Time-domain characterization and analysis of dispersive dissipative interconnects

Numerical techniques for the time-domain characterization and analysis of lossy dispersive uniform/nonuniform multiconductor lines with arbitrary terminations are presented. A unified procedure for the extraction of frequency-dependent self and mutual R, L, G, and C matrix elements from the normal-mode characteristic impedances and propagation constants is formulated. An algorithm for solving the time-domain transmission line equations that include the dispersion due to skin-effect and higher-order modes in the analysis is presented. The simulation technique is based on an extension of the method of characteristics. The procedure applies to both uniform and nonuniform coupled systems, and examples of two- and three-line structures terminated in linear and nonlinear elements are included. These examples demonstrate the effects of dispersion and losses on the signal propagation, including delay, distortion, and crosstalk, in general multiconductor interconnects and the versatility and usefulness of the techniques