Effortless Signal Integrity Analysis with Keysight's Signal Integrity Analyzer for Altium Designer
Signal Integrity Analyzer by Keysight is a sophisticated tool that extends the capabilities of Altium Designer by enabling comprehensive signal integrity (SI) analysis. This is particularly crucial for high-speed signal designs and complex PCB topologies. Integrating directly with Altium Designer, the SI Analyzer by Keysight facilitates a range of SI analyses for completed PCB designs, covering key parameters for high-frequency projects:
- Impedance
- Delay
- Insertion Losses (IL)
- Return Losses (RL)
When the analyzer is launched, PCB data are imported into the solver in the ODB++ format. At this stage, users can define which nets to analyze and assign the relevant specifications.
The composition of network objects, xSignals, or differential pairs can be displayed by expanding their respective entries. In the Transmission Line region, elements such as pads, traces, arcs, and vias making up a net are listed. Hovering over an object tile and clicking the Cross Probe icon allows direct location of the object on the PCB.
Both built-in and user-defined specifications can be managed globally via the Manage Specifications window. These specifications can be assigned to classes or nets, enabling quick constraint definitions.
Once the analyzer is run, each net is analyzed to check compliance with the specified constraints. Constraints are defined by the specification assigned to the parent class, if applicable.
After the analysis is completed, results are presented in the SI Analyzer by Keysight document. The message "Analyzed" appears in the upper-right corner of the document. If all analyzed nets meet the constraints, "All Passed" is displayed; otherwise, "Failed" appears along with the count of nets that did not meet the constraints.
Expanding a class entry reveals calculated values for impedance, delay, insertion losses, and return losses for each analyzed net within that class. Values meeting constraints are shown in green, while those that do not are marked in red.
Calculated impedance and delay values can be graphically presented on the PCB as a heatmap. For impedance, the closer a value is to the target Z0, the greener the color; the further it deviates, the redder. Values below the minimum and above the maximum thresholds appear red. For delay, higher delays are depicted as hotter (redder) colors, while lower delays appear cooler (bluer).
If the analysis detect a constraint violation, these are displayed in the SI Analyzer by Keysight panel. This panel also allows the use of measurement probes—single probes for measuring absolute values and differential probes for measuring differences between two points. Probes can be placed directly on the PCB, and their results are immediately visible in the panel.
A full report includes:
- Name of the net class or net.
- Assigned specification(s).
- Constraint check summary.
- Layer Stackup for the board.
- Constraint checks for each net.
- Insertion losses chart.
- Return losses chart.
Signal Integrity Analyzer enables fast, continuous testing of signal integrity directly within the Altium Designer environment, significantly speeding up the design process. Its integration with Altium eliminates the need for external signal integrity analysis tools, reducing data transfer errors between programs and saving both time and costs associated with prototype testing.
In conclusion, Signal Integrity Analyzer by Keysight is an invaluable tool for PCB designers seeking to efficiently manage signal quality in complex projects. Its functions help meet modern technology demands while ensuring compliance with industry standards for data transmission and reliability.
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