SIwave: Everything you need to know about the Signal Net Analyzer (HD version)
Introduction
SIwave is a power integrity and signal integrity tool. In this video, we will discuss the SignalNet Analyzer, a tool within SIwave that is part of the signal integrity bundle. Despite its capabilities, few SIwave users are familiar with it.
Key Features of SignalNet Analyzer
- Uses the method of moments for fast impedance calculations of traces.
- Allows users to study the impedance and delay of each trace section.
- Enables analysis of trace loss and imperfections on signals.
- Supports injection of pulse, PRBS, and clock signals.
Getting Started with SIwave
While SIwave can be used to build PCBs, it is more effective to import files from a professional CAD tool. Supported file types include:
- IPC 2581
- ODP++
- DXF
- ADB (with an ANSYS translator in your CAD tool)
Using the SignalNet Analyzer
- Select the solver to open the dialog box.
- Fill out the form and submit it.
- View power planes in red and traces in black.
- Select a trace to view detailed information such as layer, length, delay, and impedance.
- Plot impedance along the path quickly by clicking the appropriate option.
Advanced Features
SIwave treats power planes differently due to the presence of input/output and decoupling components. When selecting a power plane, the solver displays information for every two ports.
Transient Response and Frequency Options
Users can display transient responses and set frequency options:
- Choose between a single frequency or a range of frequencies.
- Specify conditions for distinguishing between coupled and decoupled lines.
Injecting Signals and Using IBIS Models
Users can inject signals and assign IBIS models:
- Specify the source type, stop time, and step size for transient simulations.
- Define signal characteristics such as rising time, fall time, bit rate, and duty cycle.
- Assign IBIS models to trace inputs for more detailed analysis.
Exporting and Post-Processing
SIwave allows for exporting schematics to an electronic desktop for further analysis:
- Traces are approximated using a distributed transmission line model.
- Additional post-processing can be performed using independent sources.
Conclusion
We hope you have learned a lot about the SignalNet Analyzer in SIwave. Thank you for watching, and see you in the next video.
Note: For more information, visit Ozen Engineering, Inc.
SI Wave is a power integrity and signals integrity tool. The SignalNet analyzer solver, one of the tools in SI Wave, will be discussed in this video. SignalNet analyzer is a tool that few SI Wave users know about.
It uses the method of moment to do fast calculations of the impedance of the traces and many other things. It exposes each section of any trace and allows the user to study the impedance and the delay of each section of a trace.
It also allows the user to study the effect of trace loss and imperfections on signals. Users can inject pulse, PRBS, and clock signals. SI Wave should not be used to build PCBs. Instead, try to import files from a professional CAD tool.
SI Wave can import the following types of files: IPC 2581, ODP++, DXF, and ADB (if you have an ANSYS translator in your CAD tool). Any process in SI Wave starts by selecting the solver. Once you select the solver, you get a dialog box. Fill up the form and submit it.
If you select a trace, SI Wave automatically populates the section with information about the trace. You can display the impedance along the path of the trace. You can also display the transient response of the plots. The plots are done at one specific frequency.
You can access the options to specify the frequency or a range of frequencies. You can also specify how SI Wave can distinguish between coupled and decoupled lines. You can inject an ibis model or a pin source. To do this, leave the dialog box and select the line or path.
Then, assign an ibis model to the input of the trace. SI Wave approximates the trace using a distributed transmission line. You can do post-processing with this approximate model of the trace within circuit.
You can apply independent sources from isource to voltage to PRBS to pulses to impulses, and more. SI Wave adds the i source, i probe, and ibis model. You don't need to do anything if you want to solve for this one. You can select a solver and run it to see the eye for statistical analysis.
Thank you for watching this video. I have learned a lot about the Signal Net Analyzer. I hope you have enjoyed it and will see you in the next video.

