Application of VSI-EBG Structure to High-Speed Differential Signals for Wideband Suppression of Common-Mode Noise

In this paper, we present vvideband common-mode (CM) noise suppression using a vertical stepped impedance electromagnetic bandgap (VSI-EBG) structure for high-speed differential signals in multilayer printed circuit boards. This technique is an original design that enables us to apply the VSI-EBG structure to differential signals without sacrificing the differential characteristics. In addition, the analytical dispersion equations for the bandgap prediction of the CM propagation in the VSI-EBG structure are extracted, and the closed-form expressions for the bandgap cutoff frequencies are derived. Based on the dispersion equations, the effects of the impedance ratio, the EBG patch length, and via inductances on the bandgap of the VSI-EBG structure for differential signals are thoroughly examined. The proposed dispersion equations are verified through agreement with the full-wave simulation results. It is experimentally demonstrated that the proposed VSI-EBG structure for differential signaling suppresses the CM noise in the wideband frequency range without degrading the differential characteristics.