FDTD modelling of heatsinks for EMC

Due to their size and complex geometry, large heatsinks such as those used in the power electronics industry may enhance the radiated emissions produced by the circuits employing them. Such enhancement of the RF radiation could cause the equipment to malfunction or to contravene current electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulations. In previous publications, the authors have developed and validated a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) model to predict the enhancement of RF radiation by heatsinks. This model is now used to examine the radiation enhancement offered by a number of standard heatsink geometries