Signal integrity refers to the communication between microprocessors and other high-speed computer and communications components. As new technology raises the speed at which these components "talk" to each other, the signal-integrity challenge becomes greater, increasing demand for engineers with these skills.  

Signal Integrity engineering fundamentally ensures that electronic circuits interconnect reliably without unintended variations in signal quality. The engineering discipline uses mathematical and simulation modeling techniques to ensure reliable electrical signaling between electronic devices.  

Signal Integrity's importance to the computer industry lies in its ability to assure that computer system components (especially in networked business systems relying on multiple servers) will work under all conditions, at the highest speeds possible. In many cases today's high-speed microprocessors can literally send commands faster than their networked devices can receive them. Signal Integrity enables the devices to receive commands as fast as currently available microprocessors can deliver them. Poor signal quality can cause computers and electronic equipment to crash and that could result in corrupt bank accounts, electric grid failures, and communications blackouts. 

Beyond offering truly faster computer systems, Signal Integrity will benefit the "man on the street" through its key role in the continued convergence of his computers, video, and audio systems over the next few years because it permits systems to run at the higher frequencies needed for simultaneous HDTV, 7.1 audio and communications / computing requirements. 

Paul Huray, a South Carolina distinguished professor of electrical engineering, has worked with Intel to develop a master’s level program focused as developing expertise in Signal Integrity. Paul’s bio can be found at http://www.ee.sc.edu/people/faculty/default.asp?id=huray*

The University South Carolina Program Master’s program is based on ten (10) courses. Intel showcases the curriculum specific to the Signal Integrity highlighted through the links below. For more information on the University of South Carolina Signal Integrity Master’s program, please review their website overview at http://www.ee.sc.edu/research/SignalIntegrity*

Complete Suite of Master’s courses:
ELCT 521 – Introduction to Microwaves
ELCT 562 – Wireless Communications
ELCT 564 – RF Circuit Design for Wireless Communications
ELCT 711 – Mathematical Methods of Electrical Engineers
ELCT 761 – Fundamental Electromagnetics
ELCT 762 – Signal Integrity for High Speed ICs
ELCT 862 – Antennas and Radiation
ELCT 863 – Computational Electromagnetics
ELCT 864 – Microwave Devices and Circuits
ELCT 865 – Signal Integrity on System BUS Technology