Reduced circuit trace roughness for improved signal performance

Abstract

Exemplary techniques for improving the performance of signals transmitted by conductive circuit traces are disclosed. The techniques may be realized as a method comprising the step of reducing a surface roughness of at least one surface of a conductive circuit trace. Alternatively, the techniques may be realized as a circuit board for transmitting at least one signal, the circuit board comprising at least one conductive circuit trace for carrying at least one signal, the at least one conductive circuit trace having at least one polished surface. Further, the technique may be realized as a conductive circuit trace for carrying a signal, the conductive circuit trace comprising conductive material having a plurality of surfaces substantially parallel with a direction of propagation of the signal, wherein the plurality of surfaces includes at least one polished surface having a reduced surface roughness.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 667,491 filed Sep. 23, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,123,927, issued Feb. 28, 2012 which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to signal transmission via circuit traces in single-layer or multilayer circuit boards and, more particularly, to a technique for reducing the surface roughness of a circuit trace to improve the performance of a signal transmitted therein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Conductors transmitting signals often exhibit a phenomenon known as “skin effect” whereby the self-inductance of the conductors forces electrons toward the surface of the conductors. Skin effect is particularly prevalent in conductors transmitting high-frequency signals. For example, it has been found that for a copper conductor, the depth from the surface at which the majority of the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a technique for improving signal performance in conductive circuit traces by reducing surface roughness through chemical polishing, electropolishing, or other polishing techniques. This technique results in a polished finish that improves high-speed signal propagation for metal on dielectric circuit boards. The invention also includes a method for improving the performance of a signal transmitted via a conductive circuit trace, a circuit board comprising at least one conductive circuit trace with at least one polished surface, and a conductive circuit trace with a reduced surface roughness. The technique can be applied to various fields of use and can improve signal performance in various types of conductive circuit traces.

Problems solved by technology

Conductors, however, frequently exhibit a surface roughness that may extend into the skin depth of the conductors.

This increase in the effective signal path results in a corresponding increase in the resistance to the flow of the current and transmission time and, consequently, a decrease in the signal reach and performance.

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