Channel Performance Metric: A Definition of Interconnect Signal Integrity Performance

In this paper, we discuss the evolution of component specifications, leading to a new “single number” figure of merit or rating system of channel performance. The Samtec Channel Performance Metric allows system signal integrity engineers to compare the relative performance of connectors and cable assemblies while factoring in noise contributions from (and interactions with) other parts of the channel. It also permits the consideration of digital signal conditioning. The new system is based on recent developments in statistical noise analysis, including the IEEE® COM specification, which allow rapid computation of component performance in a system channel.

In this paper, we discuss the development of the Samtec Channel Performance Matrix chart and explain how it can be used to estimate a component’s performance in channels (the Channel Performance Metric) with varied loss and signal conditioning schemes. We touch on how the method can be used to perform high-level design tradeoff analysis.