Accuracy and application of physics-based circuit models for vias

Vias in printed circuit boards and packages are among the components of most concern with respect to signal and power integrity in high-speed communication systems. Recently, the authors have been investigating "physical" or "physics-based" via models, i.e. concise equivalent circuits that accurately reflect the important physical properties of vias. Both topology and element values of a physics-based model have a straightforward correlation to the structure and dimensions of the via, thus enabling a better understanding and scaling. In this paper; the accuracy of the proposed physics-based via models is explored by comparing to measurements and numerical modeling of electromagnetic fields. In addition, the application of physics-based via models to the understanding of the underlying physical phenomena and trends is shown. Copyright © 2006 IMAPS.