Design for Signal Integrity
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 and interconnects in general can dramatically alter the performance of circuits and systems and should be considered as a major component that impacts on the product design activity at an early stage.
After completing this module you will be able to design high speed PCB interconnects and simulate their performance using state of the art PCB design software.
The module makes extensive use of the signal integrity tools in Cadence PCB design software suite.
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.
Contents
- Unit 1: Introduction to Signal Integrity
- Unit 2: Integrity of Digital Signals
- Unit 3: IBIS Fundamentals
- Unit 4: IBIS Files
- Unit 5: PCB Electrical Performance & Simulation
- Unit 6: Real Electronic Components & Materials
- Assignment 1
- Unit 7: Transmission Line Design Techniques
- Unit 8: Cross Talk
- Unit 9: Signal Integrity in Differential Logic Systems
- Unit 10: Clocking & Data Transfer Schemes
- Unit 11: Power Integrity
- Unit 12: Module Summary
- Walkthrough 1 Simple Transmission Lines and Introduction to Signal Explorer (Sigxp)
- Walkthrough 2 Using Discrete Components in a Topology and Developing Sigxp Skills
- Walkthrough 3 Using Transmission Line Terminations Models and Interpretation of Sigxp Simulations
- Walkthrough 4 Monitoring Voltage and Current and Setting Simulation Parameters
- Walkthrough 5 Overview of Common Sigxp Functions
- Design Exercises
- Assignment 2
Suggested Study Plan
| Study Week | Units | Assignments | Walkthroughs | Exercises | Unit Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1, 2 | Introductory Units | |||
| 2 | 3 | 1 | Input/Output Buffer Specification Fundamentals (IBIS) | ||
| 3 | 4 | Start Ass 1 | 2 | The Anatomy of a Simple IBIS File | |
| 4 | 5,6 | 3,4 | The Benefits of Simulation in PCB Design,Electronic component behaviour at high frequencies. | ||
| 5 | 7 | 5 | 1 | Reflection and timing analysis of PCB nets. | |
| 6 | 7 | Submit Ass1 | 1 | Reflection and timing analysis of PCB nets. | |
| 7 | 8 | 2 | Crosstalk | ||
| 8 | 9 | Start Ass 2 | 3 | Differential Logic Systems | |
| 9 | 10 | 3 | Clocking Schemes and Bus Architectures | ||
| 10 | 11 | 4 | Power Integrity | ||
| 11 | 12 | Module Overview, Assignment 2 | |||
| 12 | Submit Ass 2 | Assignment 2 |
Module Structure
The module is divided into two sections, units 1 to 6 develop concepts and fundamentals while Units 7 to 11 inclusive develop design skills in the important areas of signal integrity and build on the material covered in units 1 to 6. Unit 12 is a short module overview.
In general concepts and applications are developed in a unit and these are reinforced and expanded using design exercises, which you are advised to study before studying the next unit. This is essential in earlier units because the problems are solved with the aid of walkthroughs and include detailed instructions on how to use the signal integrity tools of the Cadence PCB design suite.
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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. The assignments require you to use Cadence signal integrity tools which you will learn how to use progressively, week by week.
If you do not complete the walkthroughs and design examples 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, complete the walkthroughs and design exercises, 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 your studies by checking over all the modules briefly and the assignments- in other words have an initial look around. Be prepared to revisit units in the module and in some instances, units in other other modules.
Make sure you can access the Cadence PCB Design, SPB15.2, 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.
Suggested Reading
| Title | Author | ISBN | Publisher | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signal Integrity Simplified |
Bogatin E | 0130669466 | Prentice Hall | 4th Printing 2004 |
| High-Speed Digital System Design | Hall H | 047136090-2 | John Wiley | 2000 |
It is not necessary to purchase any books in order to study this module. However, it is 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.
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. It is available as an e-book.
High Speed Digital System Design
This book covers underlying noise and timing theory and provides practical design examples as well as design methodologies.
All the above books are available in hard copy from the university library and some are available as e-books- 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.
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.
Updated 01.03.06 RJH