How can the main sources of electromagnetic interference curb the impact of destructive interference?

There is no doubt that electromobility will shape the future of the automotive industry. However, the automotive industry still faces several obstacles in its quest for technological excellence, including electromagnetic compatibility, which has not received much attention in the industry so far.

Social and political pressure to reduce CO2 emissions is an ideal factor for the successful and rapid spread of electric vehicles. It is beyond doubt that electric vehicles will one day outnumber and outnumber conventional combustion engine vehicles. However, electric vehicles are not without their flaws and still present technical problems that must be solved. One example is how to obtain the raw materials for the battery and how to ensure that these materials degrade without causing ecological damage. It is also worth mentioning that the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is still insufficient to date (White Paper on Electric Vehicle Charging ).

Electromagnetic compatibility

Electromagnetic compatibility is an area of ​​current news that rarely involves electromagnetic fields. In electric vehicles, electricity is everywhere. Particularly noteworthy are the components of the drive train, which generate unwanted electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic radiation can have adverse effects on other electronic systems – not to mention on the people on board – and these adverse effects can endanger safety (both on board and off the vehicle) and must therefore be avoided as much as possible.

High-intensity magnetic field

Due to the extremely high currents generated by electric vehicles, car manufacturers are faced with the problem of how to deal with extremely strong magnetic fields. In the magnetic field, the high-voltage vehicle network with a DC voltage of between 400 VDC and 1000 VDC meets the network with a DC voltage of 12 VDC. In this case, the current in the car can reach up to 500 A. The motor inverter is usually the source of interference. But many other sensitive systems can also conduct interference, but react more slowly. One example is the battery management system that monitors, manages and protects the battery pack. In addition, there is the entire vehicle electronics system and all the electronic auxiliary components that are responsible for protecting our lives (such as anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control systems, etc.). Highly integrated and tightly clocked electronic products can be found everywhere in electric vehicles.

According to estimates by companies specializing in electromagnetic compatibility, such as measurement technology manufacturers, EMC service providers, test laboratories, material developers, and automotive suppliers, the interference with electromagnetic fields caused by the increasing number and density of electronic modules in cars is expected to double every two years. In addition, it must be remembered that electric vehicles always carry adults, children, or animals. There are many ways and means to prevent electromagnetic interference. For example, laying cables, installing shielding sleeves, etc., but these methods can be very complicated. What we want to say here is not to list or explain specific methods for different applications, but to narrow the scope and only use external electromagnetic compatibility filters. But what role do filters play? With the help of passive components (chokes and capacitors), filters can reduce the intensity of undesirable interference signals many times and thus curb the damaging effects.

Automotive industry = highest demands

For example, the automotive industry has very demanding requirements for filters compared to some industrial or medical filters. Automotive filters must be particularly robust to handle vibrations, shocks, and vibrations; they must also handle the huge temperature difference between the inside and outside of the garage on a cold winter morning. At the same time, automotive filters must be lightweight and compact to minimize space usage and add weight to the car.

SCHURTER FPAB Filters

SCHURTER's recently launched FPAB series filters meet these requirements perfectly and, like the company's other products, are fully customizable. This single-stage filter is robust, dust-proof and moisture-proof. With the well-sealed connections from Tyco, which are commonly used in the industry, the product is extremely light and can be used in a wide range of applications.

Furthermore, all connections are screw-tight and can withstand the most severe vibrations. IIATF 16949: Experienced partner SCHURTER is IATF 16949 certified and supplies a large number of customers with fuses that have been tested according to AEC-Q200 (AEC-Q200 White Paper [2]) for a wide range of applications (battery management, climate control, engine-related electronics for diesel/petrol engines, etc.). SCHURTER fuses are used worldwide in millions of units for overcurrent protection and overtemperature protection (thermal protection). The close exchange with the international automotive organizations and the automotive industry itself makes SCHURTER a competent partner for all issues related to electronic protection in automotive engineering (electric vehicles.

In addition, SCHURTER has its Competence Center for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Solutions, which has been developing customized solutions for industrial and medical applications for decades.

You are welcome to use and test our products. We will also be happy to demonstrate our electromagnetic compatibility expertise to you on site (EMC Service 5].

About SCHURTER

SCHURTER is a leading international innovator and manufacturer of electrical and electronic components. The company focuses on safe power supplies and easy-to-use devices. Its broad product portfolio includes standard solutions in the fields of circuit protection, plugs and connectors, EMC products, switches, input systems and electronic manufacturing services. SCHURTER's global network of representative offices ensures

Reliable delivery and professional customer service. If standard products are not suitable, the company develops customer-specific solutions.