Impedance Calculation of Power Distribution Networks for High-Speed DRAM Module Design

A systematic design approach for Power distribution network (PDN) is presented aiming at applications to DRAM module designs. Three main stages are comprised in this design approach: modeling and simulation of a PDN based on a two-dimensional transmission line structure employing a partial element equivalent circuit (PEEC); verification of the simulation results through comparison to measured values; and design space scanning with PDN parameters. Impedance characteristics for do-coupling capacitors are analyzed to devise an effective way to stabilize power and ground plane Performance within a target level of disturbances. Self-impedance and transfer-impedance are studied in terms of distance between circuit features and the size of do-coupling capacitors. A simple equation has been derived to find the do-coupling capacitance values yielding impedance lower than design target, and thereby reducing the overall computation time. The effectiveness of the design methodology has been demonstrated using a DRAM module with discrete do-coupling capacitors and a strip structure.