EMI mitigation for panel builders

30Mar

When designing modern power systems one of the main challenges faced by panel builders is finding the right components to build a complete system. The number of possible component options and alternatives on the market is so high that a key differentiator needs to be found to quickly locate best fit products.

To stand out from their competitors a modern panel builder needs to deliver a high reliability system in the fastest possible time and one which is cost and space saving and sustainable.

The need for efficiency and reliability while not causing interference in the surrounding environment with EMI (electromagnetic interference) or EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) emissions must be at the centre of any installation.

What is electromagnetic compatibility?

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is concerned with the emission and immunity of products connected to the mains supply. The emitted interference or emission generated by power losses in switching operations must not exceed specified limits. If non-compliant products are brought onto the market, problems with other consumers may arise when they are connected to the main power grid. Immunity to interference describes the ability of products to withstand external influences without error. The immunity of products can be verified by several standard tests, for example by means of the surge, burst or flicker testing. Schaffner develops EMC filters that enable systems to comply with emission limit standards. These filters are designed to operate in the frequency range between 9-30MHz in order to suppress conducted interference, preventing other devices in the environment from being negatively affected.

Read the full article in the April issue of PBSI