Influence of via rows on coupling between PCB striplines - experiment vs simple formula

Via rows are common in printed circuit boards (PCB) as isolators between various parts of the board. In order to use them efficiently in design work, it is desirable to have the computational ability to estimate quantitatively their effect. Watkins-Johnson carried out a controlled experiment to evaluate the effects of via rows. We develop a simple formula to simulate the experiment, and compare it with measured values. The simple formula is seen to give quick results suitable for design work on via rows, together with a deeper understanding of the underlying electromagnetic mechanisms