Design considerations, 1 pc board layout guidelines – Altec ISDN Socket Modem AL5068S-3V User Manual
Page 19

AL5068S Designer’s Guide
No. AL5068S-E00-105
Altec Electronic AG
Seite 19 / 25
4. DESIGN
CONSIDERATIONS
Good engineering practices must be adhered to when designing a printed circuit board 
(PCB) containing the AL5068S Socket Modem module. Suppression of noise is essential to 
the proper operation and performance of the modem itself and for surrounding equipment. 
 
Two aspects of noise in an OEM board design containing the AL5068S Socket Modem 
module must be considered: on-board/off-board generated noise that can affect analog 
signal levels and analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) / digital-to-analog conversion (DAC), 
and on-board generated noise that can radiate off-board. Both on-board and off-board 
generated noise that is coupled on-board can affect interfacing signal levels and quality, 
especially in low level analog signals. Of particular concern is noise in frequency ranges 
affecting modem performance. 
 
On-board generated electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise that can be radiated or 
conducted off-board is a separate, but equally important concern. This noise can affect the 
operation of surrounding equipment. Most local government agencies have stringent 
certification requirements that must be met for use in specific environments. 
 
Proper PC board layout (component placement, signal routing, trace thickness and 
geometry, etc.) , component selection (composition, value, and tolerance), interface 
connections, and shielding are required for the board design to achieve desired modem 
performance and to attain certification. 
 
The aspects of proper engineering practices are beyond the scope of this designer’s guide. 
The designer should consult noise suppression techniques described in technical 
publications and journals, electronics and electrical engineering text books, and component 
supplier application notes. Technical and professional associations as well as component 
suppliers often offer seminars addressing noise suppression techniques. 
 
 
 
4.1 PC Board Layout Guidelines
4.1.1 General
 
 
1. In a 4-layer design, provide an adequate ground plane covering the entire board.
Socket Modem DGND and AGND pins are tied together on the Socket Modem.
 
2. As a general rule, route digital signals on the component side of the PCB and the 
analog signals on the solder side. The sides may be reversed to match particular OEM 
requirements. Route the digital traces perpendicular to the analog traces to minimize 
signal cross coupling. 
 
3. Route the modem signals to provide maximum isolation between noise sources and 
noise sensitive inputs. When layout requirements necessitate routing these signals 
together, they should be separated by neutral signals. 
 
4. All power and ground traces should be at least 0.05 in. wide. 
 
5. ISDN S0 signal traces are to be no closer than 2.5mm (0.1") from any other traces for 
European applications. 
 
6. If the Socket Modem is mounted flush with the host PCB, the host PCB should be clear
of all traces directly underneath the Socket Modem oscillator section. It is strongly 
suggested that the Socket Modem is mounted at least 0.130 inch above the host board. 
(See section 4.4) 
