Coaxial Data Communication EMI Reduction via Common-Mode Choke

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Solution Overview

Problem

Coaxial cable interconnections face issues such as ground loops, resonances, poor shielding effectiveness to electromagnetic interference (EMI), and the inability to use ferrite chokes in automotive applications, leading to degraded signal-to-noise ratios and increased electromagnetic radiation emissions during high-speed data communications.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a common-mode choke and a dissipative element, such as a resistor or inductor, in conjunction with a digital ground plane, to reduce radiated emissions and enhance immunity to external radiation interference, while maintaining low manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If coaxial cable is used for high-speed data communication, then data transmission speed is improved, but electromagnetic interference and radiation emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidelectromagnetic radiation emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A common-mode choke is introduced as an intermediary component between the coaxial cable and the circuit board. The choke acts as a mediator that allows differential mode signals (data transmission) to pass through while blocking common mode electromagnetic interference and reducing radiation emissions. This resolves the contradiction by enabling high-speed data communication while simultaneously mitigating the harmful electromagnetic radiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful common mode electromagnetic radiation is extracted and separated from the useful differential mode data signal through the common-mode choke. The choke identifies and removes the common mode interference component while preserving the differential mode data transmission, thus achieving high-speed communication with reduced electromagnetic emissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Speed

If coaxial cable is used for high-speed data communication, then data transmission speed is improved, but immunity to external radiation interference decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidimmunity to external radiation interference
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The common-mode choke serves as a protective intermediary that filters external electromagnetic radiation before it can interfere with the data communication circuit. It allows the useful signal to pass while blocking external common mode interference, thereby improving immunity while maintaining high-speed data transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If ferrite chokes are used to reduce EMI, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but applicability in automotive wire-harnesses is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference reductionVSAvoidapplicability in automotive wire-harnesses
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a common-mode choke constructed with cost-effective materials and a simplified design that is specifically suitable for automotive wire-harness applications. This affordable choke provides effective EMI reduction without the complexity and cost constraints of traditional ferrite chokes, enabling widespread adoption in automotive environments where cost and durability are critical factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Quantity of substance

If coaxial cable is used for data transmission, then bandwidth is increased, but signal-to-noise ratio is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission bandwidthVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The common-mode choke converts the harmful common mode electromagnetic interference into a blocked signal, while allowing the useful differential mode data signal to pass through unaffected. By targeting and eliminating only the common mode noise component, the choke preserves the full bandwidth capability of the coaxial cable while significantly improving the signal-to-noise ratio for reliable high-speed data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration significantly reduces electromagnetic interference and radiation emissions, achieving high immunity to incidental radiation and supporting high bit-rate communications over coaxial cables, particularly in automotive applications, while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a common-mode choke and a dissipative element, such as a resistor or inductor, in conjunction with a digital ground plane, to reduce radiated emissions and enhance immunity to external radiation interference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a common-mode choke and a dissipative element, such as a resistor or inductor, in conjunction with a digital ground plane, to reduce radiated emissions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3526903B1Coaxial data communication with reduced EMI
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP3526903B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3526903B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3526903B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Data communication having improved electromagnetic interference (EMI) rejection when communicating through a coaxial cable is provided by using differential transmission and/or reception through a common-mode choke and a dissipative element resulting in extremely low radiated emissions and high immunity to external radiation interference in a low-cost way.