Delving into EMI, EMC, and Noise

Get noise out of your power supply with a multi-prong approach. Filters, bypassing, and post-regulation all can help achieve that goal.

Various methods, from shielding to optimized PCB layout, can be applied to significantly reduce high levels of EMI in power supplies.

Learn how to reduce electromagnetic interference using the frequency-spread-spectrum (FSS) approach.

An electromagnetic pulse—or EMP—is an impending event capable of returning the world’s society back to the dark ages. Here’s an overview of some of the methods that could help...

This article examines simulated and experimental techniques that can help minimize noise isolation and coupling in semiconductor technology.

Different methods of passive and active noise isolation and noise cancellation, or combinations of the two types, can be applied to help defeat the noise that plagues most all...

In circuits and power-distribution systems, there are many ways to measure harmonics, e.g., using a clamp meter, and methods to reduce them, such as via K-rated transformers.

Explore the CISPR 25 international standard, which sets the guidelines for measuring radio disturbances in vehicles, boats, and electrical components. Learn about test methods...

Switching power supplies offer significant advantages over their linear counterparts, but they’re not without drawbacks.

EMI-mitigating methods discussed in this article include light communications, graphene film shielding, and grounded lids for package shielding.

Reducing power-supply electromagnetic interference can be quite challenging. This article presents some powerful tools and techniques to help achieve those EMI goals.

Part 2 goes further into the methods that can help lower EMI in switched-cap designs, including implementation of active EMI filters and visible light communication.

EMI lurks in and around state-of-the-art switched-capacitor voltage regulators targeted for ultra-low-power use in the IoT. This article presents methods to overcome that pervasive...

Electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility are both important considerations when designing and working with electronic components and systems.

Sponsored by Texas Instruments: A unique electromagnetic-interference reduction feature facilitates high-power-density designs while shrinking their footprint and cost.

Part 2 addresses other electronic systems that feel the impact of EMI and how SSFM can help tackle the problem.

Electromagnetic interference is a “beast” that can wreak havoc in electronic systems, leading to poor operation, circuit malfunction, and ultimately a total system failure.

By electrically “teasing” the ions using an electrolyte-bearing MXene film, it can be switched between being a barrier or being transparent to RF energy.

Automakers need to rein in electromagnetic interference before it pumps the brakes on in-vehicle connectivity innovations.

IEMI from high-power microwave sources and EM pulses can generate significant threats to electronic systems in civil and infrastructure. Thus, inclusion of methods that recognize...

EMI can be a disturbance to both gas-powered- and electric-vehicle operation. EMC testing will help verify standards compliance.

This article presents the amazing development of the Tesla coil, its issues with electromagnetic interference, and how the coil is still being used today.

Since many more devices are wirelessly connected, spectral noise level increases and, as a result, it causes radio interference between IIoT devices.

Should circuit designers use shielding, active EMI suppression, or something else to mitigate EMI?

EMI filters aren’t “one size fits all” in design applications. They must be crafted to best remove conducted and/or radiated interference to a level that will not affect the performance...

The input capacitance of an op amp often lies in the picofarad range, making it difficult to measure because parasitic effects in the test setup distort the result. But, with ...

Switching regulators are often incorporated into today’s circuit designs to boost power-conversion efficiency. However, emissions come into play, and that requires synchronization...

How does 400-Hz EMI affect other electronic systems? This article will help designers to understand and properly filter the 400-Hz frequency component in some electronic systems...

Real-time spectrum analysis (RTSA) for transient events can best troubleshoot, localize, and visualize these fast-occurring signals in the form of a single spike or even a spark...

RF interference can severely disrupt electronic circuit functions even in the most professionally designed systems. This article shows designers the proper use of EMI/RF shielding...

The application of EMI diagnostics in the power and petrochemical industries has provided information for high-voltage apparatus condition assessment since 1980.

Many electronic product manufacturers will fail their EMC compliance measurements at the test house upon first submission. This article will help save cost and time for manufacturers...

On one front, epidemiologic studies of very-low-frequency electromagnetic fields, particularly cell phones, show an increased risk of childhood leukemia with estimated daily average...

Today’s railway systems demand higher power motors and associated equipment, which are main perpetrators of EMI. That interference can in turn take a toll on railway signaling...

At times, electromagnetic interference from a cell phone or security metal detector or other device can present a significant threat to people with pacemakers and implantable ...

Wi-Fi networks are mostly affected by wireless interference/EMI upon the occurrence of symptoms like intermittent connectivity or unexpected disconnections, delays in connection...

5G base stations have far more modems, data converters, and high-speed baseband digital processing, which leads to higher power needs. And they may need as much as 3X more power...

Most every electronic circuit will pose the threat of EMI radiation on other circuitry, with drones and UAVs being particularly susceptible. There’s one simple but important solution...

NASA is ramping up efforts in space travel with the Mars Perseverance Rover, the Artemis program, and ultimately humans landing on Mars. This article will delve into a possible...

Railway electronics designers are examining sources of electromagnetic interference to create a reliable and robust design architecture.

These rail-to-rail CMOS op amps are specifically designed to maintain their performance in high-EMI environments.

At the heart of WPT, which charges and powers electronics like mobile devices, teapots, ebikes, and even robots, are receiver and transmitter coils using near-field inductive ...

As more wireless devices populate densely populated areas, unwanted EMI becomes an increasingly persistent problem. One way to diminish or eliminate EMI altogether is via frequency...

Portable electronic devices may cause levels of EMI in aircraft equipment, acting as transmitters that can be detected by radio receiver antennas. So, as the pilot says, “your...

EMI is a plague upon power electronic design architectures, and it can be mitigated in numerous ways. Adding an EMI filter may seem like the most obvious choice, but there may...

Designers of automotive power systems must consider mitigation techniques needed to reign in EMI disturbances to the overall electronic system in the automotive vehicle. This ...

How damaging is EMI to op amps in a circuit design? And what methods are used to minimize these effects? Circuit designers may be surprised at the clever ways op amps can be used...

Electromagnetic-interference filtering is a vital factor to delivering reliable power hardware.

Handling electromagnetic interference with high-speed Ethernet links is critical to proper operation.

In industrial environments, equipment makers, system integrators, and parts suppliers need to understand their responsibilities when it comes to EMC testing and conformity in ...

Sponsored by Texas Instruments: Electromagnetic interference emanates from a number of sources, including switching voltages and currents. Active filtering and integrated capacitors...

Common misconceptions abound about EMI and EMC, and this article looks to clear up the confusion.

Simple techniques that can help lower this type of EMI range from using a common-mode choke or inductor orientation to reducing switch frequency or shrinking the switch-node area...

Sponsored by Texas Instruments: What are the best methods for maintaining the high efficiency of a SMPS without suffering from the detrimental effects of EMI?

This new poster covers design considerations, prototyping, debugging guidance and certification testing. It also includes valuable information on EMI standards, EMI problems and...

With so many different magnetic materials to choose from, one must discern the frequencies and noise levels where EMI problems are prevalent and deduce how the materials’ parameters...

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can plague busbars just like it does with cables. Here are the answers to some common questions.

This article addresses 11 of the most persistent myths about noise analysis in analog designs.

The right design approach can prevent unwanted surprises from wreaking havoc