Concepts of Signal Integrity - Differential Pairs

Whitepaper Overview

Differential pairs are a means of transmitting electronic data using complementary signals. It carries two types of signals: a differential signal excited when the net pair is driven in the odd mode, and a common signal when the net pair is driven in the even mode. Inadvertently, a common signal is usually present on a differential pair. Eliminating the common signal (crosstalk) is desirable to preserve signal integrity in a host of electronic applications. 

This whitepaper by Siemens Digital Industries Software will define what a differential pair is and outline how to use its HyperLynx^® field solver to graphically show the difference in the field distribution between a differential pair and a single-ended net. It investigates crosstalk between differential pairs and shows how a differential signal on a tightly coupled microstrip propagates a bit faster than a differential signal on an uncoupled pair of microstrips.