Optimal shielding helps meet the challenges of cramming maximum functionality into minimal PCB space. Paul J. Stus Laird Technologies, St. Louis, MO, USA Advances in the miniaturization of electronic components has intensified the need for manufacturers to solve multiple problems simultaneously and earlier in the design process. Solving the issues quickly and early in … [Read more...]
Interference Suppression Using a Balanced MLCC
An innovative capacitor design can provide more RFI suppression in a substantially smaller package. Steve Weir and James Muccioli X2Y Attenuators, LLC, Erie, PA, USA Instrumentation amplifiers are often employed in hostile noise environments. Sensor lead cables may pick up substantial RF radiation, particularly if they are long and/or not well shielded. When applied to the … [Read more...]
Power Quality Effects on the Reliability and Susceptibility of EMI Filters
EMI filter performance plays a critical role in limiting emissions and also impacts the immunity of end-use equipment to electrical disturbances. Philip F. Keebler and Kermit O. Phipps EPRI, Knoxville, Tenn., USA Today, electronic equipment is commonplace in every residential, commercial, and industrial environment. Moreover, this equipment depends on increasingly complex … [Read more...]
Understanding Inductance in the Real-World
As soon as current flows through metal conductors, inductance exists. Bruce Archambeault, Ph.D. IBM Distinguished Engineer, IBM, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA The concept of inductance is one of the most misunderstood concepts in electrical engineering. Terms such as ‘self inductance’, ‘loop inductance’, ‘partial inductance’, ‘mutual inductance’ are used with little … [Read more...]
Antenna Fundamentals
A proper understanding of antennas requires familiarity with electromagnetics, circuit theory, electronics and signal processing. Candace Suriano, Ph.D., Suriano Solutions John Suriano, Ph.D., Nidec Motors, Auburn Hills, MI, USA Tom Holmes, Agilent Technologies, Tipp City, OH, USA Qin Yu, Alcatel-Lucent, Columbus, OH, USA How does an antenna pick up a signal and convert it to … [Read more...]
Magnetic Shielding Basics
Growing complexity in electronics heightens the need for magnetic shielding. Richard Vance Ad-Vance Magnetics, Inc., Rochester, IN, USA Without magnetic shielding, much of today’s sophisticated electronic gear would be larger, less efficient, and in some magnetic environments, completely non-functional. Today’s complex components are extremely sensitive, and miniaturization … [Read more...]
Board-Level Multi-Cavity Shielding
Photo-chemical machining offers significant advantages over traditional methods of manufacture. Alan Warner TECAN Components Ltd., Weymouth, UK The ever-increasing demands on RF and microwave circuitry design and development teams to achieve EMC, eliminate crosstalk, save PCB real estate, decrease overall product size, provide access for rework and, last but not least, reduce … [Read more...]
Compliance Guidelines for China RoHS
Compliance with EU RoHS does not equate to compliance with China RoHS. Grace Lin Crestron Electronics, Inc., Rockleigh, NJ, USA This article provides guidelines to comply with Chinese RoHS regulation, the “Administrative Measure on the Control of Pollution Caused by Electronic Information Products”, which takes effect March 1, 2007. It addresses compliance requirements for … [Read more...]
Distinguishing between Surge- and Temporary Overvoltage-Related Failures of Metal Oxide Varistors in End-Use Equipment Designs
Equipment failure resulting from TOVs can be reduced by proper coordination of the line fuse and MOV. Philip F. Keebler, Kermit O. Phipps and Doni Nastasi EPRI Solutions Knoxville, Texas, USA Real world electrical environments in residential, commercial, and industrial facilities experience the gamut of undervoltage and overvoltage disturbances. Examples of undervoltage … [Read more...]
How to Cut Costs and Improve Lead-times in Circuit Board Shields: Standard EMI Solutions for Custom Designs
Dario Negrini Leader Tech Inc. Tampa, FL Let's face it. If you didn’t have to worry about EMI shielding issues with your circuit board, life would be much simpler. Unfortunately, as product designs continue to shrink in size and as the list of features continues to grow, EMI compliance issues cannot be overlooked. Circuit board shields are one of the best ways to … [Read more...]