Noise is the bane of high frequency PCB design

While noise is usually related to the volume of obstructive sounds, noise can exist at frequencies outside our hearing range - up to 20 kHz. In fact, most of what electronics designers and developers classify as noise can only be seen, not heard, on an oscilloscope or similar device. Whether heard or seen, what we usually call noise has the same effect: it's intrusive.

For electronic systems that rely on data and information fidelity to function properly, noise, or electromagnetic interference (EMI), is a major source of disruption on and between electronic circuit boards. Additionally, for high-speed and high frequency PCB designs, many guidelines for optimally laying out the board are strictly included to reduce or eliminate on-board EMI and/or achieve optimal electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in the operating environment.