Reduction of Common Mode EMI noise in microstrip line based commutation paths designed for sub-nH loop inductance

Abstract:
We present a numerical and experimental design study for reducing conducted common mode noise for frequencies below 10MHz generated in switching cells comprising sub-nH commutation loops. Compared to conventional methods of adding external gate resistors our approach does not degrade efficiency. A parallel plate loop design (characterized by a minimum loop inductance and small board area usage) is found suboptimal in terms of conducted EMI compared to a micro-strip line loop geometry. The net ground impedance rather than the net ground inductance is found to mainly contribute to the observed EMI noise.