Coupling between differential signals and the dc power-bus in multilayer PCBs

Differential and common-mode transfer impedances are proposed herein to analyze noise coupled to (from) the dc power-bus from (to) via transitions in differential signals. Expressions for the two transfer impedances in terms of conventional single-ended transfer impedances are derived and verified through measurements, full-wave finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations and an analytical cavity model. Some properties of the differential and common-mode transfer impedances are investigated to facilitate engineering design. The impact of signal current imbalances on power-bus noise and the benefit of differential signals as compared to single-ended signals are quantified.