"Virtual" Signal Integrity Test on High-Speed Ethernet Cables in a Reverberation Chamber

Abstract

In this paper, a "virtual" signal integrity method applied on twisted-wire pairs (shielded or not) is presented. The method is based on S-parameter measurements made in a reverberation chamber. From these balanced measurements, an impedance imbalance approximation is added in postprocessing through the introduction of a given common-mode rejection ratio. Then, the signal integrity can be tested for any level of the average electromagnetic field generated within the chamber. The method is illustrated in the simple case of a square useful signal in order to demonstrate the relevance of the method.