3-D Electromagnetic Modeling of EMI Input Filters

In this paper, a novel 3-D electromagnetic modeling approach which enables electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) analysis of power converter systems in an accurate and computationally efficient way is presented. The 3-D electromagnetic modeling approach, implemented in the EMC simulation tool GeckoEMC, is based on two numerical techniques, the partial element equivalent circuit method and the boundary integral method (PEEC-BIM). The developed PEEC-BIM coupled method enables comprehensive EMC analysis taking into account different effects of the PCB layout, self-parasitics, mutual coupling, shielding, etc., which in turn provides a detailed insight into the electromagnetic behavior of power electronic systems in advance to the implementation of hardware prototypes. The modeling features of the GeckoEMC simulation tool for virtual design of electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters and power converters is demonstrated on the examples of a single-phase two-stage EMI filter and a practical EMI filter for a single-phase PFC input stage. Good agreement between the PEEC-BIM simulation and the small signal transfer function measurement results is achieved over a wide frequency range, from dc up to 30 MHz. The EMC simulation environment enables a step-by-step EMC analysis distinguishing the impact of various electromagnetic effects on the EMI filter performance and allowing an optimal EMI filter design.