A printed-circuit board characteristic evaluation system is basically
configured by an input device, a data processing device, a storage device
and an output device. Herein, the input device inputs layout information
representing an overall layout of a printed-circuit board installing at
least one active component, from which layout information data regarding
a power supply circuit is extracted and is stored in the storage device.
The layout information data is converted to electric circuit information
representing an equivalent circuit model with respect to a selected side
of the printed-circuit board. Then, calculations are performed based on
the layout information data to produce impedance characteristics with
respect to the power supply circuit. A decision is made as to whether
resonance is caused to occur in the power supply circuit on the basis of
results of comparison of the impedance characteristics. The output device
outputs the impedance characteristics as well as resonance information.
If it is determined that resonance is caused to occur in the power supply
circuit, the system changes the layout information, from which new layout
information data is being extracted. In addition, a resonance suppression
technique (e.g., installation of a decoupling capacitor) is applied to a
certain point of the power supply circuit or a prescribed power terminal
connecting position. Thus, the system is capable of performing evaluation
as to whether printed-circuit boards are well designed to suppress
variations of power voltages while inhibiting radiation of unwanted
electromagnetic waves from occurring due to resonance of power supply
circuits.