3.3
Series termination
Series termination, or source termination, is a technique that is used in point-to-point signaling, to ensure
that no excessive overshoot or ringing occurs.
To achieve series termination, use a series resistor to reduce the source voltage, by approximately 50%,
as it is transmitted by the driver. When the signal reaches the end of the transmission line, the high
impedance of the receiver causes a reflection that reverts the signal to its original amplitude. When the
reflection returns to the series terminating resistor, the potential across the resistor drops to zero,
preventing any further current from entering the transmission line. The receiver observes a perfect 100%
logic transition, without any overshoot or ringing.
To ensure that a reliable signal is delivered to the DSTREAM-ST unit, Arm recommends that all outputs
from the target system are simulated, and, if necessary, series terminated. Some overshoot or undershoot
is acceptable, but Arm recommends ensuring this is kept less than ~0.5V. Above ~0.5V, the clamping
diodes at the receivers start to cause high transient currents, which then cause increased crosstalk, radio
emissions, and target power usage.
The target signal impedance for DSTREAM-ST is 50Ω.
When the outputs cannot be simulated, typical series terminating resistor values are:
Table 3-1 Typical series terminating resistor values
Driver strength Typical series terminator Notes
32mA
39Ω
Best signal integrity, highest speed
24mA
33Ω
-
16mA
27Ω
-
12mA
22Ω
-
8mA
15Ω
-
6mA
10Ω
Worst signal integrity, lowest speed
Some types of IC use
impedance matched
outputs to improve their signal integrity. Impedance matched
outputs are commonly achieved by using weaker drive transistors to slow down the edge transitions.
Using weaker drive transistors limits the data throughput of the driver.
To achieve the highest data rates with the best signal integrity, Arm recommends using:
• A fast and strong driver.
• An appropriate series terminating resistor.
If you determine that series terminating resistors are not required, as a backup option, Arm recommends
that 0Ω links are placed close to the driver.
When series terminating multiple signals, it is common to use small quad resistor packages. Small quad
resistor packages save board space, and reduce the parasitic effects without much risk of placement or
tombstoning issues during production.
3 Target board design
3.3 Series termination
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