General Technical Information
■ Unsymmetrical interference:
– This term is used to describe interference on a single line, relative to the reference potential
(fig. 1c)
1.4.2
Characteristics of interferences
In order to be able to choose the correct EMC measures, we need to know the characteristics of the
interferences, how they are propagated and the mechanisms by which they are coupled into the cir-
cuit. In principle, the interferences can also be classified according to their range (fig. 2). At low fre-
quencies, it can be assumed that the interference only spreads along conductive structures, at high
frequencies only by means of electromagnetic radiation. In the MHz frequency range, the term cou-
pling is generally used to describe the mechanism.
Analogously, conducted interference on lines at frequencies of up to several hundred kHz are main-
ly symmetrical (differential mode), at higher frequencies, they are asymmetrical (common mode).
This is because the coupling factor and the effects of parasitic capacitance and inductance between
the conductors increase with frequency.
X capacitors and single chokes are suitable as suppression measures for the differential mode com-
ponents. Where asymmetrical, i.e. common-mode interference has to be eliminated, current-com-
pensated chokes and Y capacitors are mainly used, the prerequisite for this being, however, a well-
designed, EMC-compliant grounding and wiring system.
The categorization of types of interference and suppression measures and their relation to the fre-
quency ranges is reflected in the frequency limits for interference voltage and interference field
strength measurements.
SSB1558-D
Interference
Differential mode
Common mode
Coupling
Field
Field
characteristic
Interference
propagation
Line
X cap
Pc ch.
Y cap
Cc ch.
Ground
Shielding
Remedies
Interference voltage
10 0
Field strength
Max. ratings
_2
_1
10
10
10 1
10 2
MHz 10 3
f
Fig. 2
Frequency range overview
Pc ch. = Iron powder core chokes, but also all single chokes/ X cap = X capacitors
Cc ch. = Current-compensated chokes / Y cap = Y capacitors
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