Enabling terabit per second switch linecard design through chip/package/PCB co-design

Widespread use of the Web 2.0 Internet applications such as video streaming and social networking are continuously demanding higher bandwidth network equipment. Electrical designers increasingly face more and more challenges to deliver higher speed products within short development cycle due to design complexity and new multi-GHz signal integrity problems. This paper presents a modeling and simulation methodology through chip/package/PCB (printed circuit board) co-design and co-optimization to enable a terabit per second network switch linecard design. Channel design techniques such as BGA (Ball Grid Array) pin backdrill, via tuning, and low loss interconnects are outlined. Full wave 3D modeling techniques with optimal model segmentation, model cascading and model optimization are discussed. At the end, correlation between lab measurement and simulation in both frequency and time domains are investigated.