The course is taught in English. The aggressive miniaturization of current and future generation electronic and communication systems, such as smartphones and tablets, combining different functions (digital, analog and RF, optical, bio-sensors, MEMS, etc.) in a very compact volume, poses tremendous design challenges. Unwanted interactions between different system parts may lead to performance degradation and malfunctioning, unless proper design strategies are applied to guarantee the Signal and Power Integrity of the system. This course provides a fundamental understanding of main signal/power deterioration causes, as well as suitable strategies aimed at robust system design and reliability.

The student attending the course will - understand the main mechanisms of signal and power deterioration in electronic systems - analyze qualitatively and quantitatively the signal/power integrity of electronic systems and apply simple models for predicting the performance of such systems - apply design methods and tools to maximize system reliability

Circuit theory and basic electromagnetics.

Introduction to signal and power integrity aware design. Modeling and simulation approaches. Physical description, models, and design rules for electrical interconnects. Signal integrity effects: crosstalk and losses. Robust signaling schemes. Shielding and twisting. Power distribution systems and power integrity at chip, package and board level. Electromagnetic interference and radiation. Immunity. Shielding and Grounding.

The course includes solution of problems and lab sessions.

- Handouts of the lessons - C.R.Paul, "Introduction to electromagnetic compatibility," 2nd Edition, Wiley - L.Sevgi, “A Practical Guide to EMC Engineering,” Artech House - H.Ott, "Electromagnetic compatibility engineering," Wiley - S.C.Thierauf, “High-Speed Circuit Board Signal Integrity, Second Edition,” Artech House - S.H.Hall and H.L.Heck, "Advanced signal integrity for high-speed digital designs," Wiley

Modalità di esame: Prova scritta (in aula); Prova pratica di laboratorio;

Exam: Written test; Practical lab skills test;

... The exam includes a Lab report and a written test. The written test consists in 5 problems (6 points each) to be solved in 90 min, open book and use of electronic calculators allowed. The Lab activity is evaluated by means of a lab report (18 points, of which 12 points measure the technical content and 6 points the quality of the report (structure, language, figures, etc)) and an oral presentation of the lab experience in front of the class (12 points, measuring the technical content and the presentation clarity). The final score of the course is the average of the points earned by the student in written and lab parts of the exam. Should a student be unable to attend the lab (e.g., because of his/her period abroad), the activity will be replaced by a project that can be handled remotely.

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.