Multi-pin Optimization of Decoupling Capacitors on Segmented Resonant Planes

A method is proposed for the optimized placement of decoupling capacitors on power delivery networks (PDN) involving irregularly shaped power-ground plane pairs. The method is based on an evolutionary optimization algorithm that uses the driving point impedance of device power pins as the fitness function. The plane pairs are modeled with their distributed models including the capacitors. A generalized form of segmentation method is used to account for the capacitive loading of the planes. The proposed algorithm eliminates the commonly used two-step approach in power integrity (PI) analysis and is shown to be particularly useful as a single operation in the optimization of power delivery networks for the selection and placement of decoupling capacitors. The proposed method is validated in comparison to a numerical electromagnetic (EM) simulator and tested on a practical design example.