Roy Matthias Troescher of SimLab, gave an impressive presentation on a complete automotive EMI simulation and measurement correlation for a complete automotive electrical system, including cabling, using SimLab, CST Cable Studio and CST PCB Studio. http://www.cst.com/Content/Documents/Events/NAUF2008/04-Troescher.pdf Scott McMorrow Teraspeed Consulting Group LLC 121 North River Drive Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 284-1827 Business (401) 284-1840 Fax http://www.teraspeed.com Teraspeed® is the registered service mark of Teraspeed Consulting Group LLC Roy Leventhal wrote: > Chris, > > For the past six years I have been advocating the use of more simulation > tools among my EMI engineering colleagues (at work and in the IEEE EMC > Society), so I am not unsympathetic to some of your points. > > I find many EMI engineers reluctant to use EDA tools and relatively few > simultaneously cognizant of theory, estimating (yellow pad), simulation, > and measurement in both SI and EMI. Meanwhile, I find continual progress > being made by EDA tool vendors that should be continually evaluated by > the EMI engineering discipline. I also find a growing level of > acceptance of, an interest in, modeling and simulation tools. > > Historically, those EMI EDA tools have not been ready for prime time as > far as EMI engineers are concerned. So they do what they have to do to > get a product to pass regulatory: Test, measure, find and fix, and > iterate until they get a product to pass. > > What I see is that when an EMI engineer is in a test cell measuring > conducted and radiated emissions and susceptibility they are working > with frequency spectrum scans. Those frequency spectrum scans are the > data they have to present, not diagrams of eye opening and other SI > plots. Simulating partial planes an IC package is part of the detailed > design but usually too much detail for them to simulate at the system level. > > My first question is, can you provide me some insight into your model > abstraction and simplification process? I usually can?t afford > simulating a system down to the gate level when seeking EMI answers. > Some modern CMOS models incorporate around 250 factors for around 50 > elements per gate and I/Os have multiple gates. > > Also, what models are you using for the IC? Are you using Berkeley > SPICE, EKV, PSPICE, S-Parameter, large or small signal, or IBIS, or > what? I?m seeing evidence that factors we can control at the system > level are sometimes interactive AND non-linear and would like to know > the best models to use and their valid frequency, voltage, and > temperature limitations. I suspect that some of the non-linearities are > due to power system noise modulation of my IC I/Os. I also would like to > investigate if there is core-switching noise getting to my I/Os. > > Since I?m trying to correlate with hardware I would also need to know > the distributions of the IC model parameters for the various parts on > the board, as well as the passive components, and the variables for your > dielectric uniformity, trace parameters, etc. I suspect that I?ll have > to do a statistical simulation since in my prototypes I?m not quite sure > which part of the distribution my parts came from. I would like to > repeat the ?50 dB you achieved especially since I would expect to verify > the results against hardware. What particular statistical method did you > use in achieving your results? And when you verified those results did > you do it against at least 25 working prototypes to remove the element > of chance? > > How about your measurement repeatability, I assume its good. I know for > myself that when cables are moved just a bit on my test bench my > repeatability is a problem. The movement of objects in my anechoic > chamber and the use of different measurement antennas seem to cause > similar problems. Of course you have modeled all this in verifying your > results, so I seek your guidance since as you state you have many years > of both SI and EMI experience. Since I?m dealing with the safety of an > airplane I can?t be too careful. > > Also, I?m seeing changes in my EMI results with changes in the data > patterns on my boards and changes in the strengths of emitters in > various positions on my boards. So I?m sure that your 50 dB EMI > correlation must account for magnitude and phase at any place in your > measurement chamber. > > One thing that upsets me is a 500 KHz switching power supply in my > system that is producing significant harmonics out to 50 MHz and beyond. > I know that if I simulate its effects that I?ll have to use a SPICE EDA > tool that can model layout structure and converge with resonant > circuits. I haven?t found one readily available that I can import my > layout from Allegro into. Unfortunately, I have to contend with such > beasties operating alongside my moderately fast digital stuff and I > can?t quite do everything I want with the board stackup because I?m > dealing with 10s to 100s of amps in my system, not milliamps to microamps.. > > One of my EMI colleagues in another company has become more interested > in simulation (I think I inspired him a little) and who is working with > some first class EMI EDA companies. A real breakthrough was achieved > when his technical contact said ?Aha, you want a virtual test bench so > you can directly compare simulation to measurement.? They?re working on > it and achieving some good, if varied results. They?ll need such a tool > when they need to do a quick turn-around on a design iteration. But, he > didn?t indicate 50 dB correlations real soon. They had to simplify the > problem to get it to run in a reasonable time. One thing they didn?t do > is model the antenna. > > Do I believe that EMI modeling and simulation is an absolute necessity? > You bet I do. But, I see a different world with different emphasizes and > needs that will have to be addressed by EDA vendors before the much > criticized and much harried ?average? EMI engineer can be successfully > engaged in making greater use of those tools. > > I have many more questions about the issues I raised above and some > others I have. I?m sure that we?ll get into them after you have > instructed me further in my deficiencies as you have already kindly > done. I know that I don?t know near enough in my business and I?m open > to your instruction. > > Best Regards, > > Roy > > > Chris Cheng wrote: > >> I walked many miles in EMI and still do. >> My company had never and will never have EMI only design engineers. I >> am responsible for anything that is not 1 and 0 in our system. I don't >> care if it is call SI or EMI. Analog is analog. Any engineer who work >> for me is capable of doing both. >> >>> As things stand today any EMI engineer can tell you that they can >>> make an entire >>> career on fixing prototype SI/EMI problems based on the same >>> half-dozen principles >>> >> I am still waiting for you to tell me how your EMI engineer can make >> their career out of my examples below. >> >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >> *From:* Charlotte and/or Roy Leventhal [mailto:crleventhal@xxxxxxxxxxx] >> *Sent:* Sun 3/23/2008 8:08 PM >> *To:* Chris Cheng; olaney@xxxxxxxx; Roy.Leventhal@xxxxxxxx >> *Cc:* avtaarenator@xxxxxxxxx; si-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxx >> *Subject:* RE: [SI-LIST] Re: Best Signal integrity Schools in the USA >> >> Chris, >> I'm heavily into using modeling and simulation. Check my website: >> http://www.semiconductorsimulation.com >> <http://www.semiconductorsimulation.com/>. I'm also a great advocate >> of combining EDA tools with the yellow pad for maximum efficiency and >> understanding. >> I recently had/have the opportunity to do some EMI engineering. Before >> either SI engineers cast aspersions on EMI engineers or vice-versa I >> suggest they walk in the others' moccasins a few miles. >> You are right that EMI engineers will have to be better tool users in >> the future. Why don't you help them get started, as I am trying to do? >> Best Regards >> Roy >> >> -----Original Message----- >> *From:* Chris Cheng [mailto:Chris.Cheng@xxxxxxxx] >> *Sent:* Sunday, March 23, 2008 7:52 PM >> *To:* olaney@xxxxxxxx; Roy.Leventhal@xxxxxxxx >> *Cc:* avtaarenator@xxxxxxxxx; si-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxx >> *Subject:* RE: [SI-LIST] Re: Best Signal integrity Schools in the USA >> >> I would love to learn how to model a multi-giga bit channel with >> accuracy down to -50db with a yellow pad. >> I would love to learn how to predict eye openings of heavily >> loaded DDR2/3 buses with multiple loads and multiple branches and >> driving positions under sso and crosstalk conditions with a yellow >> pad. >> I would love to learn how to model package interconnects that has >> imperfect return reference planes with a yellow pad. >> I would love to learn how to deliver power to a multi-giga hertz >> IC where the power grid and via structure is inherited 2 1/2 and >> 3D with a yellow pad. >> Are you sure we are talking about the same SI work here ? What >> does your average EMI engineer knows about the above anyways ? >> >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >> *From:* si-list-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx on behalf of olaney@xxxxxxxx >> *Sent:* Sun 3/23/2008 2:07 PM >> *To:* Roy.Leventhal@xxxxxxxx >> *Cc:* avtaarenator@xxxxxxxxx; si-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxx >> *Subject:* [SI-LIST] Re: Best Signal integrity Schools in the USA >> >> >> The symptom we see today is that many designers are heavily >> reliant upon >> really big, expensive software tools to iterate empirical designs into >> something workable. The same designer, given adequate understanding of >> the underlying principles, can often do 90% of the work on a >> yellow pad, >> then use software for cleanup and as a sanity check. When I see SI >> related job descriptions that want work experience with a big list of >> tools, I can readily guess what the company mindset is: >> substitution of >> tools for competence, and bring in the consultants when they get into >> trouble. >> >> Orin >> >> On Sun, 23 Mar 2008 14:53:44 -0500 Roy Leventhal >> <Roy.Leventhal@xxxxxxxx> >> writes: >> > Avtaar, >> > >> > It seems strange to me that in the present/coming years of >> > "microwave >> > digital" that we will be graduating logic designers who will be >> > unable to >> > get their signals across a PCB or keep those signals from >> > interfering with >> > other signals. >> > >> > As things stand today any EMI engineer can tell you that they can >> > make an entire >> > career on fixing prototype SI/EMI problems based on the same >> > half-dozen principles >> > from SI/EMI 101. But, fixing problems in hardware instead of >> > catching them in the >> > virtual design not working smart. Part of the challenge of working >> > smart is applying >> > principles and analysis early in development. The logic designer is >> > best positioned >> > to do that or involve specialist to do it for him or her. >> > >> > First we had the analog age. Then we had the digital age. Now I >> > believe we >> > have the dawning of the age of fast impulse signals driving logic >> > circuits. >> > >> > Meanwhile our schools are, as always, a day late and a dollar short >> > - not >> > necessarily a few individual professors and schools here and there. >> > When I got my >> > BSEE in 1962 my professors were still teaching me about vacuum tubes >> > and had barely >> > started seriously considering teaching transistors. This is despite >> > the fact that >> > industry had developed viable transistors for nearly a decade by >> > then. >> > >> > The IEEE EMC Society is just now making a credible effort to address >> > signal >> > integrity. But, signal integrity has been a driving issue for about >> > 20 >> > years now. >> > >> > It is hard to evolve institutionalized cultures (schools, >> > professional societies, and >> > old-line companies) and thinking. They are, after all, in the >> > business of perpetuating >> > their PAST successes and expertise. >> > >> > The advice about UM-R is good. So is the advice about noting which >> > professors and >> > schools are publishing in the latest technologies. Beyond that, stay >> > informed and well >> > ead from industry-oriented trade magazines in those latest >> > technologies on your own. >> > Let me suggest High Frequency, Conformity, and the IEEE EMC Society >> > quarterly newsletter. >> > >> > Lastly, here is a reading list of reference textbooks you can >> > consider perusing: >> > >> > >> > [1] Staff of Agilent Technologies, "Time Domain Reflectometry >> > Theory," >> > Application Note 1304-2 Hewlett-Packard, 2006. >> > >> > See also: >> > >> > Staff of HP, "Time Domain Reflectometry Theory," Application Note >> > 1304-2 >> > Hewlett-Packard, 1988. >> > http://www.lthe.hmg.inpg.fr/medite/5966-4855E.pdf >> > >> > [2] Staff of Agilent, "Manuals: Network Analyzers," Various, >> > down-loadable, Agilent. >> > >> http://www.home.agilent.com/agilent/facet.jspx?c=153424.i.2&to=80039.k.1&; >> >> <http://www.home.agilent.com/agilent/facet.jspx?c=153424.i.2&to=80039.k.1&;> >> cc=US&lc=eng&no=225 >> > >> > >> <http://www.home.agilent.com/agilent/facet.jspx?c=153424.i.2&to=80039.k.1 >> &cc=US&lc=eng&no=225> >> > >> > >> > >> > [3] C. Antonescu, P.D. Ewing, "EMI/RFI and Power Surge Withstand >> > Guidance for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission." >> > >> > [4] Bruce R. Archambeault, "Shielding of Air Vent Holes," page 102 >> > IEEE >> > EMC Society Newsletter, Issue # 215, Fall 2007 >> > >> > [5] Bruce R. Archambeault and James L. Drewniak, /PCB Design for >> > Real >> > World EMI Control/, Springer, 2002. ISBN: 1-4020-7130-2 >> > >> > [6] Bill Ashley, "Using the Network Analyzer as a Grid Dip >> > Oscillator," >> > AN 132 AEA Technology, Inc., 2005 >> > >> http://www.aeatechnology.com/usermanuals/AN132%20Using%20the%20Network%20 >> Analyzer%20as%20a%20Grid%20Dip%20Oscillator.pdf >> > >> > >> > >> > [7] Eric Bogatin, /Signal Integrity: Simplified/, Prentice Hall, >> > 2004. >> > ISBN: 0-13-066946-6 >> > >> > [8] Marty Brown, "Good Physical Layout Takes Black Magic Out of >> > Power >> > Supply Design," EDA Design Line, 2000. >> > http://www.edadesignline.com/showArticle.jhtml?article?ID=192200741 >> > >> > [9] Nachyuck Chang, "Theory of Oscilloscope," SNU. >> > http://elpl.snu.ac.kr/csd07/lecturenote/4_dso.pdf >> > >> > [10] Sonia Ben Dhia, Mohamed Ramdani, and Etienne Sicard, >> > /Electromagnetic Compatibility of Integrated Circuits: Techniques >> > for >> > Low Emission and Susceptibility,/ Springer, 2005. ISBN: >> > >> > [11] Mike Eberly and Larry Dunleavy, "Student's Introduction to the >> > HP8714 RF Network Analyzer," 1998 >> > http://ee.eng.usf.edu/people/dunleavy/references/reading2.pdf >> > >> > [12] Morris Engelson and Fred Telewski, /Spectrum Analyzer Theory >> > and >> > Applications,/ Artech House, 1974. ISBN-10: 089006024X, ISBN-13: >> > 978-0890060247 >> > >> > [13] Y. W. Fowlkes, C. L. Creveling, /Engineering Methods for Robust >> > >> > Product Design/, Addison-Wesley, 1995. >> > >> > [14] Gene Garat, and Staff of IBM, "EMSAT Rules Checker 16 Rules," >> > Moss >> > Bay EDA and IBM, http://www.mossbayeda.com/EMSAT-Rules.pdf, March >> > 2006. >> > >> > [15] Michael Hiebel, /Fundamentals of Vector Network Analysis/, >> > Rohde & >> > Schwarz, ISBN: 978-3-939837-0 >> > >> > [16] Todd Hubing, "Circuit Board Layout to Reduce Noise Emission and >> > >> > Susceptibility," University of Missouri - Rolla, March 2006 >> > >> > [17] Multivariate Statistical Analysis: IBM Data Explorer, >> > http://www.research.ibm.com/dx/ >> > >> > [18] Staff, ICEM #62014-3, "Electromagnetic Compatibility Part 3 >> > Integrated Circuits Electrical Modeling," IEC Standard Proposal/, >> > /2002. >> > >> > [19] Staff, IEC # 61000-4-2, "Electromagnetic Compatibility Part 4-2 >> > >> > Testing and Measurement Techniques - Electrostatic Discharge >> > Immunity >> > Test, IEC, 2001. ISBN: 2-8318-5687-6 >> > >> > [20] Yoonjae Lee and Raj Mittra, "Electromagnetic Interference >> > Mitigation by Using a Spread-Spectrum Approach," IEEE Transactions >> > on >> > Electromagnetic Compatibility, Vol. 44, No. 2, May 2002. >> > >> > [22] Roy Leventhal and Lynne Green, Semiconductor Modeling: For >> > Simulating Signal, Power and Electromagnetic Integrity, Springer, >> > 2006. >> > ISBN 0-387-24159-0 >> > >> > [23] Michel Mardiguian, /Controlling Radiated Emissions by Design, >> > 2^nd >> > Ed.,/ Springer, 2001. ISBN: 0792379780 >> > >> > [24] F. D. Martzloff, "Lightening and NEMP Transient Protection with >> > >> > Metal Oxide Varistors," General Electric Technical Information >> > Series >> > 82CRD084, 1982. >> > >> > [25] Staff, Maxim, "A Beginners Guide to Filter Topologies," >> > Application >> > Note 1762 Maxim, Inc., 2002, >> > http://www.maxim-ic.com/appnotes.cfm/an_pk/1762 >> > >> > [26] Staff, Maxim, "EMI/EMC Suppression in Audio/Video Interfaces," >> > Application Note 3882 Maxim, Inc., 2006, >> > http://www.maxim-ic.com/appnotes.cfm/an_pk/3882 >> > >> > [27] Scott Mee, Roy Leventhal, Al Wexler and Mike Ventham, >> > "Simulation >> > for the Suppression of PCB Emissions in Digital Telematics Devices," >> > >> > ITEM Update 2002, p56. >> > >> > [28] Staff of Mentor Graphics, "Design Rule Checks (DRC) for >> > QuietExpert," Mentor Graphics, June 2005 >> > >> > [29] Staff of National Instruments, "Noise Figure Measurement with >> > the >> > National Instruments RF Signal Generator and RF Vector Signal >> > Analyzer," >> > National Instruments, 2006 >> > http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/3737 >> > >> > [30] Henry W. Ott, /Noise Reduction Techniques in Electronic >> > Systems, >> > 2^nd Ed./, John Wiley & Sons, 1988. ISBN: 0-471-85068-3 >> > >> > [31] Edward Pasahow, /Electronics Pocket Reference, 2^nd Ed/., >> > McGraw-Hill, 1994. ISBN 0-07-048737-5 >> > >> > [32] Clayton R. Paul, Introduction to Electromagnetic Compatibility, >> > >> > John Wiley & Sons, 1992. ISBN: 0-471-54927-4 >> > >> > [33] R. A. Pease, /Troubleshooting Analog Circuits/, Newnes, 1991.. >> > ISBN: >> > 0750694998 >> > >> > [34] R. Perez, Editor, /Handbook of Electromagnetic Compatibility,/ >> > Academic Press, Inc. 1995. >> > >> > [35] A. Peterson, S. Ray & R. Mittra, Computational Methods for >> > Electromagnetics, IEEE Press & Oxford University Press, 1998. >> > >> > [36] M. S. Phadke, /Quality Engineering Using Robust Design/, >> > Prentice-Hall, 1989. >> > >> > [37] Muhammad H. Rashid, Power /Electronics: Circuits, Devices and >> > Applications, 2^nd Ed./, Prentice Hall, 1993. ISBN 0-13-678996-X >> > >> > [38] Christoph Rauscher, /Fundamentals of Spectrum Analysis/, Rohde >> > & >> > Schwarz, ISBN: 978-3-939837-00-8 >> > >> > [39] Staff, /Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for >> > Airborne >> > Equipment, DO-160E,/ RTCA, Inc., 2004 >> > >> > [41] Madhavan Swaminathan and A. Ege Engin, /Power Integrity >> > Modeling >> > and Design for Semiconductors and Systems,/ Prentice Hall, 2008. >> > ISBN: >> > 0-13-615206-6 >> > >> > [42] Staff of Wavecrest, "Oscilloscope - Getting Started," Wavecrest >> > >> > 2001. >> > >> http://www.wavecrest.com/technical/VISI_6_Getting_Started_Guides/6oscillo >> scope.pdf >> > >> > >> > >> > [44] Wikipedia, "Electronic test equipment" >> > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_test_equipment >> > >> > [45] Wikipedia, "Insulated-gate bipolar transistor" >> > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGBT >> > >> > [46] A. B. Williams & F. J. Taylor, /Electronic Filter Design >> > Handbook, >> > 3^rd Ed./, McGraw-Hill, 1995. >> > >> > [47] Staff X2Y, "App Note # 3008, V1, Get the Most from X2Y >> > Capacitors >> > with Proper Attachment Techniques," X2Y Attenuators, LLC. 2/23/2006. >> > >> > >> > >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >> > >> > <#_ftnref1> >> > >> > >> > Good Luck >> > >> > Roy Leventhal >> > >> > >> > >> > Avtaar Singh wrote: >> > > Gurus: >> > > Can someone please name the Top 5 Signal Integrity schools in the >> > US, for >> > > me? >> > > >> > > Thanks for the kind help! >> > > >> > > Regards, >> > > Avtaar >> > > >> > > >> > > ------------------------------------------------------------------ >> > > To unsubscribe from si-list: >> > > si-list-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with 'unsubscribe' in the Subject >> > field >> > > >> > > or to administer your membership from a web page, go to: >> > > //www.freelists.org/webpage/si-list >> > > >> > > For help: >> > > si-list-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with 'help' in the Subject field >> > > >> > > >> > > List technical documents are available at: >> > > http://www.si-list.net <http://www.si-list.net/> >> > > >> > > List archives are viewable at: >> > > //www.freelists.org/archives/si-list >> > > or at our remote archives: >> > > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/si-list/messages >> > > Old (prior to June 6, 2001) list archives are viewable at: >> > > http://www.qsl.net/wb6tpu >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > ------------------------------------------------------------------ >> > To unsubscribe from si-list: >> > si-list-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with 'unsubscribe' in the Subject >> > field >> > >> > or to administer your membership from a web page, go to: >> > //www.freelists.org/webpage/si-list >> > >> > For help: >> > si-list-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with 'help' in the Subject field >> > >> > >> > List technical documents are available at: >> > http://www.si-list.net <http://www.si-list.net/> >> > >> > List archives are viewable at: >> > //www.freelists.org/archives/si-list >> > or at our remote archives: >> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/si-list/messages >> > Old (prior to June 6, 2001) list archives are viewable at: >> > http://www.qsl.net/wb6tpu >> > >> > >> > >> > >> ------------------------------------------------------------------ >> To unsubscribe from si-list: >> si-list-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with 'unsubscribe' in the Subject field >> >> or to administer your membership from a web page, go to: >> //www.freelists.org/webpage/si-list >> >> For help: >> si-list-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with 'help' in the Subject field >> >> >> List technical documents are available at: >> http://www.si-list.net <http://www.si-list.net/> >> >> List archives are viewable at: >> //www.freelists.org/archives/si-list >> or at our remote archives: >> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/si-list/messages >> Old (prior to June 6, 2001) list archives are viewable at: >> http://www.qsl.net/wb6tpu >> >> >> >> This email and any attachments thereto may contain private, >> confidential, and privileged material for the sole use of the >> intended recipient. 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