Figure 1: Transmission lines consist of conductors separated by a dielectric. The conductors can be parallel or concentric. (Image source: Amphenol)
The rise of high-performance data centers to support artificial intelligence (AI) makes signal integrity (SI) critical so that massive amounts of data can be moved at ever higher rates. To ensure SI, designers must minimize reflections, noise, and crosstalk through attention to board layout and the use of appropriate conductors and connectors. They must also understand fundamental principles such as transmission lines, impedance, return loss, and resonance. This article presents some of the terms used in the discussion of SI and what designers need to consider. It then introduces exemplary cable and connector solutions from Amphenol to show how they can ensure design success.
Transmission lines A transmission line consists of two (or sometimes three) conductors with non-zero length separated by a dielectric (Figure 1). Conductors carry electrical signals between circuit elements with minimal loss or distortion. Common conductors are metals such as copper, which have high electrical conductivity, excellent transmission, and low power losses at a relatively low cost. Gold is an excellent conductor, but due to its high cost, its use is restricted to applications requiring high corrosion resistance, like connector pins and sockets. Other metals and alloys have been developed for specific applications or material characteristics. Dielectrics are nonconducting materials that separate conductors by insulating the area around their conducting geometries. The properties of the dielectrics impact how signals travel over the adjacent conductors.
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