Effects of Measurement Devices on Conducted Interference Levels

Measurements of power line conducted interference voltages are commonly made throughout the 150 kHz to 30 MHz frequency range on military, industrial, and consumer equipment using line impedance stabilization networks (LISN) and, more recently, current probe techniques. This paper presents some brief background information concerning power line conducted interference measurements and the results of a study to assess the effects of LISN and current probe measurement devices on the level of measured conducted interference. A model is defined which facilitates prediction of the effects. The model concept allows the procedures described in this paper to be extended to equipment of other impedance definitions. A comparison of the calculated and empirical differences is made and suggests an analytical approach in sizing the effects upon the conducted interference levels.