xSignals are the way to manage high-speed signal paths that pass through series termination components. They help ensure that key design requirements, such as Length and Matched Length rules, are obeyed.

A xSignal is a defined path between two nodes or pads, either within the same net or in associated nets separated by one component. The xSignal follows the routing topology of the net, which is Shortest by default.

xSignal’s Decentralized Communication Protocol

xSignal utilizes a decentralized communication protocol that allows it to offer unparalleled speed and security. It does this by replacing traditional centralized servers with peer-to-peer networking and fostering a sense of user empowerment and control.

To use the xSignal Wizard, select one or more source components and nets in the design space and then click the xSignals Mode button in the PCB panel. This will show all potential xSignals that can be created between the selected source and destination components. The Wizard analyzes all possible paths between the source and destination components, including those that pass through series termination components.

When an xSignal is selected in the xSignals panel, the pads it connects to will be highlighted in yellow, and any signal length issues will be flagged in red. The xSignal name is shown in the Name field of the xSignals Mode panel and is composed of the xSignal class and the net names of the start and end pad.

xSignal’s Speed

The xSignal creation commands can be used with any component type; however, they are most useful with series termination components like resistor networks. To do this, select a component and either right-click it or choose the Design >> xSignal >> Create xSignals Between Components command from the context menu.

The resulting dialog allows you to select the source and destination pads and their respective net names; the xSignal name will be a combination of the two. It will also contain a node count, which indicates the number of nodes in the xSignal.

The left region shows the pads that make up the xSignal; the middle displays the xSignals and their routes; and the right-click context menu gives you the option to change the color (Change xSignal Color), remove it (Delete xSignal) or its visual representation on the PCB (Change xSignal Visibility). It is also possible to add xSignals to classes, using the xSignal Classes region of the panel.

xSignal’s Security

xSignal is an end-to-end encrypted platform that protects users’ privacy. By using cutting-edge cryptographic techniques, xSignal ensures that all data and communication is secure. This feature is particularly useful for companies that need to comply with data privacy regulations.

Run the xSignals Wizard by selecting the Design >> xSignals Wizard command from the main menus or right-click in the PCB panel in Nets mode. Choose the required source component and select its nets, then select the destination component and its nets. The Wizard analyzes all potential paths between the chosen source and destination components, including any routes through series passive components if required.

The xSignals region of the dialog lists all identified xSignals. By default, all are selected for creation – adjust this as required. You can also associate the created xSignals with an existing xSignal class or define a new one. When the dialog closes, a filtered view of the xSignals is presented in the PCB design space. Each xSignal is displayed as a thin line between the node pads that form its start and end points.

xSignal’s Flexibility

The xSignal algorithm is flexible and supports the use of classes to define signal paths. This can be particularly useful for defining matched lengths that are specific to each branch of a multi-chip design.

The panel’s right-click context menu offers commands to add (Add Class), remove (Delete), and change the visual representation of an xSignal in the PCB design space (Change xSignal Color). The panel region’s xSignal Classes list lists any xSignal classes that have been defined or all available classes.

Select one or more series components in the PCB layout and choose the xSignal > Create xSignals between Components command from the context menu. The Create xSignals Between Components dialog will open, with the chosen component(s) pre-selected. The xSignals will appear in the PCB design space as node pads joined by a thin line that represents the xSignal path. The pad-to-pad routed length calculation takes into account overlapping track segments and routing wiggles, and also calculates vertical distances through vias.