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227-0112-00L 6 Credits BSC , MSC D-ITET

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High-Speed Signal Propagation

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Colombo Bolognesi

VVZ CR 4.7

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:07:23

Abstract

Understanding of high-speed signal propagation in microwave cables and integrated circuits and printed circuit boards.As clock frequencies rise in the GHz domain, there is a need grasp signal propagation to maintain good signal integrity in the face of symbol interference and cross-talk.The course is of high value to all interested in high-speed analog (RF, microwave) or digital systems.

Objective

Understanding of high-speed signal propagation in interconnects, microwave cables and integrated transmission lines such as microwave integrated circuits and/or printed circuit boards. As system clock frequencies continuously rise in the GHz domain, a need urgently develops to understand high-speed signal propagation in order to maintain good signal integrity in the face of phenomena such as inter-symbol interference (ISI) and cross-talk. Concepts such as Scattering parameters (or S-parameters) are key to the characterization of networks over wide bandwidths. At high frequencies, all structures effectively become "transmission lines." Unless care is taken, it is highly probable that one ends-up with a bad transmission line that causes the designed system to malfunction. Filters will also be considered because it turns out that some of the problems associated by lossy transmission channels (lines, cables, etc) can be corrected by adequate filtering in a process called "equalization."

Content

Transmission line equations of the lossless and lossy TEM-transmission line. Introduction of current and voltage waves. Representation of reflections in the time and frequency domain. Application of the Smith chart. Behavior of low-loss transmission lines. Attenuation and impulse distortion due to skin effect. Transmission line equivalent circuits. Group delay and signal dispersion. Coupled transmission lines. Scattering parameters. Butterworth-, Chebychev- and Bessel filter approximations: filter synthesis from low-pass filter prototypes.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Script: Leitungen und Filter (In German).

Learning Materials (Links)

Main link
Information

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 180 minutes
Aids: Lecture notes, exercise slides and solutions, lecture summary (unlimited number of pages), course script, pocket calculator, ruler and compass.

Participation to the exercise sessions is rewarded with 0.25 points in the sense of the learning elements. Important: It is expected that you solve the exercises. As an incentive, student exercise solutions will be collected on 3 random dates. Those who satisfactorily solved at least 2 exercise sets will receive a 0.25 grade point credit.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	High-Speed Signal Propagation	Mon 08:15-10:00 (CHN E 42)	2 h weekly
exercise	High-Speed Signal Propagation	Tue 10:15-12:00 (RZ F 21)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Bachelor
- 6th Semester: Third Year Core Courses (Can be freely combined, a list of recommendations is available under )
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2018)
  - Communication (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Communication", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Specialization Courses (These specialization courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Communication", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialization courses during the Master's Programme.)
  - Electronics and Photonics (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Electronics and Photonics", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Core Courses (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Electronics and Photonics". You may choose core courses form other fields in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc EEIT.)
      - Foundation Core Courses
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2008)
  - Major Courses (A total of 42 CP must be achieved form courses during the Master Program. The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Communication
      - Recommended Subjects (These courses are recommended, but you are free to choose courses from any other special field. Please consult your tutor.)