Steve: Indeed, theoretical transmission line derivations and modeling frequently employ transverse electromagnetic (TEM) assumption. Fortunately, TEM mode is regarded sufficient estimate for transmission line propagation up to high frequencies. I find it difficult to accept that a transmission line model consisting of a large number of cascaded RLCG segments can be a good representation only at low frequencies. The following relationship adapted from S. H. Hall, et al., Page 16 and discussed in my previous post leads to different conclusions : Segments >= 10 * x / (Tr * v) The required number of RLCG segments varies directly with transmission line length and inversely with Tr . Therefore, modeling a long fast edge rate (wide bandwidth) line can demand multiple RLCG stages; whereas, a single RLCG lump model appears suitable only for a line exhibiting short electrical length. A question: Do you think above conclusions are valid for low frequency lossless (ideal) case, and break down for high frequency lossy (real) lines? Thank you. Abe ----- Original Message ----- From: "Steve Corey" <steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: <si-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Sunday, December 02, 2001 8:11 PM Subject: [SI-LIST] Re: lumped model vs distributed model > > Abe -- In my opinion and experience, a model with an infinite number of > infinitesimal segments (implying infinite transmission bandwidth) is > only accurate at low frequencies, since real interconnects do not behave > this way. Such models are based on TEM assumptions and no skin effect, > and they also depend on a non-physical profile of loss tangent vs. > frequency that varies as 1/f. > > As Ray Anderson mentioned in an earlier post, lumped element models can > be used to represent frequency-dependent losses such as dielectric and > skin-effect losses. Since a lossy lumped model itself needs to > attenuate high frequencies, it's not subject to such restrictive > constraints on segment length as those you have laid out for the > limiting, or frequency-independent case. However, determining how to > optimally segment such a model is still an area of active research. > > -- Steve > > ------------------------------------------- > Steven D. Corey, Ph.D. > Time Domain Analysis Systems, Inc. > "The Interconnect Modeling Company." > http://www.tdasystems.com > > email: steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx > phone: (503) 246-2272 > fax: (503) 246-2282 > ------------------------------------------- > > > Abe Riazi wrote: > > > Dear All: > > > > Ideally, an infinite (though impractical) number of cascaded RLCG segments > > are required to construct an accurate distributed transmission line model. > > > > Stephen H. Hall, et al., "High-Speed Digital System Design A handbook > > of Interconnect Theory and Design Practives", on page 16, describe a useful > > formula for determining the number of RLCG segments sufficient for > > distributed modeling : > > > > Segments >= 10 * x / (Tr * v) > > > > Where Tr, x, and v represent signal rise (fall) time, transmission line > > length, and velocity repectively. > > > > For example, when Tr = 500 ps, x = 6 Inch (= 15.24 cm) and > > v = c / SQRT(Er) = 3E10/2.06 = 1.456E10 cm/sec > > (a substrate dielectric constant of 4.25 being assumed) > > > > Then: > > > > Minimum number of segments = 10 * 15.24 cm / ( 500E-12 sec * 1.456E10 > > cm/sec). > > > > Minimum number ~ 21 segments. > > > > When the cross sectional geomtery (and hence charateristic impednace Zo ) > > of the stripline (or mictrostrip) transmission line are also known, > > then R, L, C and G for each segment can be ascertained by dividing the > > total value of each parameter by the number of segments. > > (Example: C_segment = C_total / number of segments). These calculations > > are of course simpler for the lossless case where R and G are negligible. > > > > Best Regards, > > > > Abe Riazi > > ServerWorks ------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 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