Conducted Electromagnetic Interference Emission Research Articles

Design and Implementation of Integrated Common Mode Capacitors for SiC-JFET Inverters

This paper deals with the issue of electromagnetic interference (EMI) in SiC-JFET inverter power modules, and proposes a solution to limit conducted emissions at high frequencies. SiC-JFET inverters can achieve very fast switching, thereby reducing commutation losses, at the cost of a high level of EMI. In order to limit conducted EMI emissions, it is proposed to integrate small-value common-mode (CM) capacitors, directly into the power module. High-frequency noise, which is usually difficult to filter, is then contained within the module, thus keeping it far from the external network. This approach is in line with the current trend toward the integration of various functions (such as protection, sensors or drivers) around power devices in modern power modules. To demonstrate this concept, the resulting CM noise was investigated, and compared with a standard configuration. Simulations were used to design the integrated capacitors, and measurements were carried out on an experimental SiC-JFET half-bridge structure. A significant reduction was achieved in the experimentally observed CM conducted emissions, with a very minor influence on the switching waveforms, losses, and overall size of the system. The benefits and limitations of this design are discussed for the case of mid-power range inverters for aircraft applications.

Attenuation of Conducted EMI Emissions From an Inverter-Driven Motor

This paper provides theoretical and experimental discussions on conducted electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions from an inverter-driven motor rated at 400 V and 15 kW. It focuses on a line EMI filter and its combination with a motor EMI filter, along with their effects on attenuation of conducted emission voltage. When no EMI filter is connected, the motor drive cannot meet the conducted emission limits prescribed by Category 3 in the IEC61800-3 regulations. The reason is that the common-mode voltage generated by a voltage-source pulse width modulation (PWM) inverter causes a common-mode leakage current flowing into the ground wire lead through parasitic capacitors inside the motor. When the line EMI filter is connected, the motor drive can meet Category 3. The motor EMI filter eliminates the common-mode voltage from the motor terminals, thus bringing a drastic reduction to the leakage current. The combination of the two EMI filters can comply with the limits prescribed by Category 2, which are much stricter than those by Category 3.

Conducted electromagnetic emissions in induction motor drive systems. I. Time domain analysis and identification of dominant modes

Stray components distributed in a pulsewidth modulation (PWM) drive system form parts of resonant circuits which can be excited to produce radio frequency (RF) noise driven by the pulsed switching action of the power devices. The dynamic response of such circuits is complex. It is essential to identify the dominant oscillation modes in the system so that electromagnetic interference (EMI) reduction techniques can be effectively implemented. This paper (Part I) investigates the mechanisms of conducted EMI emissions associated with a typical PWM inverter induction motor drive system. A numerical model, which includes the high-frequency effects within the machine, is established to evaluate the emissions in the time domain. The dominant high-frequency current paths are identified, and this allows the oscillation frequencies to be predicted from knowledge of the component values. The analysis is confirmed using laboratory measurements. Simplified frequency domain methods for direct calculation of the emission spectra based on the dominant high-frequency current paths are discussed in Part II.