Multiple-layer signal conductor

Abstract

A multiple-layer signal conductor has increased surface area for mitigation of skin effect. Parallel extending elongated strips of conductive material are placed in parallel layers and are separated by a thin layer of dielectric. The elongated strips are conductively connected to one another by regularly spaced vias such that a single signal conductor with multiple conductive layers is formed. During high-speed signaling, the skin effect causes current to concentrate near the surfaces of conductors. The multiple-layer signal conductor, however, has increased surface area with respect to its total cross-sectional area. The effective cross-sectional area which is conductive during high-speed signaling is therefore increased, leading to positive effects on transmission line resistance, heating, signal integrity and signal propagation delay. The multiple-layer signal conductor sees special use on silicon circuit boards and can conduct signals at ten gigahertz or greater for distances of up to five inches without rebuffering or termination.