3-Phase EMI Filter Design, Simulation, Calculation and Test

This presentation from Würth Elektronik by Andreas Nadle provides an in-depth walkthrough for designing, simulating, and validating 3-phase EMI filters based on real EMC signatures of a device under test (DUT).

Introduction

3-phase AC/DC power conversion is fundamental to modern industrial applications, yet it comes with challenges—particularly electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can degrade system performance and regulatory compliance.

This presentation provides a comprehensive guide to designing, simulating, and validating 3-phase input EMI / EMC filters using state-of-the-art digital tools and real measurement data. Designed for engineers and technical specialists, the article distills essential steps from interference basics through component selection to laboratory validation.

The design of 3-phase EMI filters—filtering both common-mode (CM) and differential-mode (DM) interference—requires a systematic approach that combines theoretical analysis, simulation, and experimental validation.

Chapter 1: Basics of Interference in 3-Phase Systems

1.1 Differential Mode vs Common Mode Currents

– Differential Mode (DM): Currents follow intended circuit paths, are easier to trace, and generally higher amplitude.
– Common Mode (CM): Currents flow via parasitic paths, affecting unintended circuit segments and are a major source of radiated EMI.

Mode	Path	Current magnitude	Filtering	Main cause
Differential	Within circuit	High	LC, π, T Topology	dI/dt (current switching)
Common	Parasitic/earth	Low (µA)	CMC, Y-capacitors	dU/dt (voltage surges)

1.2 Application Example: Industrial Drives

Inverters for industrial drives are prime examples, with high switching frequencies and power levels that exacerbate EMI concerns.

Chapter 2: Filter Components and Selection

2.1 Safety Capacitors: Y2, X2, MLCC, and Film

Safety capacitors reduce EMI by providing paths for high-frequency currents. Their classification (X2, Y2) dictates voltage, failure mode, and use location.

• X Capacitors: Connected between phases (line-to-line). They suppress differential mode (DM) noise. X1 capacitors are rated for higher surge voltages (up to 5 kV), while X2 capacitors are smaller and cheaper but limited to 2.5 kV surges.
• Y Capacitors: Connected between phase and protective earth. They suppress common mode (CM) noise. Their value is limited by leakage current regulations (typically < 4.7 nF per line in industrial systems).

Type	Application	Advantages	Limitations
X Capacitors	Phase-to-phase filtering	High surge capability	Larger size, higher cost
Y Capacitors	Phase-to-earth filtering	Excellent high-frequency suppression	Leakage current limitations

Engineers must balance capacitance value, safety ratings, and leakage current. Film capacitors are robust but bulky, while MLCCs (multi-layer ceramic capacitors) offer excellent high-frequency performance but limited capacitance.

• Y2 Capacitors (Phase-to-Protective Earth):
  • WCAP-FTY2: Pitch 10–37.5mm, 330VAC, 1nF–1µF, -40°C/+110°C
  • WCAP-CSSA (MLCC Y2): SMD 1808–2220, 250VAC, 33pF–4.7nF, -55°C/+125°C
  Y2 MLCCs used for compact or SMT designs. MKP Film capacitors available for higher capacitance.
• X2 Capacitors (Phase-to-Phase):
  • WCAP-FTX2/FTXX: Pitch 7.5–37.5mm, 310VAC/275VAC, 5.6nF–6.8µF, -40°C/+105°C
  • WCAP-FTXH: Pitch 15–37.5mm, 310VAC, 33nF–10µF, up to +110°C, THB 1000h @ 85°C 85%
  Film capacitors dominate for bulk energy storage in X2 position; MLCC for high-frequency bypass.

Type	Key Series	Volt. (Vrms)	Capacitance Range	Temp. Range
Y2 – Film/MLCC	WCAP-FTY2, WCAP-CSSA	250–330	33pF–1µF	-55 to +125°C
X2 – Film/MLCC	WCAP-FTX2, FTXH	275–310	5.6nF–10µF	-40 to +110°C

2.2 Common Mode Chokes (CMCs)

Common mode chokes (CMCs) provide inductance to attenuate CM currents. Their performance depends on core material:

Core Material	Frequency Range	Advantages	Limitations
Manganese-Zinc Ferrite	Up to ~5 MHz	Good low-frequency attenuation	Limited high-frequency performance
Nickel-Zinc Ferrite	5–30 MHz	Better high-frequency suppression	Lower permeability at low frequencies
Nanocrystalline	Broadband (kHz–tens of MHz)	Excellent wideband performance	Higher cost, sensitive to saturation

Note: Real inductance depends on test frequency; nanocrystalline cores show substantial drop-off above 100kHz.

• MnZn ferrite core: 1–24A, 0.52mH–12mH, 1kHz–2MHz frequency range (e.g., WE-TPB, Ø47mm)
• Nanocrystalline core: 20–46A, up to 208mH, 1kHz–20MHz (e.g., WE-TPBHV, Ø70mm)
• Frequency Response: Nanocrystalline offers better performance above 1MHz, but with core nonlinearity and specific derating at higher frequencies.

Core Material	Current (A)	Inductance (mH)	Freq. Range (kHz)	Example Series
MnZn	to 24	0.52-12	1–2000	WE-TPB
Nanocrystalline	to 46	0.2–208	1–20000	WE-TPBHV

2.3 Surge Protection Varistors

Varistors protect against voltage surges. Selection is based on voltage class, current capacity, certified reliability.

• WE-VD Series: 5–20mm diameter, 14V–1000V RMS, 100A–10,000A, -40°C to +105°C, certified by UL/IEC/VDE.

2.4 Component Selection Example: Lab Device Under Test (DUT)

• Filter for 4kW inverter drive, 5A, 400V 3-phase grid
• Combination: Y2 MLCC caps, X2 film caps, nanocrystalline CMC, WE-VD varistor

Chapter 3: Filter Topology, Calculation and Simulation

3.1 Detailed Filter Structures

CM and DM Filtering Structure:

• CM (Common Mode): LC topology (CMC + large Y-capacitor)
• DM (Differential Mode): CLC π topology (3 x X2 between each phase, 2 x series CMCs)
• High-frequency suppression: 3x small MLCC Y2-caps between each phase and PE supplement the main Y-cap

Functional Block	Main Parts	Purpose
CM Filter	CMC + large Y-cap	Suppress parasitic return-path currents
DM Filter	X2 film caps + series CMCs	Smooth line-to-line switching noise
Surge Protection	Varistor (WE-VD)	Clamp surges, protect filter/downgrid

3.2 Component Sizing and Calculations

Key variables:
– fc = corner frequency
– Ldm, Lcm = DM/CM inductance
– Cx, Cy = interphase and PE capacitance
– Required attenuation = 60dB at 200kHz as specified by CISPR B

Effective X2 Capacitance (Cx) Between Phases:

C xeff = 1 1Cx1 + 1Cx2

Effective Y2 Capacitance (Cy), phase-to-PE:

C yeff = ( 1Cy1 + 1Cy2 + 1Cy3 + 1Cy4 ) –1

Corner Frequency (DM or CM):

f cdm/cm = 1 2 π L ⁢ C

Required Attenuation for Desired Frequency at 1-stage LC:

A fsw = log fsw / f co ⋅ 40 dB

Required Attenuation for Desired Frequency at 2-stage LC:

A fsw = log fsw / f co ⋅ 80 dB

CLC Filter PI Attenuation:

A fsw = log fsw / f co ⋅ 60 dB

Attenuation:
For DM CLC: 60dB/dec
For CM LC: 40dB/dec

Example Sizing (referenced):
– fc_dm = 20kHz (DM), fc_cm = 6.3kHz (CM)
– Cx = 4.7µF x 6, Cy = 47nF, Lcm = 8.4mH, Ldm ≈ 62µH

3.3 Simulation – Practical Details

• LTspice used for transfer function analysis (frequency-dependent insertion loss)
• Cores exhibit non-linear impedance: E.g., 8mH @10kHz, ~5mH @100kHz for nanocrystalline cores
• Verify physical layout in Altium: PCB shows capacitors and CMC placement, improved PE paths

Chapter 4: Test Setup and Practical Measurements

4.1 Laboratory Measurement Configuration

• Standard LISN (Line Impedance Stabilization Network) as per CISPR 16, 3-phase version
• Test device: 4kW inverter fed by 400V 3-phase, driving a 5A motor load (fan)
• Test setup incorporates LISN, inverter + EMC filter, and realistic load
• Test frequency range: 150kHz to 30MHz

4.2 EMI Measurement Results

Configuration	Measured EMI (dBµV)	Comment
No Filter	115	Well above Class B limit (65 dBµV QP)
Filter, Correct Ycap Placement	~55	Passes; 60dB attenuation @200kHz
Filter, Ycap Misplacement	~>65	Fails; Misplacement reduces performance

• DM noise dominates below 50kHz, CM above 100kHz
• Correct Y-capacitor position is critical for high-frequency attenuation
• Measurement probes compare total CM vs DM noise for full compliance validation

Chapter 5: PCB Design, Manufacturing, and Optimization

5.1 PCB Layout & Mechanical Considerations

• Use 4-layer PCBs with separated high-current and signal layers for best EMC
• Ensure low impedance path from PE to chassis; improve ground plane connectivity
• Air and creepage distances must comply—especially when using MLCC Y capacitors
• Compact layout helps minimize parasitic couplings and optimizes cooling

5.2 Troubleshooting and Field Failures

• Improper placement of filter components (Ycaps, CMC) can negate up to 40dB attenuation
• Varistor failure: always verify with high-energy test pulses as per IEC/UL
• Frequency response of CMC may lead to excessive EMI above 1–2MHz—redesign or parallel chokes as remedy

5.3 Recommendations and Final Optimization Steps

• Use simulation to predict worst-case—verify with real EMI data
• Select capacitors with stress test data (THB, temperature cycling, surge)
• Document and peer-review PCB layout for high-voltage safety
• Iterate design as new EMI problems emerge in the field

Conclusion

A modern 3-phase input EMI filter must be engineered with deep understanding of system interference sources, smart component selection, and rigorous verification via simulation and measurement. The combined approach outlined here delivers robust designs that meet stringent EMC standards in real-world industrial environments.

FAQ: 3-Phase EMI Filter Design & Simulation