Noise Characteristics of On-Chip Power Networks with Decoupling Capacitors

Abstract

The high frequency response of a power distribution system is the focus of this chapter. The impedance of the power distribution system at high frequencies is determined by the characteristics of the on-chip power distribution network. The impedance of a power system at a specific on-chip location is determined by the local resistive, inductive, and capacitive characteristics of the on-chip network. In this chapter, the impedance characteristics of both the on-chip power interconnect and the decoupling capacitors are combined to evaluate the noise characteristics of a power network. The inductance of an on-chip power distribution network is shown under specific conditions to be a significant design issue in high speed integrated circuits.