy before purchasing any of them. Some of the books are expensive and may be more suitable for purchase by your company, for general engineering use.
Updated RJH 18.07.08