Originally published at: https://www.protoexpress.com/blog/how-to-reduce-ringing-in-pcb-designs/
PCB ringing is an unwanted oscillation of voltage or current in a circuit board. During the signal transition from low to high or high to low, the voltage doesn’t immediately stabilize at the desired level; instead, it oscillates briefly before settling down. This oscillation creates a series of voltage spikes, resembling a ringing pattern on the signal waveform. Highlights: Implementing a damping resistor at the source end, properly terminating the signal lines, and maintaining uniform trace width are some of the ways to minimize ringing. Parasitic capacitances/inductances oscillating during high-speed signal transitions, unwanted stub lengths, and ground bounce cause transient…
Can you explain how ringing affects the power consumption of a PCB?
How can I reduce via stubs in high-speed PCB designs?
Hi Perry, Thanks for your question.
Ringing often leads to multiple transitions and oscillations in the signal, resulting in more frequent state changes within the components. This can increase dynamic power consumption as the circuits switch states more frequently. Rapid and frequent transitions during ringing events can lead to localized heating in the affected components. Increased heat generation can contribute to elevated temperatures, potentially affecting the overall power efficiency of the board.
Also, ringing can affect the power distribution network on the PCB, leading to voltage-level fluctuations. In response, voltage regulators and power management circuits may need to work harder to maintain stable power, consuming additional energy.
Hi Scarlett,
You can opt for blind vias to minimize via stub length. For through-holes, incorporate backdrilling to remove unnecessary stubs.