While "gigahertz processors" are using 400-MHz external clocks with internal multipliers to obtain 1.2- or 1.6-GHz clock rates, that doesn't mean system designers aren't experiencing problems with data pumping. Chip-to-chip memory transfers, clock trees and printed-circuit-board data paths, computer buses and backplanes are all packed with threats to signal integrity. Each step of the way, the data communicated is threatened by noise, crosstalk and false triggers. While developers of optical-trunk lines will wring their hands over the technology hurdles associated with 40-Gbit/second transmission rates-not to mention the current shortage of investment capital-engineers are offering testimonials to the monumental task of...