Sensitivity analysis of proximity effects in nearby differential lines

Abstract

In this work, the role of proximity and possible trace asymmetries on the generation of common mode (CM) voltages and currents in a pair of differential lines (DLs) printed in close proximity on the same PCB substrate is analyzed. To this end, an approximate circuit interpretation of mode conversion in terms of distributed voltage and current sources is exploited to preliminary identify relevant parameters at the basis of mode conversion. Repeated-run simulations are then carried out to investigate sensitivity of these parameters as well as of CM voltages induced at line terminals to line-to-line proximity as well as to asymmetries in the traces' width.