© 2014 Copyright Elya Joffe- Electromagnetic Solutions, Ltd.

All Rights Reserved

Grounding & Shielding: The Essence of EMC Design

Background

“ONE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH GROUNDING IS THE TERM ITSELF... IT’S TOO VAGUE

OFTEN A SINGLE GROUND MAY SERVE MULTIPLE NEEDS, WITH DIFFERENT RULE TO EACH”

The discipline of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is concerned with the design of Electronic Systems, while minimizing electromagnetic coupling and interference from within the system and between the system to its environment.

The discipline of electromagnetic compatibility covers and requires involvement in a wide range of other fields of engineering, system engineering and electronic engineering, etc.

Meeting the strict EMC standards, as well as ensuring the satisfactory performance of the equipment in its intended electromagnetic environment requires the implementation of technical measures into the system’s design.

The concept of “grounding” is probably among the most important, yet less understood topic of electronic design, often considered as "black magic". Yet – grounding forms an inseparable part of all electronic and electrical designs, from circuit through system up to installation design. Grounding is implemented for EMC and ESD protection, for safety purposes, for lightning and surge protection, etc.

Shielding, on the other hand, is a necessity for avoiding electromagnetic field coupling from and into equipment enclosure. Adequate shielding is necessary to enhance immunity of equipment, and reduce emissions from the equipment enclosure.

Grounding and shielding are two of the essential concepts in EMC design. No design will be acceptable without them being properly implemented.

Course Objectives

This three-day comprehensive course provides the trainees with the necessary tools for identification, analysis and understanding of the electromagnetic phenomena related to electronic equipment and system-level grounding and shielding.

This course is intended to shed some light on the concepts and pitfalls of the grounding and shielding - two essential and inseparable concepts in EMC design.

The course will cover the concept of Grounding and its topologies, leading to the implementation of grounding from circuit to system. With respect to shielding – the course will cover issues such as the shielding properties of metals, and the compromises in shielding, which are the main objective of shield design.

Mathematical derivations and calculations kept to the minimum necessary, whereas the practical applications will be extensively discussed.

© 2014 Copyright Elya Joffe- Electromagnetic Solutions, Ltd.

All Rights Reserved

Practical solutions to practical problems, as well as “real life case histories” are used as examples, and case studies are extensively used along the Course. Bring your interference problems and return with practical and useful solutions.

Target Trainees

The Course is intended for system and equipment design engineers and technicians, who are involved in the design and development, qualification or engineering management of electronic and electrical systems and their installation.

Benefit to the Participants

Participants in the Course will

obtain a systematic approach to the concepts of grounding and shielding

acquire a fundamental knowledge of the problem and interference sources in electrical and electronic systems

understand the importance and application of grounding and shielding of equipment and systems and acquire a “common language” with the electronic and mechanical design engineers for achieving total system compatibility

In addition, participants are encouraged to bring forward actual design problems and questions they encountered, which the instructor will attempt to assist in their solution.

Course Outline

Module 1: Fundamental Concepts

Nature of an EMI problem

EMI Sources, Victims and Interactions

“EMI - The Silent Threat”: A Video Presentation

Spectral contents of signals

Signal Coupling and Propagation

Transmission Line Basics and Frequency Considerations

Module 2: Grounding

Reasons and Rationale for Grounding

Basic Grounding architectures

The Grounding Tree

Grounding Implementation on PCBs

Equipment and System-Level Grounding

Ground-Loop Interaction and Coupling (GLIC) and ground loop control techniques

Grounding Myths and Pitfalls

Module 3: Bonding

Bonding Techniques

© 2014 Copyright Elya Joffe- Electromagnetic Solutions, Ltd.

All Rights Reserved

Dissimilar metals and corrosion control

Module 4: Shielding

Basics of shielding

Shield discontinuities and their solutions

Equipment and system shield design

Shield Integrity Violations

Cable shielding and shield grounding

Module 4: Summary and Wrap-up

Practical grounding and shielding Problems - discussion

Miscellaneous issues