Electromagnetic interference
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is unwanted noise or interference in an electrical path or circuit caused by an electromagnetic field (EMF) from an outside source.
Also known as radio frequency interference, EMI can adversely impact electronics, causing them to operate poorly, malfunction, or stop working completely.
EMI is primarily caused by natural or human-made sources, but high-quality electronic, electrical shielding, and modern error correction can reduce its impact (Trenton Systems).
EMI occurs because of the close relationship between electricity and magnetism. All electrical flow produces a small magnetic field. Conversely, a moving magnetic field produces an electrical current. These principals allow electric motors and generators to work. Additionally, all electrical conductors can operate as radio antennas. High powered electrical and radio sources can produce unwanted effects in devices far away. As electronics become smaller, faster, more tightly packed and more sensitive, they become more susceptible to these effects, causing EMI (TechTarget).
Here are the key reasons it is vital to understand electromagnetic interference in power electronics:
1. Reduced power quality: EMI can cause noise, unwanted voltage spikes, and transients in power systems, reducing overall power quality, efficiency, accuracy, and performance.
2. Increased noise: Higher noise levels can result from EMI and negatively impact the performance of power electronic devices.
3. Interference with other devices: EMI can degrade the performance of power electronics components by creating interference with the signals.
4. Reduced efficiency: Power losses and inefficiencies result from EMI, reducing overall efficiency and increasing energy consumption and costs (EEPower).
What is Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)?. Trenton Systems, Retrieved from: https://www.trentonsystems.com/blog/what-is-electromagnetic-interference.
What is an electromagnetic interference?. TechTarget, Retrieved from: https://www.techtarget.com/searchmobilecomputing/definition/electromagnetic-interference#:~:text=Electromagnetic%20interference%20(EMI)%20is%20unwanted,malfunction%20or%20stop%20working
EMI: Understanding the Causes in Power Electronics. EEPower, Retrieved from: https://eepower.com/technical-articles/emi-understanding-the-causes-in-power-electronics/.