Simulation methodologies for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and signal integrity (SI) for system design

Current technology trends require the utilisation of very high clock rates which have a broad electromagnetic spectrum. Electronic equipment designers require accurate characterisation and optimisation of electrical components, sub-systems and complete systems at frequencies that extend well into the microwave spectrum. This paper aims to assess the state-of-the-art in full field solvers in system and sub-system design and in doing so identify the trends in simulation techniques that are targeted towards the development of complex designs which operate at high speeds. Particular emphasis is placed on the treatment of multiscale problems, the development of macronodes containing sub-wavelength features and optimal meshing techniques. Developments in these areas are illustrated with results typical of EMC and SI design issues.