Multi-Layered PCB Power Plane Resonance Analysis Using Method of Lines

The Method of Lines (MoL) is used to analyze the resonance of a multi-layered PCB power plane, which affects the propagation of ground bounce noise in actual motherboard system. When the problem size is extended to several wavelengths of the highest operating frequency, this approach is more efficient than other methods like the Finite Difference-Time Domain (FD-TD) method and the Mixed Potential Integral Equation (MPIE) method. From the obtained numeric and experimental information, we can predict the effects of decoupling capacitors and slits on the resonance frequencies.