Comprehensive Analysis of the Impact of via Design on High-Speed Signal Integrity

In all modern high-speed digital board designs, every slightest discontinuity on the board has to be considered carefully, especially the vias, which are abundantly used in digital design. As frequency increases and signal rise time reduces, via causes impedance discontinuities resulting in signal reflections and hence deterioration of signal integrity (SI) and system performance. The paper carries out a comprehensive study of the impacts of various via design parameters on SI using a full-wave electromagnetic simulator (CST microwave suite). The design parameters under study are via diameter, via height and the excess via stub in a multilayer PCB. The study allows high-speed digital designers to have a more in-depth assessment of via design and its effect on SI performance.