Electronic – Is it worth going to so much trouble with Ethernet differential tracks

differentialethernetpcb-design

I am laying out a PCB containing an Ethernet connector with integral magnetics, and a Micrel KSZ8051MNL Phy. This is for a 100mbps application.

In an attempt to reduce EMI, and make the Ethernet data tracks as perfectly balanced as possible, and to match their lengths as closely as possible, I have ended up routing them in quite a curvy way.

Question 1: Is it worth going to this effort for such short tracks? The trivial way to lay out these tracks would have resulted in a difference of about 1.7mm.

Question 2: Is there any downside to this almost 360ยบ loop?

(BTW, the Phy has integral terminators, which is why they don't appear on the PCB.)

Differential tracks

Best Answer

Consider this: According to the Ethernet spec, a standard Ethernet connection is allowed to go through up to 100 meters of cable, including several patch cables, patch panels, etc.

Then look at your PCB and try to imagine how your trace matching will influence the signal integrity given the overall Ethernet connection scheme (cables, patch bays, etc.). It is unlikely that anything you do in 1-2 inches of trace length will be as bad as a typical patch panel or wall jack.

But... The better you route your signals on your PCB, the easier it will be for you to meet EMI regulations. It is impossible for me to say how much easier it will be, but it will be easier.

My general rule is this: Route the traces as best as you can, but within reason. Run them as differential pairs, but don't worry too much about matching trace lengths exactly. Take care of them, but don't stress over it either.

I have done this on many Gig-E boards and have never had issues.