Exploring EFT to Test Rapid High-Frequency Energy Bursts
Published2018.01.03 15:16Semiconductor devices must undergo various certification tests beyond electromagnetic interference compatibility, electrostatic discharge, transient pulses, vibration durability, humidity, and temperature stress. These tests are performed through repeated trials in the actual application environment of the device.
Semiconductor manufacturers must pass certification requirements without wasting time and costs from PCB modifications, new construction, and continuous debugging by understanding which parts of the device to test, which standards apply to the tests, how to conduct them, what the pass/fail criteria are, and what conditions apply.
Among several tests, there is the transient pulse test, an interference measurement method used in certification standards for fields such as industrial and automotive applications. The transient pulse test evaluates how well a device or system can withstand high-voltage pulses on power and communication buses and maintain functional communication.
EFT (electrical fast transient) testing is a type of transient pulse test defined in the IEC 61000-4-4 standard. Additionally, depending on specific industry sectors, derivative EFT standards based on IEC 61000-4-4 are being defined. For example, the European standard 55024 defines requirements for information technology equipment used in the European Union.
EFT is faster compared to other transient pulse tests. By using pulse waveforms with high peak voltage, fast rise time, and high repetition rate, it can simulate fast high-frequency energy bursts generated by inductive load switching such as back EMF (electromotive force) from relay contactors or motors. Since this type of pulse is very common in industrial environments, such testing is essential to verify that devices maintain proper operation.
Some RS-485 transceivers must pass this type of test. RS-485 communication interfaces are commonly used in industrial environments due to their excellent noise immunity and capability for long-distance operation. Devices in many systems using RS-485 contact many parts of the application, making them vulnerable to fast transients. An example is motor control, where RS-485 transceivers provide an interface between motor encoders and microcontrollers. Because transceivers connect to motor encoders, transients enter not only through the main AC and DC power shared with the motor but also through communication and control signals.
The occurrence of transients along with communication waveforms is inevitable. Therefore, RS-485 devices must not be damaged by these strikes and must be able to quickly recover communication. This prevents messages sent to or received from the microcontroller from being interrupted or misinterpreted.
TI's RS-485 transceiver THVD1550 is designed with emphasis on EFT and ESD protection functions to operate robustly in demanding industrial environments. It provides an RS-485 interface reference design with excellent EMC immunity for absolute encoders.
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