PCB design techniques for lowest-cost EMC compliance. Part 1

Abstract

Application of good EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) practices to the design of printed circuit boards (PCBs) usually helps to achieve the EMC performance required of equipment and systems at much lower cost than alternative EMC measures at higher levels of integration, such as whole-product shielding. EMC design is a complex topic, but the proven best EMC practices for generalised PCB layout can be fairly simply stated and grouped into five techniques, which interact with each other to give dramatic improvements in EMC performance. This paper discusses the techniques of circuit segregation, interface suppression and the use of ground and power planes.