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16 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I DECEMBER 2023 Modern high-speed and RF PCB design is an exciting field but it comes with its own set of challenges. Signal integrity, performance, and crosstalk become major concerns. Designers for these types of projects need to learn how to control electromagnetic interference (EMI) and compatibility (EMC), which means utiliz- ing some interesting math and calculations. ese designs rely on controlling imped- ance to improve signal integrity and reduce EMI. PCB traces are there to conduct signals from one component or device to another, and when the impedance of those traces matches the characteristic impedance of a transmitting device, the maximum signal can be sent. is method limits both signal reflection and inter- ference. However, beyond impedance there are other critical values and calculations that the designer must understand. An impedance structure refers to physi- cal configuration of components on a PCB, including microstrips, striplines, and coplanar Controlled Impedance and Calculations for Microstrip Structures Connect the Dots by Matt Stevenson, SUNSTONE CIRCUITS