PCB Layout by Technology -
High-Speed Digital Design and Analysis
 

Project

DDR Consulting

Application

High end industrial automation

Problem

Beta release of board level product experiencing random DDR2 data errors from unknown causes.

Customer Need

Customer was experiencing performance issues with a RF test board incorporated into their test equipment.  Specifically, the RF signal roll-off was unacceptable at higher frequencies in a portion of the circuit.

AVID's Solution

After initial discussion and a characterization of the problem with the customer, AVID proposed a two pronged effort that would involve review of all the important board level strategies for proper performance while also providing simulation services to determine root causes of the problem and optimization of the best solutions.

AVID utilized its large pool of internal resources with a focus on both the PCB implementation, routing, signal integrity stack up planning, along with expertise in digital memory controllers and DDR2 SDRAM simulation for best topologies, termination strategies, and optimum termination values; all to minimize any re-do  while meeting performance requirements.

Within a short period, through interaction with the customer’s technical staff, improvements to the initial customer approach were identified and required changes defined.  After edits implementing the new topology and optimized values were complete, post simulation was performed to confirm results.

Follow on testing supported expectations and a reliable product was ready for the next phase.

Technologies Applied

  • Review and report on current PCB signal integrity planning and routing implementation
  • Memory architecture, topology and components review with suggested solutions
  • Processor memory interface initialization registers review
  • Signal integrity simulation, both pre-solution and post-correction confirmation
  • Follow on support through testing approval and release

Top
 
 

Project

Small Multi-Board Printed Wiring Board Set

Application

Controller

Customer Need

Customer had a window of opportunity to present a new design for evaluation and sale if AVID could develop prototypes in record time.  Knowing AVID has on-call resources that can respond immediately, they initially contacted AVID on a Thursday for ultra-fast design services.  Start data wasn't delivered to AVID until the next day, late Friday afternoon.

AVID's Solution

Utilizing three of AVID's professional design staff to work Friday night through Monday morning, AVID was able to coordinate the design efforts around the clock to meet the time-critical delivery to the customer with 100% accurate PCB layouts by first thing Monday.

Value Added or Technologies Applied

  • Concurrent Design Effort
  • Ultra Fast Delivery
  • Instant On-Call Start

Top
 
 

Project

Multi-Layer High-Speed Digital Printed Wiring Board

Application

Custom Computing System

Customer Need

Customer's engineering team required expertise in PCB layout of a controller board with large FPGAs, DDR, giga-bit Ethernet, USB and compact flash. The engineer responsible for the project relied primarily on AVID for development of routing constraints for circuit function and performance.

AVID's Solution

Utilizing our expertise from completing hundreds of printed wiring board layouts, AVID was able to fully define the routing constraints as well as optimize the stack-up for improved signal integrity. AVID was also able to identify several schematic connection issues and improvements that were able to be corrected before the layout was completed. Ultimately, AVID saved considerable time and money for the customer by avoiding costly board fabrication re-spins and multiple assembly cycles.

Value Added or Technologies Applied

  • Controlled Impedance
  • Pre-Layout Simulation
  • Design Rule Constraints
  • Post-Layout Crosstalk Analysis

Top
 
 

Project

Large Digitizer Printed Wiring Board

Application

Medical System

Customer Need

Customer's engineered equipment required including a very high-speed, very dense yet low-cost single printed circuit board.

AVID's Solution

AVID utilized a .093" thick, 9U form factor.  The entire design was impedance-controlled with 4,100 components placed both primary and secondary side including 16,000 inches of matched length and differential pair signals.  AVID provided high-speed signal simulation and analysis with design rule definition to ensure a successful, accurate design.

Value Added or Technologies Applied

  • 20 Layers Maximizing Signal Integrity Performance
  • Impedance Controlled
  • 4 Mil Trace/Space
  • 3.125 Gb/s Data Rates
  • Pre-Route Simulation for Length Constraints

Top
 
 

Project

RF Test Printed Circuit Board

Application

Equipment for Advanced Research Purposes

Customer Need

Customer was experiencing performance issues with a RF test board incorporated into their test equipment.  Specifically, the RF signal roll-off was unacceptable at higher frequencies in a portion of the circuit.

AVID's Solution

For minimal cost, AVID was able to review and make several innovative suggestions to improve the PCB layout, significantly optimizing the performance of the board.

Value Added or Technologies Applied

  • Schematic Consultation and Review
  • PCB Layout Consultation and Review

Top
 
 

Project

Large, Concurrent Multi-Board Design

Application

Banking Equipment

Customer Need

Customer was faced with critical time-to-market deadlines involving a total of 11 printed circuit board layouts of varying complexity.

AVID's Solution

AVID was able to apply the resources of its entire PCB layout department totaling 545 man-hours in 14 business days. AVID's project management expertise was instrumental in the design review process between the customer and contract assembler, allowing efficient scheduling of assembly line resources and availability. As a result, AVID ultimately met all the customer's performance, product cost and time-to-market targets.

Value Added or Technologies Applied

  • Concurrent Design Effort
  • Ultra Fast Delivery
  • Impedance Controlled
  • Project Management and Coordination

Top
 
 

Project

Complex, Digital Printed Circuit Board with Radio

Application

Networking Communications

Customer Need

A new start-up company faced with a critical time-to-market schedule to introduce a new product at an industry trade show required on call services to meet schedules.

AVID's Solution

AVID provided complete library development to IPC-7351A standards and PCB layout and simulation services for signal integrity verification of DDR2 memory. Within the layout, AVID utilized high-speed processor/dual DSPs, each with DDR2 memory, and applied extensive attention to thermal management. The radio layout proved extremely challenging due to the small form factor. The unit was completed and demonstrated successfully, leading to a promising new product introduction.

Value Added or Technologies Applied

  • Impedance Controlled
  • Pre-Layout Simulation
  • Length Matched Constrained Routing
  • Thermal Planning

Top