A configuration-oriented SPICE model for multiconductor transmission linesin an inhomogeneous medium

A configuration-oriented SPICE model for multiple coupled lines in an inhom ogeneous medium is presented in this paper. The circuit model consists of a network of uncoupled transmission lines and is readily modeled with simula tion tools like LIBRA and SPICE, and provides an equivalent-circuit represe ntation which is simple and topologically meaningful as compared to the mod el based on modal decomposition. This configuration oriented model is deriv ed by decomposing the immittance matrices associated with an n coupled-line 2n-port system. Time- and frequency-domain simulations of typical coupled- line multiports are included to exemplify the utility of the model. The mod el is useful for the simulation and design of general single and multilayer coupled-line components such as filters and couplers and investigation of signal integrity issues, including crosstalk in interconnects associated wi th highspeed digital- and mixed-signal electronic modules and packages.