Investigation on the ground loop coupling by simulation tools based on the partial inductance concept

The paper deals with an investigation on the ground loop coupling by simulation tools based on the partial inductance concept. Several interconnect structures characterized by a signal line and its return conductor having different shape are considered. The prediction of the ground loop coupling is performed by an equivalent electrical circuit where the return conductor is modelled by its partial inductance L_gnd. The calculation of L_gnd is performed by SPICE simulation and by the Nodal Analysis of the equivalent circuit obtained decomposing the return ground into a finite number of parallel current filaments. The validity of this approach is shown by comparing the ground current distribution with that obtained by a full-wave solution with the method of moments.