Re: [SI-LIST] : Automatic/Semi-automatic design check of PCB layout database for crosstalk/SI violat

Pat Zabinski ()
Thu, 2 Sep 1999 15:09:54 -0500

Ron,

Cadence Allegro already has an integrated tool called SigNoise.
I'm not sure what it costs, but it's an option you can purchase
to Allegro.

I dabbled with it several years ago, and it contained several
basics that I think would full under the category you're
interested in.

However (unless they've updated it since I've used it last),
it will not take into account things like SSN, ground bounce,
nonlinearities, etc. In other words, it should work
great for the first-order effects, but I would be hesitant
in counting on it for second-order effects.

In terms of your requirements list below, I would say it fits
well with 1, 2, and 4. However, 3 (cost) might be high (again,
it's been a while). One other issue not in your list is setup
time.

In addition to defining the parts like you've always been
doing, you would now need to include additional parameters in
your parts definitions (risetime, voltage swing, etc). If
you could automate this somehow with scripts, it might
not be a big deal, but it could take considerable
time if you needed to do this pin-by-pin.

I've also used Mentor, and I've heard they have a similar tool.

$0.02,
Pat

> Hi Guys
>
> What technique or tools are being used for checking a new PCB layout database
for simple
> mistakes, like excess crosstalk or "BIG" impedance mismatches before
releasing a PCB
> for FAB.
>
> My focus is the housekeeping signals and lower speed busses, that we usually
neglect but which
> can still bite us in the posterior, causing a new spin of artwork and FAB.
>
> Requirements in order of importance:
> 1. Compatibility with PCB databases like Allegro/Cadence
> 2. Simple to use, little or no training
> 3. Cost of acquiring
> 4. Speed of processing
>
> If there is not such a product someone needs to get busy.
>
> Ron Miller

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