Analysis of intra-pair skew on channel performance using IBIS-AMI models

Abstract

Differential signaling is commonly used in a large number of consumer electronics devices, including USB 3.0 channels. However, skew in differential signaling can adversely affect a channel's performance. Most of the analysis has been done on individual components of a channel; however, there is not much work done in analyzing the effect of skew on the overall system performance, from transmitter-to-receiver. The goal of this paper is to evaluate the effects of transmitter-to-receiver channel skew on channels using the Input/output Buffer Information Specification- Algorithmic Modeling Interface (IBIS-AMI) standards IBIS-AMI models. To check channel's performance, simulations are obtained at data rates from 5 to 25 Gbps.