EMI Filter Circuit for Driver IC Input Stage Noise Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing operational frequency in electronic products, particularly in vehicles equipped with adaptive head lamp systems, leads to significant electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise, causing potential safety hazards due to erroneous operations of electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A circuit is designed for the input terminal of a driver IC, incorporating an LC filter unit, diodes, capacitors, and resistors to mitigate EMI noise, with specific inductance and capacitance values, and resistor configurations to absorb and remove noise at the input stage of the driver IC.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If operational frequency in electronic products is increased to improve performance, then productivity and functionality are improved, but electromagnetic interference noise increases causing erroneous operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational frequencyVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an EMI filter circuit as an intermediary component between the power input terminal and the driver IC. This filter circuit, comprising inductors and capacitors, mediates the power signal by allowing useful power transmission while blocking EMI noise, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining high operational frequency and preventing electromagnetic interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful EMI noise into a beneficial filtering action by using the noise energy to excite the EMI filter circuit's inductors and capacitors, which then dissipate the noise energy through resistive elements and grounding, transforming the harmful interference into a controlled energy dissipation process that protects the driver IC

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

2Reliability

If EMI filter circuit is added to input terminal to reduce electromagnetic interference, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational stabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power input circuit into distinct functional sections: the EMI filter section with inductors and capacitors, the protection section with diodes, and the grounding section. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while making the overall circuit design modular and manageable, reducing the perceived complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The EMI filter circuit components serve multiple functions: inductors provide both EMI filtering and current limiting, capacitors provide both noise shunting and power decoupling, and the circuit simultaneously protects against both conducted and radiated EMI. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The proposed circuit effectively reduces EMI noise at low frequency bands, preventing erroneous operations and ensuring stability, thereby enhancing safety for drivers and passengers by minimizing electromagnetic interference.

Implementation Method 1

the LC filter unit includes an inductor connectively interposed between the cathode terminal of the diode and the power input port, and a capacitor connectively interposed between the power input port and a ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLC filtering: Inductor

Implementation Method 2

a capacitor connectively interposed between the power input port and a ground, wherein an inductance value of the inductor is 2.2μH, and a capacitance value of the capacitor is 220 μF

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

an EMI filter circuit, a diode connected to the first input, and the LC filter unit connectively interposed between a cathode terminal of the diode and a power input port of the driver IC

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiode rectification: Diode

Implementation Method 4

a primary resistor connectively interposed between the cathode terminal of the diode and a second input

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP2503695B1A circuit for mitigating electromagnetic interference in input stage of a driver IC
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP2503695B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP2503695B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~3a
  • EP2503695B1 patent drawingFigure 3b

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a circuit for mitigating EMI generated from an input terminal of an IC (Integrated Circuit) including a power input port connected to a first input and an operational mode selection port connected to a second input, the circuit including a first diode connected to the first input, an LC filter unit connectively interposed a cathode terminal of the first diode and the power input port, and a first resistor connectively interposed between the cathode terminal of the first diode and the second input.