US20010043126A1 - Electromagnetic interference blocking power bus bar - Google Patents
Electromagnetic interference blocking power bus bar Download PDFInfo
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- US20010043126A1 US20010043126A1 US09/354,014 US35401499A US2001043126A1 US 20010043126 A1 US20010043126 A1 US 20010043126A1 US 35401499 A US35401499 A US 35401499A US 2001043126 A1 US2001043126 A1 US 2001043126A1
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03H—IMPEDANCE NETWORKS, e.g. RESONANT CIRCUITS; RESONATORS
- H03H1/00—Constructional details of impedance networks whose electrical mode of operation is not specified or applicable to more than one type of network
- H03H1/0007—Constructional details of impedance networks whose electrical mode of operation is not specified or applicable to more than one type of network of radio frequency interference filters
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- the present invention relates generally to the suppression of electromagnetic interference within an electrical system, and more particularly to the suppression of high frequency electromagnetic noise signals transmitted between a sub-system and a power sub-system within an overall system, such as a computer system.
- the present invention applies to any electrical or electronic system such as computer system.
- computer systems include a power source subsystem and a computer sub-system.
- the computer sub-system includes all hardware components other than those included in the power source sub-system.
- the two sub-systems are typically physically separated within a housing by a partition.
- a bus bar known to those in this field, forms a conduit for DC power from the power source sub-system to the computer sub-system.
- the bus bar usually carries a large amount of current to the computer sub-system in order for the computer sub-system to properly operate.
- EMI electromagnetic interference
- RF radio frequency
- One way of electrically isolating the power source sub-system from the computer sub-system is by providing an RF electrical path from the computer sub-system to another location (other than the power source sub-system) having less RF impedance than either the power source sub-system or the computer sub-system.
- electrical current will follow a path of least resistance.
- a related problem is found in commercial server applications configured with multiple bus bars, with some of the bus bars having high current and low voltage drop requirements. In this type of commercial server configuration, each bus bar provides a conduit for unwanted EMI signals.
- a feed-through capacitor while physically capable of suppressing EMI signals, is not a viable solution because it is an expensive component and is expensive to incorporate into a computer system.
- Feed-through capacitors have the appearance in general of a stud or a bolt such that it is necessary to bore holes in the computer housing and provide attachment on both sides of the feed-through capacitor. These interface connections on either side of the feed-through capacitor become problematic because the connections produce a large DC impedance. It becomes a logistical problem to insure that a DC connection is provided through the feed-through capacitor.
- feed-through capacitors are formed from extremely high dielectric ceramics, which are very brittle. The ceramic can fracture and cause a short inside of the capacitor. In extreme examples, the capacitor can heat up and start on fire.
- the apparatus of the present invention includes a bus bar connected between the power sub-system and the computer sub-system for providing direct current signals between the power sub-system and the computer sub-system.
- a dielectric material encompasses the bus bar, while an electrically conducting material encompasses the dielectric material and is connected to the electrically conducting housing. Any electromagnetic interference from the computer subsystem will be transmitted to the electrically conducting housing and returned to the portion of the housing surrounding the computer sub-system via a virtual capacitor formed by the dielectric material positioned between the bus bar and the electrically conducting material.
- the bus bar is formed from a copper alloy material in a rectangular shape
- the dielectric material is formed from a Mylar composition
- the electrically conducting material is a copper foil material.
- the capacitor has a capacitance of greater than 1500 picofarrods and operate at a frequency of greater than 200 megahertz.
- bus bars are utilized between the power sub-system and the computer sub-system.
- Each bus bar is separated from each adjacent bus bar by either a single dielectric layer or a combination of a single electrically conducting layer positioned between two dielectric layers. Therefore, the present invention encompasses suppressing EMI signals from one or more bus bars.
- One aspect of the present invention is the formation of an aperture within a partition of the housing.
- the partition creates two sub-housings, one sub-housing for the power sub-system and one sub-housing for the computer sub-system.
- the capacitor formed from the dielectric material located between the bus bar and the electrically conducting material is positioned such that it protrudes through the aperture in the partition.
- a conductive gasket electrically connects the electrically conducting material to the housing by sealing the aperture around the electrically conducting material.
- a method of filtering the electromagnetic interference signal between a computer sub-system and a power sub-system includes encompassing the bus bar with a dielectric material. The dielectric material is then encompassed within an electrically conducting material. The electrically conducting material is in electrical connection with an electrically conducting housing. A virtual capacitor is thereby formed between the bus bar and the housing, providing a path of least resistance for the unwanted noise signals.
- the present invention provides an apparatus and a method which provides a solution for the problem of electromagnetic interference signals, which are a high frequency alternating current noise signals, escaping a computer sub-system enclosure and entering a power source sub-system enclosure.
- the apparatus electrically suppresses or filters unwanted EMI signals between a computer sub-system and a power sub-system, thereby preventing unwanted noise signals to be transmitted between the computer sub-system and the power sub-system.
- An electrically conducting housing encompasses both the computer sub-system and the power sub-system, and includes a partition between the computer sub-system and the power sub-system.
- FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2 B are sectional views of a prior art computer system.
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a portion of a bus bar incorporating the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a bus bar shown protruding through an aperture within a housing partition incorporating the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing a plurality of bus bars.
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a second alternative embodiment of the present invention showing a plurality of bus bars.
- FIG. 7 is a sectional end view of the second alternate embodiment incorporating the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a graphical representation of the attenuation of electromagnetic interference through use of the present invention.
- the present invention applies to any electrical or electronic system. However, for clarity sake, the present application will specifically address a computer system.
- the present invention addresses the issue of preventing electromagnetic interference (EMI) from escaping a computer system enclosure and interfering with a power source.
- a common method in aiding in the suppression of EMI signals also known as radio frequency (RF) alternating current noise signals, includes the segregation of a power source sub-system from a computer sub-system via a physical partition. This partition reduces the size of the critical containment vessel of the computer sub-system to the portion that surrounds the system board and the inputs/outputs.
- the power source enclosure can be designed with much less electromagnetic containment requirements. Power segregation is especially useful when multiple power sources must be considered as in telecom applications where a 48-volt direct current line must be available along with a conventional power line. Furthermore, the necessity to restrict cooling vent openings in the power subsystem is eliminated.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a cross section view of computer system 50 .
- Computer system 50 includes power source sub-system 52 and computer sub-system 54 .
- Power source sub-system 52 is housed within power source domain 62 and computer sub-system 54 is housed within computer domain 64 . Both sub-systems are enclosed within housing 56 and are physically separated from each other by partition 58 .
- Housing 56 and partition 58 are formed from an electrically conducting material.
- bus bar 60 forms a conduit for DC power between power source sub-system 52 and computer subsystem 54 .
- bus bar 60 provides relatively large currents at low voltages for powering various electrical components, such as electronic components 57 and 59 , within computer sub-system 54 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art low performance system where no provision for bypassing EMI noise signal is used.
- EMI electromagnetic interference
- FIGS. 2A and 2B show sectional views incorporating two prior art solutions.
- power source sub-system 52 is housed within power source domain 62
- computer sub-system 54 is housed within computer domain 64 .
- Bus bar 60 electrically interconnects power source sub-system 52 and computer sub-system 54 .
- Partition 58 has aperture 66 through which bus bar 60 is positioned.
- Capacitor 68 A shown in FIG. 2A, is a feed-through capacitor and is connected to partition 58 and bus bar 60 .
- Capacitor 68 B shown in FIG. 2B, is a lead-type capacitor and is connected between bus bar 60 and housing 56 . As shown in FIG. 2B, when lead-type capacitors are used, they usually reside on the system printed circuit board or in the power system assembly.
- Lead-type capacitors and feed-through capacitors each have several disadvantages. Lead-type capacitors are not adequate solutions due to their inadequacy at high frequencies. The parasitic inductance associated with the leads of a lead-type capacitor does not permit this type of capacitor to properly operate at high frequencies. Therefore, lead-type capacitors will not properly suppress high frequency EMI signals.
- feed-through capacitors While feed-through capacitors will properly operate at the necessary frequencies, these individual components are both expensive and expensive to mount within computer 50 .
- a feed-through capacitor has the general appearance of a stud or a bolt. A hole must be boared through partition 58 and bus bar 60 attached to the terminals of the feed-through capacitor. Also, the interface connections on either side of the feed-through capacitor becomes problematic because these connections represent high DC impedances. Therefore, there becomes a logistical problem to getting a DC connection to go through a feed-through capacitor having the necessary requirements. Also, in order to operate in the high current range necessary for the types of computer systems that are currently being manufactured, the actual size of a feed-through capacitor becomes quite large. Additionally, feed-through capacitors are formed from extremely high dielectric ceramics, which are very brittle. The ceramic can fracture and cause a short inside of the capacitor. In extreme examples, the capacitor can heat up and start on fire.
- the present invention provides a filtered bus bar which transmits necessary current between power source sub-system 52 and computer subsystem 54 , while preventing unwanted EMI signals from being transmitted to power source sub-system 52 from computer sub-system 54 .
- the present invention does not utilize an actual capacitive device which must be mounted to both partition 58 and bus bar 60 , but rather a virtual capacitor is formed between partition 58 and bus bar 60 .
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the basic concept of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a portion of bus bar 60 for connecting to power source sub-system 52 in the direction of arrow A and connecting to computer sub-system 54 in the direction of arrow B.
- bus bar 60 is formed from an electrically conducting material, thereby permitting power signals to be transmitted from power source sub-system 52 to computer sub-system 54 .
- bus bar 60 has dielectric material 70 positioned above and below bus bar 60 . In reality, dielectric material 70 would surround and encompass bus bar 60 .
- electrically conducting material 72 positioned above and below dielectric material 70 . It is also understood that electrically conducting material 72 would surround and encompass dielectric material 70 . Therefore, a virtual capacitor is formed having electrically conducting layers 60 and 72 separated by dielectric material 70 .
- bus bar 60 of the present invention is formed having a rectangular structure, a width in the range of approximately 0.50 to 1.00 inches, and a thickness in the range of approximately 0.025 to 0.150 inches.
- bus bar 60 is formed from a copper material. It is understood, however, that any material having the ability to transmit electrical signals may be utilized for bus bar 60 .
- Bus bar 60 is immediately surrounded by a dielectric or insulating material having a relatively thin cross-section, such as in the range of approximately 0.00050 to 0.0010 inches.
- dielectric 70 is formed from Mylar tape. In another embodiment, dielectric 70 is formed from Kapton tape. It is understood, however, that any material having dielectric qualities may be utilized for dielectric 70 .
- electrically conducting material 72 is formed from a copper foil material. It is understood, however, that any material having electrically conducting qualities may be utilized for material 70 .
- Bus bar 60 , dielectric material 70 , and electrically conducting material 72 form a virtual and distributed capacitor over the length of bus bar 60 which is encompassed by dielectric material 70 and electrically conducting material 72 .
- the length of bus bar 60 which is encompassed within dielectric material 70 and electrically conducting material 72 may vary and can be predetermined in order to achieve a desired capacitance, depending upon the EMI signals produced within computer sub-system 54 .
- bus bar 60 can be encompassed within dielectric material 70 and electrically conducting material 172 the entire length between power source subsystem 52 and computer sub-system 54 .
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the connection between partition 58 and bus bar 60 .
- Bus bar 60 is interconnected between power source sub-system 52 and computer sub-system 54 in the directions shown by arrows A and B, respectively.
- Bus bar 60 along with dielectric material 70 and electrically conducting material 72 are positioned within aperture 66 of partition 58 .
- Conductive gasket 74 physically and electrically seals aperture 66 such that bus bar 60 is in electrical connection with partition 58 .
- Conductive gasket 74 is formed from any type of electrically conducting material and is configured such that it is in direct contact with partition 58 at all points around aperture 66 and at all points around electrically conducting material 72 .
- Bus bar 60 physically penetrates aperture 66 , but there is no visible opening that is not filled by conductive gasket 74 .
- bus bar 60 is connected to partition 58 in a low impedance configuration such that it provides a high frequency solution to the problem of EMI signals.
- FIG. 4 shows bus bar 60 in electrical connection with partition 58 , it is understood by those in the art that bus bar 60 can be connected to housing 56 or partition 58 at various locations.
- the impedance within a single path is smaller because multiple parallel paths are available.
- the present invention disclose a virtual capacitor which has a capacitance in each alternate path of greater than approximately 1500 picofarrods and operates at a frequency of greater than 200 megahertz and preferably up to 3.0 gigahertz.
- FIGS. 3 and 4 disclose a high frequency virtual capacitor where one plate, which is electrically conducting material 72 , is intimately connected to a return path which is partition 58 and housing 56 , while the second plate of the virtual capacitor is bus bar 60 which normally transmits unwanted EMI noise signals from the computer sub-system 54 to power system 52 .
- the EMI signals will follow the path of least impedance. Therefore, since the impedance through the virtual capacitor to housing 56 has less impedance than that of bus bar 60 and the power source sub-system 52 , the high frequency EMI signals will follow the path through the virtual capacitor to housing 56 . The EMI signals will then harmlessly return through housing 56 back to its source and never reach power source sub-system 52 .
- FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of computer system 100 in which multiple bus bars are interconnected between a power source sub-system and a computer sub-system.
- Computer system 100 includes bus bars 102 and 104 , dielectric materials 106 , 108 , and 110 , electrically conducting materials 112 and 114 , conductive gasket 116 , and partition 120 .
- Bus bars 102 and 104 would be connected to a power source sub-system and a computer sub-system similar to those shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 as directed by arrows A and B, respectively.
- bus bars 102 and 104 are shown in FIG. 5, it is understood by those in the art that multiple bus bars could be stacked upon each other having a dielectric material, such as dielectric material 106 positioned between each pair of bus bars.
- one of the filtered bus bars could carry a DC potential, which may be a variety of voltages, for example 5.0 volts or 3.3 volts.
- a second filter bus bar could carry another DC voltage, while a third filtered bus bar could carry a ground return.
- the concept of a virtual capacitor formed along the length of the bus bars is still desirable and applicable.
- one or more virtual and distributed capacitors are formed between each bus bar and partition 120 , thereby providing a path of least resistance for high frequency EMI signals.
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a second alternate embodiment of the present invention.
- the sectional view shown in FIG. 6 is similar to the sectional view shown in FIG. 5, except that instead of having a single dielectric material, such as dielectric material 106 positioned between each pairs of bus bars, two dielectric materials, shown in FIG. 6 as dielectric materials 106 and 122 , separated by an electrically conducting material, such as electrically conducting material 124 , are positioned between each pair of bus bars.
- an electrically conducting material such as electrically conducting material 124
- the entire structure operates as a distributed capacitor which will filter unwanted EMI noise signals through a housing, rather than transmitting unwanted EMI noise signals to the power source sub-system. While only two bus bars are shown in FIG. 6, it is understood by those in the art that multiple bus bars could be stacked upon each other having two dielectric materials separated by an electrically conducting material positioned between each bus bar.
- FIG. 7 is a sectional end view of the second alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 6.
- the end view of FIG. 7 includes bus bars 102 and 104 , dielectric materials 106 , 108 , 110 , and 122 , electrically conducting materials 112 , 114 and 124 , conductive gasket 116 , and partition 120 .
- dielectric materials 106 and 110 encompass bus bar 102
- dielectric materials 108 and 122 encompass bus bar 104
- electrically conducting materials 112 , 114 and 124 extend horizontally further than any other layers and encompass all other layers. These three electrically conducting materials are then rolled in a serpentine or coil configuration.
- conductive gasket 116 completely closes a previously formed aperture in partition 120 through which the multi-layered design penetrates.
- FIG. 8 is a graphical representation showing the attenuation of unwanted EMI noise signals versus a spectrum of operating frequencies. Due to the configuration of the present invention, the attenuation of noise signals is great at certain frequencies, such as indicated at 130 and 132 . FIG. 8 also shows dips in attenuation as indicated at 134 and 136 . However, as can be seen from the graphical representation of FIG. 8, the dips in attenuation are of incredibly short durations as compared to the portions of the graph having good attenuation. Thus, the graphical representation of FIG. 8 illustrates that the design shown in FIGS. 3 through 7 provides acceptable attenuation for the desired application.
- the present invention provides a solution to the problem of EMI signals escaping a computer sub-system and entering a power source sub-system.
- a virtual capacitor is created between a bus bar and a housing of the computer system.
- the virtual capacitor does not suffer from the shortcomings of prior art designs.
- the present invention is capable of operating at high frequencies and is more reliable and cost efficient than prior art designs.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates generally to the suppression of electromagnetic interference within an electrical system, and more particularly to the suppression of high frequency electromagnetic noise signals transmitted between a sub-system and a power sub-system within an overall system, such as a computer system.
- The present invention applies to any electrical or electronic system such as computer system. To those skilled in the art of computer hardware technology, it is understood that computer systems include a power source subsystem and a computer sub-system. The computer sub-system includes all hardware components other than those included in the power source sub-system. The two sub-systems are typically physically separated within a housing by a partition. A bus bar, known to those in this field, forms a conduit for DC power from the power source sub-system to the computer sub-system. The bus bar usually carries a large amount of current to the computer sub-system in order for the computer sub-system to properly operate.
- A specific problem with prior art computer systems is that electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can further be described as a high frequency alternating current noise signal originating in the computer subsystem, is transmitted via the bus bar from the computer sub-system to the power source sub-system. Thus, it has become a priority to electrically isolate the power source sub-system from the computer sub-system, thereby preventing unwanted EMI signals from reaching the power source sub-system. In this application, electrical isolation as used here is defined as radio frequency (RF) isolation only. It is neither practical nor desirable to include direct current (DC) isolation in this definition. One way of electrically isolating the power source sub-system from the computer sub-system is by providing an RF electrical path from the computer sub-system to another location (other than the power source sub-system) having less RF impedance than either the power source sub-system or the computer sub-system. As is well known in the art, electrical current will follow a path of least resistance. A related problem is found in commercial server applications configured with multiple bus bars, with some of the bus bars having high current and low voltage drop requirements. In this type of commercial server configuration, each bus bar provides a conduit for unwanted EMI signals.
- Conventional solutions for the above-discussed EMI related problems typically include some type of a feed-through filter. One specific solution that has been developed is the utilization of a lead-type capacitor, which is a capacitor having a plurality of leads for connection to circuitry external to the capacitor. This solution connects the lead-type capacitor between the bus bar and the housing enclosing the computer sub-system and the power source subsystem. Thus, unwanted EMI signals are bypassed through the lead-type capacitor into the housing, rather than transmitted to the power source. However, the disadvantage of using a lead-type capacitor in this configuration is that lead-type capacitors are not adequate RF solutions because of the parasitic inductance that is unavoidably associated with these type of components. Specifically, lead-type capacitors will not work at frequencies greater than 100 megahertz. Therefore, lead-type capacitors will not properly suppress RF EMI signals greater than 100 megahertz.
- A second specific solution to the above-discussed problem is the use of a feed-through capacitor. A feed-through capacitor, while physically capable of suppressing EMI signals, is not a viable solution because it is an expensive component and is expensive to incorporate into a computer system. Feed-through capacitors have the appearance in general of a stud or a bolt such that it is necessary to bore holes in the computer housing and provide attachment on both sides of the feed-through capacitor. These interface connections on either side of the feed-through capacitor become problematic because the connections produce a large DC impedance. It becomes a logistical problem to insure that a DC connection is provided through the feed-through capacitor. Additionally, feed-through capacitors are formed from extremely high dielectric ceramics, which are very brittle. The ceramic can fracture and cause a short inside of the capacitor. In extreme examples, the capacitor can heat up and start on fire.
- Thus, there is a need for an apparatus and a method for preventing EMI noise signals from escaping a computer sub-system and entering a power source sub-system via a traditional bus bar. It is desirous to have an apparatus and a method which will be reliable, inexpensive in its components, and inexpensive to implement.
- The apparatus of the present invention includes a bus bar connected between the power sub-system and the computer sub-system for providing direct current signals between the power sub-system and the computer sub-system. A dielectric material encompasses the bus bar, while an electrically conducting material encompasses the dielectric material and is connected to the electrically conducting housing. Any electromagnetic interference from the computer subsystem will be transmitted to the electrically conducting housing and returned to the portion of the housing surrounding the computer sub-system via a virtual capacitor formed by the dielectric material positioned between the bus bar and the electrically conducting material.
- In one embodiment of the present invention, the bus bar is formed from a copper alloy material in a rectangular shape, the dielectric material is formed from a Mylar composition, and the electrically conducting material is a copper foil material. Additionally, due to the materials used and the configuration of the capacitor, the capacitor has a capacitance of greater than 1500 picofarrods and operate at a frequency of greater than 200 megahertz.
- In another embodiment of the present invention, multiple bus bars are utilized between the power sub-system and the computer sub-system. Each bus bar is separated from each adjacent bus bar by either a single dielectric layer or a combination of a single electrically conducting layer positioned between two dielectric layers. Therefore, the present invention encompasses suppressing EMI signals from one or more bus bars.
- One aspect of the present invention is the formation of an aperture within a partition of the housing. The partition creates two sub-housings, one sub-housing for the power sub-system and one sub-housing for the computer sub-system. The capacitor formed from the dielectric material located between the bus bar and the electrically conducting material is positioned such that it protrudes through the aperture in the partition. A conductive gasket electrically connects the electrically conducting material to the housing by sealing the aperture around the electrically conducting material.
- In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of filtering the electromagnetic interference signal between a computer sub-system and a power sub-system is disclosed. The method includes encompassing the bus bar with a dielectric material. The dielectric material is then encompassed within an electrically conducting material. The electrically conducting material is in electrical connection with an electrically conducting housing. A virtual capacitor is thereby formed between the bus bar and the housing, providing a path of least resistance for the unwanted noise signals.
- The present invention provides an apparatus and a method which provides a solution for the problem of electromagnetic interference signals, which are a high frequency alternating current noise signals, escaping a computer sub-system enclosure and entering a power source sub-system enclosure. The apparatus electrically suppresses or filters unwanted EMI signals between a computer sub-system and a power sub-system, thereby preventing unwanted noise signals to be transmitted between the computer sub-system and the power sub-system. An electrically conducting housing encompasses both the computer sub-system and the power sub-system, and includes a partition between the computer sub-system and the power sub-system.
- FIGS. 1, 2A, and2B are sectional views of a prior art computer system.
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a portion of a bus bar incorporating the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a bus bar shown protruding through an aperture within a housing partition incorporating the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing a plurality of bus bars.
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a second alternative embodiment of the present invention showing a plurality of bus bars.
- FIG. 7 is a sectional end view of the second alternate embodiment incorporating the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a graphical representation of the attenuation of electromagnetic interference through use of the present invention.
- In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which illustrate specific embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. Throughout the drawings, identical numerals refer to similar or identical parts. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.
- The present invention applies to any electrical or electronic system. However, for clarity sake, the present application will specifically address a computer system. The present invention addresses the issue of preventing electromagnetic interference (EMI) from escaping a computer system enclosure and interfering with a power source. A common method in aiding in the suppression of EMI signals, also known as radio frequency (RF) alternating current noise signals, includes the segregation of a power source sub-system from a computer sub-system via a physical partition. This partition reduces the size of the critical containment vessel of the computer sub-system to the portion that surrounds the system board and the inputs/outputs. The power source enclosure can be designed with much less electromagnetic containment requirements. Power segregation is especially useful when multiple power sources must be considered as in telecom applications where a 48-volt direct current line must be available along with a conventional power line. Furthermore, the necessity to restrict cooling vent openings in the power subsystem is eliminated.
- The process of electrically isolating the power source sub-system from the computer sub-system, and thereby preventing the transmittal of EMI signals, is a critical issue. FIG. 1 illustrates a cross section view of
computer system 50.Computer system 50 includespower source sub-system 52 andcomputer sub-system 54.Power source sub-system 52 is housed withinpower source domain 62 andcomputer sub-system 54 is housed withincomputer domain 64. Both sub-systems are enclosed withinhousing 56 and are physically separated from each other bypartition 58.Housing 56 andpartition 58 are formed from an electrically conducting material. - Present computer designs separate
power source domain 62 fromcomputer domain 64 withpartition 58. As shown in FIG. 1,bus bar 60 forms a conduit for DC power betweenpower source sub-system 52 andcomputer subsystem 54. Typically,bus bar 60 provides relatively large currents at low voltages for powering various electrical components, such aselectronic components computer sub-system 54. FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art low performance system where no provision for bypassing EMI noise signal is used. - One problem with the present design of computer hardware systems is preventing unwanted electromagnetic interference (EMI) signals from escaping
computer sub-system 54 housed withincomputer domain 64. Transmission of EMI signals, which are RF alternating current noise signals, topower source sub-system 52 housed withinpower source domain 62 can limit the overall performance ofcomputer system 50. Thus, it is desirous to confine EMI signals withincomputer domain 54 and block EMI signals from enteringpower source domain 62. - It is understood by those in the art that preventing EMI signal transmission from
computer sub-system 54 throughpartition 58 intopower source domain 62 is necessary in order forcomputer system 50 to comply with regulatory emissions requirements. Therefore, a filtering configuration is necessary to filter the unwanted EMI signals, thereby preventing the unwanted signal from enteringpower source sub-system 52. In prior art systems where no filtering is done between internal domains, alternate approaches are used such as line cord filtering or other techniques. - Conventional solutions have also utilized the placement of an actual capacitor between
bus bar 60 andhousing 56 orpartition 58. Conventional designs, such as those discussed in the Background section the present application, have utilized either a feed-through capacitor or a lead-type capacitor. - FIGS. 2A and 2B show sectional views incorporating two prior art solutions. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B,
power source sub-system 52 is housed withinpower source domain 62, whilecomputer sub-system 54 is housed withincomputer domain 64.Bus bar 60 electrically interconnectspower source sub-system 52 andcomputer sub-system 54.Partition 58 hasaperture 66 through whichbus bar 60 is positioned.Capacitor 68A, shown in FIG. 2A, is a feed-through capacitor and is connected to partition 58 andbus bar 60.Capacitor 68B, shown in FIG. 2B, is a lead-type capacitor and is connected betweenbus bar 60 andhousing 56. As shown in FIG. 2B, when lead-type capacitors are used, they usually reside on the system printed circuit board or in the power system assembly. - Lead-type capacitors and feed-through capacitors each have several disadvantages. Lead-type capacitors are not adequate solutions due to their inadequacy at high frequencies. The parasitic inductance associated with the leads of a lead-type capacitor does not permit this type of capacitor to properly operate at high frequencies. Therefore, lead-type capacitors will not properly suppress high frequency EMI signals.
- While feed-through capacitors will properly operate at the necessary frequencies, these individual components are both expensive and expensive to mount within
computer 50. A feed-through capacitor has the general appearance of a stud or a bolt. A hole must be boared throughpartition 58 andbus bar 60 attached to the terminals of the feed-through capacitor. Also, the interface connections on either side of the feed-through capacitor becomes problematic because these connections represent high DC impedances. Therefore, there becomes a logistical problem to getting a DC connection to go through a feed-through capacitor having the necessary requirements. Also, in order to operate in the high current range necessary for the types of computer systems that are currently being manufactured, the actual size of a feed-through capacitor becomes quite large. Additionally, feed-through capacitors are formed from extremely high dielectric ceramics, which are very brittle. The ceramic can fracture and cause a short inside of the capacitor. In extreme examples, the capacitor can heat up and start on fire. - The present invention provides a filtered bus bar which transmits necessary current between
power source sub-system 52 andcomputer subsystem 54, while preventing unwanted EMI signals from being transmitted topower source sub-system 52 fromcomputer sub-system 54. The present invention does not utilize an actual capacitive device which must be mounted to bothpartition 58 andbus bar 60, but rather a virtual capacitor is formed betweenpartition 58 andbus bar 60. - FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the basic concept of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a portion of
bus bar 60 for connecting to powersource sub-system 52 in the direction of arrow A and connecting tocomputer sub-system 54 in the direction of arrow B. It is understood thatbus bar 60 is formed from an electrically conducting material, thereby permitting power signals to be transmitted frompower source sub-system 52 tocomputer sub-system 54. As shown in FIG. 3,bus bar 60 hasdielectric material 70 positioned above and belowbus bar 60. In reality,dielectric material 70 would surround and encompassbus bar 60. Also shown in FIG. 3 is electrically conductingmaterial 72 positioned above and belowdielectric material 70. It is also understood that electrically conductingmaterial 72 would surround and encompassdielectric material 70. Therefore, a virtual capacitor is formed having electrically conductinglayers dielectric material 70. - In one embodiment,
bus bar 60 of the present invention is formed having a rectangular structure, a width in the range of approximately 0.50 to 1.00 inches, and a thickness in the range of approximately 0.025 to 0.150 inches. In one embodiment,bus bar 60 is formed from a copper material. It is understood, however, that any material having the ability to transmit electrical signals may be utilized forbus bar 60.Bus bar 60 is immediately surrounded by a dielectric or insulating material having a relatively thin cross-section, such as in the range of approximately 0.00050 to 0.0010 inches. In one embodiment, dielectric 70 is formed from Mylar tape. In another embodiment, dielectric 70 is formed from Kapton tape. It is understood, however, that any material having dielectric qualities may be utilized fordielectric 70. - Completely surrounding and encompassing
dielectric 70 is electrically conductingmaterial 72. In one embodiment, electrically conductingmaterial 72 is formed from a copper foil material. It is understood, however, that any material having electrically conducting qualities may be utilized formaterial 70.Bus bar 60,dielectric material 70, and electrically conductingmaterial 72 form a virtual and distributed capacitor over the length ofbus bar 60 which is encompassed bydielectric material 70 and electrically conductingmaterial 72. The length ofbus bar 60 which is encompassed withindielectric material 70 and electrically conductingmaterial 72 may vary and can be predetermined in order to achieve a desired capacitance, depending upon the EMI signals produced withincomputer sub-system 54. Alternatively stated, with the knowledge of the specific components used withincomputer sub-system 54, the amount of EMI noise can be calculated. Thus, the capacitance necessary to filter the EMI noise can be calculated and a virtual capacitance meeting this criteria can be designed. As a default,bus bar 60 can be encompassed withindielectric material 70 and electrically conducting material 172 the entire length betweenpower source subsystem 52 andcomputer sub-system 54. - FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the connection between
partition 58 andbus bar 60.Bus bar 60 is interconnected betweenpower source sub-system 52 andcomputer sub-system 54 in the directions shown by arrows A and B, respectively.Bus bar 60, along withdielectric material 70 and electrically conductingmaterial 72 are positioned withinaperture 66 ofpartition 58.Conductive gasket 74 physically and electrically sealsaperture 66 such thatbus bar 60 is in electrical connection withpartition 58.Conductive gasket 74 is formed from any type of electrically conducting material and is configured such that it is in direct contact withpartition 58 at all points aroundaperture 66 and at all points around electrically conductingmaterial 72.Bus bar 60 physically penetratesaperture 66, but there is no visible opening that is not filled byconductive gasket 74. Thus,bus bar 60 is connected to partition 58 in a low impedance configuration such that it provides a high frequency solution to the problem of EMI signals. - While FIG. 4 shows
bus bar 60 in electrical connection withpartition 58, it is understood by those in the art thatbus bar 60 can be connected tohousing 56 orpartition 58 at various locations. The greater the number of electrical connections, the lower each individual impedance path. In other words, by providing various alternate paths betweenbus bar 60 andhousing 56, the impedance within a single path is smaller because multiple parallel paths are available. The present invention, as described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, disclose a virtual capacitor which has a capacitance in each alternate path of greater than approximately 1500 picofarrods and operates at a frequency of greater than 200 megahertz and preferably up to 3.0 gigahertz. - The embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 disclose a high frequency virtual capacitor where one plate, which is electrically conducting
material 72, is intimately connected to a return path which ispartition 58 andhousing 56, while the second plate of the virtual capacitor isbus bar 60 which normally transmits unwanted EMI noise signals from thecomputer sub-system 54 topower system 52. However, the EMI signals will follow the path of least impedance. Therefore, since the impedance through the virtual capacitor tohousing 56 has less impedance than that ofbus bar 60 and thepower source sub-system 52, the high frequency EMI signals will follow the path through the virtual capacitor tohousing 56. The EMI signals will then harmlessly return throughhousing 56 back to its source and never reachpower source sub-system 52. -
Computer system 50 of FIGS. 3 and 4 shows a singular bus bar interconnected betweenpower source sub-system 52 andcomputer sub-system 54. However, multiple bus bars are sometimes utilized in present day computer systems. Therefore, FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion ofcomputer system 100 in which multiple bus bars are interconnected between a power source sub-system and a computer sub-system.Computer system 100, as shown in FIG. 5, includes bus bars 102 and 104,dielectric materials materials conductive gasket 116, andpartition 120. Bus bars 102 and 104 would be connected to a power source sub-system and a computer sub-system similar to those shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 as directed by arrows A and B, respectively. - While only two bus bars, bus bars102 and 104, are shown in FIG. 5, it is understood by those in the art that multiple bus bars could be stacked upon each other having a dielectric material, such as
dielectric material 106 positioned between each pair of bus bars. In this embodiment, one of the filtered bus bars could carry a DC potential, which may be a variety of voltages, for example 5.0 volts or 3.3 volts. A second filter bus bar could carry another DC voltage, while a third filtered bus bar could carry a ground return. Regardless of the number of stacked bus bars, the concept of a virtual capacitor formed along the length of the bus bars is still desirable and applicable. Once again, one or more virtual and distributed capacitors are formed between each bus bar andpartition 120, thereby providing a path of least resistance for high frequency EMI signals. - FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a second alternate embodiment of the present invention. The sectional view shown in FIG. 6 is similar to the sectional view shown in FIG. 5, except that instead of having a single dielectric material, such as
dielectric material 106 positioned between each pairs of bus bars, two dielectric materials, shown in FIG. 6 asdielectric materials material 124, are positioned between each pair of bus bars. Once again, with the concept shown in FIG. 6, the entire structure operates as a distributed capacitor which will filter unwanted EMI noise signals through a housing, rather than transmitting unwanted EMI noise signals to the power source sub-system. While only two bus bars are shown in FIG. 6, it is understood by those in the art that multiple bus bars could be stacked upon each other having two dielectric materials separated by an electrically conducting material positioned between each bus bar. - FIG. 7 is a sectional end view of the second alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 6. The end view of FIG. 7 includes bus bars102 and 104,
dielectric materials materials conductive gasket 116, andpartition 120. As shown in FIG. 7,dielectric materials bus bar 102, whiledielectric materials bus bar 104. Also, electrically conductingmaterials conductive gasket 116 completely closes a previously formed aperture inpartition 120 through which the multi-layered design penetrates. - FIG. 8 is a graphical representation showing the attenuation of unwanted EMI noise signals versus a spectrum of operating frequencies. Due to the configuration of the present invention, the attenuation of noise signals is great at certain frequencies, such as indicated at130 and 132. FIG. 8 also shows dips in attenuation as indicated at 134 and 136. However, as can be seen from the graphical representation of FIG. 8, the dips in attenuation are of incredibly short durations as compared to the portions of the graph having good attenuation. Thus, the graphical representation of FIG. 8 illustrates that the design shown in FIGS. 3 through 7 provides acceptable attenuation for the desired application.
- The present invention provides a solution to the problem of EMI signals escaping a computer sub-system and entering a power source sub-system. A virtual capacitor is created between a bus bar and a housing of the computer system. The virtual capacitor does not suffer from the shortcomings of prior art designs. Specifically, the present invention is capable of operating at high frequencies and is more reliable and cost efficient than prior art designs.
- Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein for purposes of description of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. Those with skill in electromechanical, electrical, and computer arts will readily appreciate that the present invention may be implemented in a wide variety of embodiments. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the preferred embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the appended claims and the equivalents thereof.
Claims (27)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/354,014 US6404297B2 (en) | 1999-07-15 | 1999-07-15 | Electromagnetic interference blocking power bus bar |
JP2000191960A JP2001085886A (en) | 1999-07-15 | 2000-06-27 | Power bus shielding electromagnetic interference |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/354,014 US6404297B2 (en) | 1999-07-15 | 1999-07-15 | Electromagnetic interference blocking power bus bar |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20010043126A1 true US20010043126A1 (en) | 2001-11-22 |
US6404297B2 US6404297B2 (en) | 2002-06-11 |
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US09/354,014 Expired - Fee Related US6404297B2 (en) | 1999-07-15 | 1999-07-15 | Electromagnetic interference blocking power bus bar |
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US (1) | US6404297B2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2001085886A (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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EP2242102A1 (en) * | 2009-04-16 | 2010-10-20 | SEMIKRON Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG | Device for reducing the noise emission in a power electronics system |
WO2020036597A1 (en) * | 2018-08-16 | 2020-02-20 | Micro Motion, Inc. | Electromagnetic interference resistant electronics enclosure |
DE102010064183B4 (en) | 2010-12-27 | 2024-04-25 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Device for forming an implementation capacity |
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JP2001345593A (en) * | 2000-05-31 | 2001-12-14 | Kitagawa Ind Co Ltd | Emi tape, emi block, emi electric wire, and emi case |
FR2814848A1 (en) * | 2000-10-03 | 2002-04-05 | Koninkl Philips Electronics Nv | Cable television amplification circuit has arrangement for removing electrical interference from the power supply by shielding the power supply from the processing unit and filtering the power connection |
US6604571B1 (en) * | 2002-04-11 | 2003-08-12 | General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc. | Evaporative cooling of electrical components |
JP4314513B2 (en) * | 2003-06-18 | 2009-08-19 | アイシン・エィ・ダブリュ株式会社 | Inverter noise remover |
JP5107114B2 (en) * | 2008-03-28 | 2012-12-26 | 三菱重工業株式会社 | Inverter-integrated electric compressor |
US12003184B2 (en) | 2019-06-24 | 2024-06-04 | Volvo Construction Equipment Ab | Power converter assembly and a power system |
WO2021222412A1 (en) * | 2020-04-29 | 2021-11-04 | Resonant Inc. | Electrode geometry to minimize stress in transversely-excited film bulk acoustic resonators |
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US1994905A (en) * | 1932-09-07 | 1935-03-19 | Bowles Edward Lindley | Shielded electric system |
US3634782A (en) * | 1969-10-01 | 1972-01-11 | Thomas & Betts Corp | Coaxial flat cable |
JP2630023B2 (en) * | 1990-06-19 | 1997-07-16 | 富士電機株式会社 | Printed wiring board |
DE19506801C2 (en) * | 1995-02-27 | 1998-04-16 | Siemens Nixdorf Inf Syst | Arrangement for EMC-compliant routing of an electrical connection arranged on a printed circuit board from a shielding housing |
US5604668A (en) * | 1995-12-06 | 1997-02-18 | Motorola, Inc. | Apparatus for shielding electronic circuit boards |
US5770898A (en) * | 1996-03-29 | 1998-06-23 | Siemens Business Communication Systems, Inc. | Modular power management system with common EMC barrier |
US6097613A (en) * | 1997-12-12 | 2000-08-01 | Nortel Networks Limited | Assemblies of electronic devices and flexible containers therefor |
US6058022A (en) * | 1998-01-07 | 2000-05-02 | Sun Microsystems, Inc. | Upgradeable PCB with adaptable RFI suppression structures |
US6037846A (en) * | 1998-10-09 | 2000-03-14 | Nortel Networks Corporation | Surface mount EMI gasket filter |
-
1999
- 1999-07-15 US US09/354,014 patent/US6404297B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2000
- 2000-06-27 JP JP2000191960A patent/JP2001085886A/en not_active Withdrawn
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2242102A1 (en) * | 2009-04-16 | 2010-10-20 | SEMIKRON Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG | Device for reducing the noise emission in a power electronics system |
DE102010064183B4 (en) | 2010-12-27 | 2024-04-25 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Device for forming an implementation capacity |
WO2020036597A1 (en) * | 2018-08-16 | 2020-02-20 | Micro Motion, Inc. | Electromagnetic interference resistant electronics enclosure |
CN112585436A (en) * | 2018-08-16 | 2021-03-30 | 高准有限公司 | Anti-electromagnetic interference electronic equipment enclosure |
RU2766275C1 (en) * | 2018-08-16 | 2022-02-10 | Майкро Моушн, Инк. | Electromagnetic interference-resistant housing of electronic equipment |
AU2018436512B2 (en) * | 2018-08-16 | 2022-06-02 | Micro Motion, Inc. | Electromagnetic interference resistant electronics enclosure |
US11913819B2 (en) | 2018-08-16 | 2024-02-27 | Micro Motion, Inc. | Electromagnetic interference resistant electronics enclosure with an intercompartment conductive gasket |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US6404297B2 (en) | 2002-06-11 |
JP2001085886A (en) | 2001-03-30 |
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