Helping to Power Your Next Great Idea

UNDERSTANDING COMMON MODE NOISE

Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION

2 DIFFERENTIAL MODE AND COMMON MODE SIGNALS

2.1 Differential Mode Signals

2.2 Common Mode Signals

3 DIFFERENTIAL AND COMMON MODE SIGNALS AND EMC IN UTP SYSTEMS

3.1 Differential Mode signals and EMC

3.2 Common Mode signals and EMC

4 HOW A TRANSFORMER CONDUCTS COMMON MODE NOISE

5 COMMON MODE CHOKE - PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

5.1 Effect of Differential Mode signal on an ideal choke

5.2 Effect of Common Mode signal on an ideal choke

6 CENTER TAPPED AUTOTRANSFORMER - PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

6.1 Effect of Differential Mode signal on an ideal autotransformer

6.2 Effect of Common Mode signal on an ideal autotransformer

power.pulseelectronics.com
1
 PAGE 3 OF 7

1 Introduction
1 INTRODUCTION

Understanding
Understandingthe difference between
the difference between common-mode
common-modeand anddifferential
differential mode signalsisiscrucial
mode signals crucialforfor
the correct understanding
the correct understandingof how Pulse’s
of how Pulse'smagnetic
magnetic interface
interfacemodules
modules work. Transformers,
Transformers,
common-mode
common-mode chokes and and
chokes autotransformer
autotransformer terminations
terminationsplay
playaakey
keyrole
role in
in the reductionofof
the reduction
common-mode interference in our LAN and Telecom interface circuits. Common-mode noise
common-mode interference in our LAN and Telecom interface circuits. Common-mode noise
plays an important role in the generation of Radio Frequency Interference
plays an important role in the generation of Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) in communications (RFI) in
communications systems using Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable, so understanding common-
systems using Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable, so understanding commonmode noise will
mode noise will lead to a better understanding of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) issues
lead toconcerning
a better understanding of Electromagnetic
magnetic interfaces. It is the purpose Compatibility
of this document(EMC) issues the
to explain concerning
key magnetic
interfaces. It is the purpose of this document to explain the key characteristics
characteristics of differential mode and common-mode signals, the principle of operation of of differential
mode common-mode
and common-mode chokessignals, the principle terminations,
and auto-transformer of operation andof common-mode
why common-mode chokes
noiseand
on auto-
UTP
transformer terminations,
cable leads and why common-mode noise on UTP cable leads to noise emissions.
to noise emissions.

2 Differential Mode and Common Mode Signals

2 DIFFERENTIAL MODE AND COMMON MODE SIGNALS
In this section we consider a simple two-wire cable, terminated at one end with a load impedance
In this section we consider a simple two-wire cable, terminated at one end with a load impedance
(LOAD). The voltages on each wire relative to ground potential (GND) are denoted V and V .
(LOAD). The voltages on each wire relative to ground potential (GND) are denoted V11 and V22 .
The differential-mode signal component is V V andand
The differential-mode signal component isDIFF
thethe
common-mode signal component is VCOM. .
common-mode signal component is VCOM
Parasitic capacitance that that
exists between thethe
cable and
andGND
GNDare
areshown
shown as CPP..
DIFF
Parasitic capacitance exists between cable as C

2.1 Differential Mode Signals

2.1 Differential Mode signals

For pure
Fordifferential mode:
pure differential mode :

V1 = - V …..
V12 = - V(eqn. 1)
….. (eqn. 1) V DIFF ID LOAD
2

Magnitudes are equal

Magnitudes are equal V1
o
Phase difference
Phase difference is 180°is 180
V2
VDIFF = V1 - V2 ….. (eqn. 2)
VDIFF = V1 - V2 ….. (eqn. 2)
No current flows to ground because of
No current flowsoftoVground
symmetry because of
1 and V2 about ground.
symmetry of V1 andmode
All differential V2 about ground.
current (ID) flows GND
All differential mode
through the LOAD current (ID
) flows
through the LOAD. V DIFF = V 1 - V 2
In a cable based transmission system
In a cable based transmission
the Differential Mode signalsystem
is the
“wanted” signal
the Differential Mode that carries
signal is the V1
information. All Physical Layer (PHY)
“wanted” signal that carries
transceivers for LAN and Telecom
information. All Physical Layer (PHY)
applications are differential mode
t
transceivers
devicesfor LAN and Telecom
applications are differential mode V2
devices.
The instantaneous sum of the two
voltages (V1 + V2) is always zero.
The instantaneous sum of the two
voltages (V1 + V2) is always zero.
UNDERSTANDING COMMON MODE NOISE
G019.A (4/99)

power.pulseelectronics.com
2
 2.2 Common Mode signals
2.2 Common Mode Signals 2.2 Common Mode signals
For pure common mode signals :
For pure common mode signals:
V 3= 0 LOAD
V1 = V2 = VCOMV…..
1 = V(eqn. 3)….. (eqn.
2 = VCOM For pure
3) common mode signals :
V 1= V COM
V 3= 0
Magnitudes are equal V1 = V2 = VCOM ….. (eqn. 3)
Magnitudes are equal
o
V 2 = VVCOM IC
Phase difference is 0
Phase difference is 0° 1= V COMC
P
Magnitudes are equal
V3 = 0 ….. (eqn.
Phase 4)
difference is 0
o
V 2 = V COM
V3 = 0 ….. (eqn. 4) CP
No current flows in Vthe=load GND
3 0 because ….. (eqn. 4)
No current flows in the load because across it.
there is no potential difference
All common mode current (IC) flows to
there is no potential
GND viadifference Noacross
currentit.between
parasitic capacitance flows in the load because
All common mode current
the cable (IC)there
and GND. flowsistono potential difference across it.
GND via parasitic capacitance Allbetween
common mode current (IC) flows toV = V 2 = V COM
the cable andInGND. GND via parasitic
a cable based transmission capacitance between1
system the
Common Mode signal the iscable and GND.
the “unwanted” V 3= 0
signal because it carries no information. V 1 = V 2 = V tCOM
In a cable based transmissionInsystem the
a cable based transmission system the
Common Mode Thesignal is the “unwanted”
instantaneous sum of theMode
Common two signal is the “unwanted” V 3= 0
signal because it carries
voltages noVinformation.
V1 and is non-zero.
2 signal because Theit carries no information.
The instantaneous sum
potential of the
of the cable two
pair varies with
voltages V1 and V istonon-zero.
respect ground. The The
This varying potentialsum of the two
instantaneous
gives2rise to electromagnetic radiation
potential of the cable pair varies
from the cable.
with V1 and V2 is non-zero. The
voltages
respect to ground. This varying potential
potential of the cable pair varies with
gives rise to electromagnetic radiation ground. This varying potential
respect to
givesAND
riseCOMMON
to electromagnetic radiation
from the cable.3 DIFFERENTIAL MODE SIGNALS AND EMC IN UTP SYSTEMS.
from the cable.
Individual wires in a twisted pair cable are wound around each other in a dual helix structure. The
3 Differential Common Mode
spiral form Signals
means and EMC
that induced in UTP Systmes
magnetic fields caused by the current flowing in individual wires is
to some extent contained within the confines of the spiral. This containment is not perfect, and a
3 DIFFERENTIAL AND COMMON MODE SIGNALS AND EMC IN UTP SYSTEM
Individual wiressignificant magnetic
in a twisted pairfield also are
cable exists outsidearound
wound the spiral,
eachbut other
in general,
in a the
dualtighter
helixwound the The
structure.
Individual wires in a twisted pair cable are wound around each otherofina a dual helix str
twisted pair, the better is the flux containment. The direction of flow of current in each wire
spiral form means
twistedthat
pairinduced
determines magnetic fieldsthe
caused willby the current Itflowing in individual wires is
spiraltoform
whatmeans
extent thatpair
induced radiate noise.fields
magnetic is the different
caused current
by the flows
current flowing in individ
to some extent contained
found within
in differential and
to the confines
common
some mode
extent of signals
the spiral.
contained This
that is
within the containment
the of theisspiral.
crucial difference
confines not perfect,
between and a
thecontainment
This two. is not pe
significant magnetic field alsosignificant
exists outside the spiral,
magnetic but
field also in general,
exists outside the
the tighter
spiral, butwound the the tighter woun
in general,
twisted pair, the
3.1 better is the flux
Differential containment.
Mode signals
twisted and
pair, the The isdirection
EMC
better of flow of current
the flux containment. in each wire
The direction of of
of flow a current in each
twisted pair determines to what extent
twisted thedetermines
pair pair will radiate
to whatnoise.
extent Itthe
is pair
the different
will radiatecurrent
noise. flows
It is the different cur
found in differential and common foundmode signals that
in differential is the crucial
and common modedifference
signals thatbetween the two.
is the crucial difference between
I DIFF

3.1 Differential Mode Signals and3.1

EMC Differential Mode signals and EMC
LOA D

For pure differential mode signals, theI I DIFF

DIFF
currents in each of the wires in a pair
travel in opposite directions. If the pair is
UNDERSTANDING COMMON MODE NOISE LOA D
uniformly wound these
G019.A (4/99)opposing currents
produce equal and opposite polarized
I DIFF
magnetic fields that cancel each other out.

(If the two wires in a given pairUNDERSTANDING

are not identically
COMMONwound,
MODEthe generated magnetic fields will not be
NOISE
exactly equal and opposite and so will not exactly cancel. This asymmetry gives rise to RFI
G019.A (4/99)
radiation. This process is called “Differential to Common-mode conversion”)

Differential mode signals do not directly generate RFI in UTP cable systems.

power.pulseelectronics.com
3
 3.2 Common Mode signals and EMC
Common mode current ICOM flows both in both wires in the same direction, and returns to GND via

3.2 Common Mode Signals and EMC

I
Common mode current ICOM flows both COM I COM
in both wires in the same direction, and LOA D
returns to GND via parasitic capacitance LOA D
CP. In this case, the currents generate I COM CP I COM
magnetic fields with equal magnitude and I COM I COM
polarity, which do not cancel each other out. CP

The common mode current is able to GND

generate an electromagnetic field outside

GND
the spiral wound pair, whichcapacitance
parasitic acts just Clike
P. In this case, the currents generate magnetic fields with equal
magnitude and polarity, which do not cancel each other out. The common mode current is able to
an antenna. generate an electromagnetic field outside the spiral wound pair, which acts just like an antenna.

Common mode signals directly

Common modegenerate RFI in
signals directly UTP cable
generate systems.
RFI in UTP cable systems.

4 How A Transformer Conducts Common Mode Noise

4 HOW A TRANSFORMER CONDUCTS COMMON MODE NOISE

An ideal transformer Anis a notional

ideal perfect
transformer circuitperfect
is a notional element that
circuit
transfers electrical energy
elementbetween primary
that transfers and
electrical secondary
energy between I COM
CWW
primary and secondary windings by the action of
windings by the action of perfect
perfect magneticmagnetic
coupling. The coupling. The will
ideal transformer
ideal transformer willonly
onlytransfer
transfer alternating,
alternating, differential
differential mode
mode current.
current. Common mode Common current
modewill not will
current benottransferred
be transferred
because it results in a zero potential difference across
because it results in the
a zero potential
transformer difference
windings across
and therefore doesthe
not
transformer windingsgenerate
and therefore does not generate
any magnetic field in the transformer
any magnetic field inwindings.
the transformer windings.
Any real transformer will have a small, but non-zero
Any real transformer capacitance
will have alinking
small, but non-zero
primary to secondary windings.
capacitance linking primary to secondary
The capacitance is a result windings. The
of the physical spacing
capacitance is a result of the physical spacing.
UNDERSTANDING COMMON MODE NOISE
For common-mode current, Cww offers a path across the transformer, the impedance of which is
G019.A (4/99)

dependent on the magnitude of the capacitance and the signal frequency.

5 Common Mode Choke - Principle of Operation

UNDERSTANDING COMMON MODE NOISE

In the following section we consider an (4/99)
G019.A ideal two winding, single core, common mode choke. We
neglect the effects of stray impedance (DCR, Cww, Cp, RL etc.) that are always present to a
greater or lesser extent in a real choke. This assumption is reasonable, because in a well-designed
choke, the stray impedance will always be negligible compared to the circuit source and
load impedance.

5.1 Effect of Differential Mode Signal on an ideal Choke

I DIFF
The differential mode current, flowing in opposite directions
through the choke windings, creates equal and opposite
magnetic fields which cancel each other out. This results
in the choke presenting zero impedance to the differential
mode signal, which passes through the choke unattenuated. I DIFF

power.pulseelectronics.com
4
 5.2 Effect of Common Mode Signal on an Ideal Choke

The common mode current, flowing in the same direction through each of the choke windings,
creates equal and in-phase magnetic fields which add together. This results in the choke presenting
PAGE 7 OF 7
a high impedance to the common mode signal, which passes through the choke heavily attenuated.
The actual attenuation (or common mode rejection) depends on the relative magnitudes of the
presenting a high impedance to the common mode signal, which passes through the choke
choke impedance and the load impedance.
heavily attenuated. The actual attenuation (or common mode rejection) depends on the relative
magnitudes of the choke impedance and the load impedance.
6 Center Tapped Autotransformer - Principle of Operation

6 CENTER TAPPED AUTOTRANSFORMER - PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

An autotransformer is so called because it consists of only one winding, and energy transfer
through the device is effected by
An autotransformer direct
is so calledcurrent
because transfer. In of
it consists theonly
following section
one winding, andwe consider
energy an
transfer
ideal autotransformer
through thetermination. We neglect
device is effected the
by direct effects
current of stray
transfer. In impedance
the following (DCR,
section Cww, Cp, RL
we consider an
etc.) that are always present to a greater or lesser extent in a real device. This assumption is
ideal autotransformer termination. We neglect the effects of stray impedance (DCR, Cww, Cp,
reasonable, because in aare
RL etc.) that well-designed
always presenttermination,
to a greater orthelesser
strayextent
impedance
in a real will always
device. Thisbe negligibly
assumption is
reasonable, because in a well-designed termination, the stray impedance will always be negligibly
small compared to the circuit source and load impedance.
small compared to the circuit source and load impedance.

6.1 Effect of Differential

6.1 Mode
Effect ofSignal on an Ideal
Differential ModeAutotranformer
signal on an ideal autotransformer.

A differential mode signal sees the two halves of I DIFF

the center-tapped autotransformer with the
A differential mode signal sees the two halves of
windings in phase.
the center-tapped autotransformer with the
windings in phase.
This means that current in the device causes a V DIFF SAME POLA RITY
magnetic fieldThis
to be formed
means and thein device
that current presents
the device causes a
(HIGH IMPEDANCE)

a high impedance.
magnetic field to be formed and the device presents GND
a high impedance.
The device acts as a high value parallel impedance,
and does notThe device actsattenuate
significantly as a high the
value parallel impedance,
differential I DIFF
and does not significantly attenuate the differential
mode signal. mode signal.

6.2 Effect of Common Mode Signal on an Ideal Autotransformer

6.2 Effect of Common Mode signal on an ideal autotransformer.

A common mode signalmode

A common seessignal
the two halves
sees ofhalves
the two the center-tapped autotransformer
of the center-tapped withwith
autotransformer the the
windings in anti-phase. This meansThis
windings in anti-phase. thatmeans
current
thatincurrent
the device
in the causes equal equal
device causes and opposite phase
and opposite phase
magnetic fields to be generated which cancel each other out. The effect is that the device
presents zero impedance to common mode I signals, shorting them directly to ground potential.
COM I COM
V COM

V COM

OPPOSITE POLA RITY

(Z ERO IMPEDANCE) GND V COM
I COM

GND

magnetic fields to be generated which cancel each other out. The effect is that the device
presents zero impedance to common mode signals, shorting them directly to ground potential.

power.pulseelectronics.com
UNDERSTANDING COMMON MODE NOISE
G019.A (4/99) 5
 5.1 Effect of Differential Mode Signal on an ideal Choke

The differential mode current, flowing in opposite directions

through the choke windings, creates equal and opposite
magnetic fields which cancel each other out. This results
in the choke presenting zero impedance to the differential
mode signal, which passes through the choke unattenuated.

5.2 Effect of Common Mode Signal on an Ideal Choke

The common mode current, flowing in the same direction through each of the choke windings,
creates equal and in-phase magnetic fields which add together. This results in the choke presenting
a high impedance to the common mode signal, which passes through the choke heavily attenuated.
The actual attenuation (or common mode rejection) depends on the relative
magnitudes of the choke impedance and the load impedance.

6 Center Tapped Autotransformer - Principle of Operation

An autotransformer is so called because it consists of only one winding, and energy transfer
through the device is effected by direct current transfer. In the following section we consider an
ideal autotransformer termination. We neglect the effects of stray impedance (DCR, Cww, Cp,
RL etc.) that are always present to a greater or lesser extent in a real device. This assumption is
reasonable, because in a well-designed termination, the stray impedance will always be negligibly
small compared to the circuit source and load impedance.

TOOLS AND RESOURCES

SEARCH PRODUCT FINDER

GET A QUOTE

CUSTOM DESIGN SERVICES

http://www.power.pulseelectronics.com/resources/competitive-cross-reference
http://www.power.pulseelectronics.com/resources/competitive-cross-reference
http://www.power.pulseelectronics.com/resources/competitive-cross-reference
http://www.power.pulseelectronics.com/resources/competitive-cross-reference
http://www.power.pulseelectronics.com/resources/competitive-cross-reference

© Copyright 2012, Pulse Engineering Inc. Subject to change without notice. All rights reserved
power.pulseelectronics.com
6