PFC full bridge rectifiers EMI modeling and analysis-common mode disturbance reduction

Switched mode power supplies must comply with electro-magnetic interference (EMI) regulations. Due to technological improvements, switching frequencies have been increased leading to reduced passive component values but also greater EMI levels, especially conducted common mode disturbances. This paper presents a simple and effective EMI forecast method to study and to analyze the conducted EMI effects before prototype testing. The methodology is validated and applied to the single phase full bridge power factor correction (PFC) rectifier. Several techniques to reduce common mode current (CMC) levels created by the converter are presented. The study is based on high frequency models and understanding of phenomenon. Looking at the control strategies and/or the propagation paths, it is demonstrated that EMI levels may be reduced. It is shown that with symmetrical EMI propagation paths, synchronized control strategies such as bipolar pulse width modulation (PWM) are preferred and lead to reduced CMC levels. On the other hand, with asymmetrical propagation paths, unipolar and half bridge control strategies may be preferred to reduce both differential mode current (DMC) and CMC levels. Results are validated using practical experiments performed under EMI regulation testing conditions.