Microstrip Filter Against the Crosstalk Effect in Planar Power Devices

Abstract

Minimizing the effect of crosstalk between adjacent traces on printed circuit boards is always a challenging process, particularly in planar power devices. Many methods used to warrant sufficient electromagnetic compatibility, such as the addition of guard trace using via holes or the use of serpentine guard trace, have already been described in the literature. However, those methods may induce some issues related to the manufacturing of the PCB. In this paper, an original form of guard trace, which is composed of microstrip steps in the width, was designed and evaluated. This new guard trace acts as a microstrip filter. The electrical modeling and the simulation results of the proposed solution point out the significant reduction of the crosstalk effect (higher than 80%), while, at the same time, warranting an easier manufacturing process of the PCB.