Design

We continue to focus on the AC/DC power converter board (2-layer PCB). We evaluate the implementation of several EMC countermeasures and present the conducted and radiated emissions results performed according to the CFR Title 47, Part 15, Subpart B, Class B.

The ubiquitous increase in the use of mains power switching devices has been paralleled by the increase in nuisance tripping of GFCIs and other protection devices. Nuisance tripping can be identified to contain such high frequency signals and these must be properly taken into account when designing proper GFCI operation in this environment.

This is the eighth article in a series of articles devoted to the design, test, and EMC emissions evaluation of 1- and 2-layer PCBs that contain AC/DC and/or DC/DC converters and employ different ground techniques [1-7].

Much has been written about failures due to ground potential rise (GPR), generally in connection with single houses with multiple grounds. But in cases where multiple houses are interconnected via a single piece of equipment, equipment failures could be caused by insulation issues due to GPR attributable to lightning.

This is the seventh column in a series devoted to the design, test, and EMC emissions evaluation of 1- and 2-layer PCBs that contain AC/DC and/or DC/DC converters, and employ different ground techniques .

Traditionally, validation engineers of analog products have had to worry about one thing, their analog function. But with the advent of functional safety, the complexity in system design has increased, and functions once found only in digital devices are now making their way into analog devices as well. This leaves individuals with one question- how to validate?

DC-DC converters are among the most important modules in an electric vehicle. In this article, we offer three recommendations to address design aspects of DC-DC converters that will make a huge difference in their EMC performance.

Don’t overlook the fact that EMI filters can be used to prevent unwanted RF noise (such as electrical fast transient burst, conducted RF, and some surges) from entering susceptible devices.

This article focuses on PCB layout considerations and the design of the reference return paths for the one- and two-layer boards.

If you really want to know whether your footwear and flooring are working together, measure the resistance from the wearer via footwear and flooring to earth (ground).