A computer-implemented method is disclosed for verifying differential line pair
impedance. Properties for a differential line pair segment are read from a circuit
design database. Properties of neighboring traces are also from the circuit design
database, with the neighboring traces being within a given distance of the differential
line pair segment. A modal characteristic impedance of the differential line pair
segment is calculated based on the neighboring traces. The differential line pair
segment is flagged as having an improper impedance value if the calculated modal
characteristic impedance differs from a desired modal characteristic impedance.