MITIGATION OF HIGH-FREQUENCY CONDUCTED EMI IN WIDE-BANDGAP INVERTER-FED ELECTRICAL MACHINES VIA INTEGRATED PASSIVE FILTERING TECHNIQUES
Keywords:
Wide-bandgap Semiconductors, Conducted EMI, Passive Filtering, Common-mode Current, Differential-mode Noise, Inverter-fed Electrical Machines, SiC Inverter, GaN Devices, Electromagnetic Compatibility, Motor DrivesSynopsis
Purpose: This study investigates an integrated passive filtering approach for mitigating high-frequency conducted electromagnetic interference (EMI) in wide-bandgap (WBG) inverter-fed electrical machines. The research focuses on reducing common-mode and differential-mode noise while retaining the high switching-speed, efficiency, and power-density advantages associated with WBG semiconductor drives.
Design/methodology/approach: A WBG inverter-fed machine drive is examined through a combined circuit- and impedance-oriented methodology. High-frequency propagation paths involving inverter switching nodes, motor windings, parasitic capacitances, cable coupling, machine frame, and grounding structures are considered. An integrated passive network combining common-mode inductance, differential-mode inductance, damping elements, and strategically located capacitors is developed. Conducted-noise spectra, common-mode current, differential-mode disturbance, insertion loss, resonance behaviour, filter stress, and implementation requirements are used as principal evaluation measures.
Findings: The study indicates that coordinated passive filtering provides stronger broadband EMI suppression than treating individual noise paths independently. Common-mode attenuation improves when high-frequency return currents are redirected locally, while differential-mode filtering limits switching-related noise transmitted toward the supply. Appropriate damping reduces filter–cable–machine resonance. The results further indicate that filter effectiveness depends strongly on parasitic impedance and physical placement rather than component values alone.
Practical implications: The proposed approach provides power-electronics and motor-drive engineers with a practical framework for designing compact EMI mitigation networks for electric mobility, aerospace actuation, industrial drives, renewable-energy systems, and high-speed machine applications. Integration near the inverter–machine interface can reduce unwanted high-frequency current circulation while supporting compact drive construction.
Originality/value: The study develops a unified filtering perspective in which common-mode suppression, differential-mode attenuation, resonance control, parasitic behaviour, and physical integration are treated as interdependent design requirements. This supports a transition from component-oriented EMI correction toward system-level electromagnetic compatibility design for WBG motor drives
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