Signal integrity terminology: a series of sinusoidal oscillations whose amplitude gradually decreases with time after a step or edge is properly called:

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: ringing

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Real-world interconnects and circuits have inductance, capacitance, and resistance. When a fast edge excites these parasitics, the response can be a damped oscillation. Correctly naming and recognizing this behavior is essential for debugging and mitigation.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Observation: oscillatory waveform following an edge, diminishing in amplitude.
  • Cause: underdamped RLC behavior or transmission-line reflections.
  • Goal: identify the correct term.


Concept / Approach:
“Ringing” describes damped oscillations about a nominal steady-state value after a transition. If the first excursion exceeds the target level it is “overshoot,” and if it dips below, it is “undershoot”; these can occur within a ringing envelope.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify oscillations about the final value following a step.Check that amplitude decays with time (damped response).Label the phenomenon: ringing.


Verification / Alternative check:
Simulating a step response of an RLC series circuit or a mismatched transmission line shows classic ringing that decays at a rate determined by damping (R) and energy storage (L and C).


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Slew: Refers to the rate of change (slew rate), not oscillation.
  • Overshooting: Single excursion above the final value; not necessarily oscillatory.
  • Undershooting: Single excursion below the final value; again, not inherently oscillatory.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Confusing occasional overshoot with persistent ringing; ringing implies successive alternating excursions.
  • Ignoring terminations and layout that can reduce ringing.


Final Answer:
ringing

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