Peak noise prediction in loosely coupled interconnect [VLSI circuits]

Interconnect in VLSI circuits is best modeled as a lossy transmission line in high speed integrated circuits. Analytical expressions for the coupling noise between adjacent interconnect are presented to estimate the peak noise voltage on a quiet line based on the assumption that these interconnections are loosely coupled, where the effect of the coupling noise on the waveform of an active line is small. These closed form expressions are also applied to the condition of a varying load impedance. The estimated error of the peak noise amplitude at the near end of the quiet line is less than 15% under high loss and non-matching load conditions