Mid-frequency delta-I noise analysis of complex computer system boards with multiprocessor modules and verification by measurements

Abstract

This paper describes an efficient methodology for mid-frequency delta-I noise analysis of the power distribution network of a computer system. The method allows fast and accurate power noise simulations with SPEED97 on highly complex packaging structures. Simulation results for the mid-frequency power noise amplitudes on module and board planes and dependencies on decoupling capacitor parameters are presented. The package model used for the simulations allow the identification of the dominant resonant oscillations on the power distribution system following a delta-I step and yield the time response of the on-chip, on-module and on-board decoupling capacitors. The simulation results have been confirmed by measurements within 5%.