Checking PCB design electrically for PI/SI issues

In this paper, the signal integrity (SI) simulation and computer system electrical design flow is discussed. Traditionally, the SI analyses lead to a set of physical design rules that the printed-circuit board (PCB) and integrated circuit (IC) package designers rigorously follow in the layout to ensure the signaling performance meets the requirements. Such practice makes the signaling requirements intuitive to the layout engineers. But, at the same time, it may also reduce the design flexibility and limit innovation. To bridge the gap between physical design and signaling performance, the concept, ingredients, and flow of an electrical design checker is introduced and described in detail. The flow has been applied to the various designs, and results are discussed.