Optimizing the Placement of Non-Functional Pads on Signal Vias Using Multiple Reflection Analysis

In this study, the effects of using non-functional pads to optimize the performance of high-speed signal vias are investigated based on multiple reflection analysis. The non-functional pads on signal vias introduce more capacitive coupling and are possible to improve the response of the via structure if the original via has relatively larger impedance compared to the system reference impedance. The effectiveness of the non-functional pad optimization is validated through a numerical example, and the eye diagram of the via structure without and with non-functional pads are compared. The eye opening becomes 5.4 times larger after the via optimization using non-functional pads.