Passive Equalization Networks—Efficient Synthesis Approach for High-Speed Signal Integrity Characterization

Abstract

High data rates challenges and long traces from current state-of-the-art systems imply high attenuation. In the present article, we will present a detailed process of synthesis of equalizers, for choosing the correct one for a given application. The methods are based on scattering parameters applied on interconnections modeled as microstrip or stripline. Firstly, one may have an overview of types of equalizers, passive, active, and adaptive ones, and a detailed filter synthesis is applied in microwave systems having as start point the insertion loss of a given trace on a given substrate. Next, time domain analyses offer a better understanding of the performance of the interconnect, based on eye diagram inspection and the variation of waveforms with time. Finally, we will present results based on simulation of the equalizers network in a microstrip technology followed by discussions and conclusions. The study proposes to use equalizers in either the transmitter or receiver point, proposes a bridge equalizer with the cost of additional elements but improved constant input, output impedance, and also a new variant for single ended trace based on microwave resonator is proposed. Performance is demonstrated by results from simulations.