[Partner Content] We are exposed to EMI everywhere, it is unavoidable, but what is the effect on op-amps and what can you do to avoid it? In this article, we explain why it is important to use operational amplifiers with a high EMIRR. Read all about it!
These interference sources (Figure 1) can have any type of frequency, from several megahertz up to the gigahertz range, and are either conducted EMI (transmitted by connected elements) or radiated EMI (transmitted by wireless elements), such as the PCB layout, cables, case wires, and even the chip’s internal jumper wires.
How to observe the impact of NDEs?
The most common effect is an output voltage shift; AC interference is somehow rectified by internal PN junctions and filtered by the circuit, finally it appears as an amplified output voltage offset corrupting analog measurements and/or digital data. EMI can appear on any terminal, including inputs, outputs, power, and control lines. However, in general, it is assumed that the input terminal is the most vulnerable to EMI influence compared to the other terminals. The amount of offset voltage fluctuates with the strength of the EMI interference. Figure 2 shows the details of the effect of a Bluetooth RF burst causing a significant offset voltage shift in a traditional op-amp circuit.
Setting EMI Rejection Rate
In many modern operational amplifiers, measures against EMI are taken, a new term has been introduced in the list of parameters, called the Electromagnetic Interference Rejection Ratio or EMIRR in short and indicates the level of immunity to interference. The higher the EMIRR value, the lower the offset voltage offset. Refer to Figure 3 and note that this op-amp has high immunity for the RF burst, almost no visible evidence of an offset voltage shift on the op-amp output.
Comparison of EMIRR measures
When designing an application, it is important to select the correct op-amp if a significant source of EMI is expected near the sensitive inputs of the op-amp. Figure 4 shows the NJU77552 with solid EMIRR in the gigahertz range compared to op-amps from other brands. It is obvious that the NJU77552 filters out the interference from the 2.4GHz Bluetooth radio smoothly while the other product has problems in the output signal.
Learn more about EMIRR and other op-amp features on our website.
- Bandwidth/speed gain
- Low power/low current
- Accuracy / Stability
- RF Immunity
- Voltage range
- I/O Capabilities
- low noise
- Package Options
- System costs
- Op amps and comparators
- Analog front end
- Power Management ICs
- Reset and Watchdog Timer ICs
- battery management IC
- Audio and video integrated circuits
- RF device
- Optoelectronic devices
- Motor ICs
- Signal conditioning devices
- VSAT Components
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