Using TEM Cell Measurements to Estimate the Maximum Radiation from PCBs with Cables Due to Magnetic Field Coupling

Common-mode currents can be induced on cables attached to printed circuit boards (PCBs) due to electric and magnetic field coupling. This paper describes a technique for using transverse electromagnetic (TEM) cell measurements to obtain an effective common-mode voltage (or magnetic moment ) that quantifies the ability of traces and integrated circuits on PCBs to drive common-mode currents onto cables due to magnetic field coupling. This equivalent common-mode voltage can be used to reduce the complexity of full-wave models that calculate the radiated emissions from a system containing the board. It can also be used without full-wave modeling to provide a relative indication of the likelihood that a particular board design will have unintentional radiated emissions problems due to magnetic field coupling.