Highly optimized and robust calculation of signal propagation parameters in electronic packages

Abstract

A powerful technique is described for optimizing electromagnetic codes that provide the signal propagation characteristics of package structures. The technique is specifically adapted to an algorithm, already described in the literature, and replaces the standard determinant search and linear equation solution subroutines. Through mechanical speed-up and improved numerical convergence, the run time for large cases is reduced by an order of magnitude. This speed-up makes it practical to solve realistic 3D problems on typical workstations. Details of this technique, along with other optimizations in the algorithm, are presented. Numerous cases involving practical package structures are analyzed, with focus placed on the differences in run time and convergence between the new and standard techniques.