Tool Analyzes And Predicts Crosstalk Effects On PC Boards

Crosstalk, an interactive pre-layout tool that's available as an option for the firm's LineSim signal-integrity simulation product, is a simulation environment for analyzing and predicting crosstalk effects on high-speed pc boards. It enables designers to define interconnect scenarios that are likely to be affected by crosstalk. These can range from simple pairs of side-by-side nets to detailed bus topologies on complex backplanes.The tool focuses on pre-routing analysis, extending LineSim's interface to the analysis of coupled transmission lines. It lets users define "crosstalk neighborhoods" that specify the geometric relationships between adjacent conductors. Using an integrated field solver, the tool automatically converts geometric data into accurate coupled electrical data and shows the resulting crosstalk simulation waveforms in a familiar oscilloscope-like display.