Data Rate, Bandwidth, Rise Time and Skew Calculator for High-Speed Connectors
Nyquist frequency for NRZ / PAM4 data rates, bandwidth ↔ rise time, and how much length mismatch a skew budget allows.
Data rate → frequency
Rise time ↔ bandwidth
Skew ↔ length mismatch
Nyquist = bit rate / 2 for NRZ and symbol rate / 2 = bit rate / 4 for PAM4. BW ≈ 0.35 / tr (10–90 %) for a single-pole response. Delay uses the dielectric constant of the medium (3.34 ps/mm × √εr); in microstrip use the effective εr. Your standard (PCIe, USB, Ethernet…) defines the actual limits.
Reflection distance (TDR)
Distance = (v · t) / 2 with v = c / √εr. Use the effective εr for microstrip; for a cable use √εr = 1 / velocity factor.
For preliminary assessment only — the final decision must follow the manufacturer’s datasheet and the applicable NEC / IEC / UL standards. Results are calculated from the standard formulas stated on this page and are for design estimates only. They are not a rating of any specific part — always confirm current, voltage, temperature and environment limits against the manufacturer’s datasheet for the part you intend to use.
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