- Arnold de Beer's research interests include: - Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) - Design for Compatibility - P... moreArnold de Beer's research interests include:
- Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
- Design for Compatibility
- Power Electronics
- Signal Integrity (SI)
- Radiation from Electronic Systems
- Non-linear Power System Theoryedit
The high pressure sodium lamp is a high energy outdoor light source that belongs to the high intensity discharge lamp family. It comes in different shapes and requires a ballast to start it. The high pressure sodium lamp is a source of... more
The high pressure sodium lamp is a high
energy outdoor light source that belongs to the high
intensity discharge lamp family. It comes in different
shapes and requires a ballast to start it. The high pressure
sodium lamp is a source of interference to the power line
communications channel as it injects noise when connected
to the 220V mains. This paper investigates the influence of
the high pressure sodium lamp on the narrowband and
broadband power line communications channel. It is
shown that the frequency band: 3kHz – 150kHz is not
highly infected whereas in the band: 150kHz – 30MHz,
PLC signals compete with Electromagnetic Compatibility
(EMC) levels.
energy outdoor light source that belongs to the high
intensity discharge lamp family. It comes in different
shapes and requires a ballast to start it. The high pressure
sodium lamp is a source of interference to the power line
communications channel as it injects noise when connected
to the 220V mains. This paper investigates the influence of
the high pressure sodium lamp on the narrowband and
broadband power line communications channel. It is
shown that the frequency band: 3kHz – 150kHz is not
highly infected whereas in the band: 150kHz – 30MHz,
PLC signals compete with Electromagnetic Compatibility
(EMC) levels.
Research Interests:
In pursuit of a wireless (contactless) power line communications (W-PLC) system for low voltage (LV) power distribution networks, a commonly utilized bundled low voltage electrical cable called Cabtyre, was energized with a range of... more
In pursuit of a wireless (contactless) power line
communications (W-PLC) system for low voltage (LV) power
distribution networks, a commonly utilized bundled low voltage
electrical cable called Cabtyre, was energized with a range of
frequencies up to 3 GHz. The intention was to characterize the
cable from a radio frequency radiation perspective for the
utilization of standard low voltage distribution cables as antennas in ultra high frequency (UHF) PLC systems. The range of test frequencies extends 550 MHz beyond the present IEEE 802.11g protocol which has a centre frequency of 2.45 GHz and a 80 MHz total bandwidth. The applied tests therefore allow adequately for the maximum bandwidth required with 40 MHz modulation on either side of the 2.45 GHz centre frequency
communications (W-PLC) system for low voltage (LV) power
distribution networks, a commonly utilized bundled low voltage
electrical cable called Cabtyre, was energized with a range of
frequencies up to 3 GHz. The intention was to characterize the
cable from a radio frequency radiation perspective for the
utilization of standard low voltage distribution cables as antennas in ultra high frequency (UHF) PLC systems. The range of test frequencies extends 550 MHz beyond the present IEEE 802.11g protocol which has a centre frequency of 2.45 GHz and a 80 MHz total bandwidth. The applied tests therefore allow adequately for the maximum bandwidth required with 40 MHz modulation on either side of the 2.45 GHz centre frequency
Research Interests:
The switching characteristics of GaN FETs have not yet been measured accurately because of their small electromagnetic size in relation to the circuit and the electromagnetic environment the measurements are exposed to. Switching GaN FETs... more
The switching characteristics of GaN FETs have not yet been measured accurately because of their small electromagnetic size in relation to the circuit and the electromagnetic environment the measurements are exposed to. Switching GaN FETs in a transmission line will allow for measurements to be taken in an electromagnetically defined environment. The transmission line is adapted to take optimum measurements. This is proven by the waveforms presented.
Research Interests:
Power semi-conductors are able to achieve switching transients within a few nanoseconds and possibly even faster. These fast switching transients will need to be measured and analyzed thoroughly. In this paper four different types of... more
Power semi-conductors are able to achieve switching transients within a few nanoseconds and possibly even faster. These fast switching transients will need to be measured and analyzed thoroughly. In this paper four different types of shunt constructions and installations are tested on the
same power electronics circuit, giving widely diverse results. Interpreting and analyzing these measurement results will assist in developing accurate current measurement devices for fast switching transient power electronic converters of the f future.
same power electronics circuit, giving widely diverse results. Interpreting and analyzing these measurement results will assist in developing accurate current measurement devices for fast switching transient power electronic converters of the f future.
Research Interests:
Power lines that carry communication signals tend to produce radiated electromagnetic interference (EMI). In this paper it is shown how this, usually negative effect, is used for contactless signal transmission. Commercial PLC modems... more
Power lines that carry communication signals tend to produce radiated electromagnetic interference (EMI). In this paper it is shown how this, usually negative effect, is used for contactless signal transmission. Commercial PLC modems operating in the 150kHz - 30MHz band are used and LAN signals are contactlessly transmitted and received up to 2m.
Research Interests:
The fluorescent lamps or fluorescent tubes are low pressure mercury-vapor gas-discharge lamps that use fluorescence to produce visible light. These lamps inject noise into the power-line communications channel. This can have a detrimental... more
The fluorescent lamps or fluorescent tubes are low pressure mercury-vapor gas-discharge lamps that use fluorescence to produce visible light. These lamps inject noise into the power-line communications channel. This can have a detrimental effect on the power-line communication system. In this paper we investigate the effects when the fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts are seen as noise sources on the powerline channel. It is shown that in the CENELEC band: (3kHz-150kHz) the interference level from fluorescent lamps is significantly below the allowed maximum PLC signal levels. In the band 150kHz-30MHz however, PLC signals compete with Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) levels. The operational method of the electronic ballast inside the fluorescent lamp is explained.
Research Interests:
The power-line communications channel (PLC) is one of the harsh and challenging channels due to heavy load and noise impairments. Sending and/or receiving of data bits over the PLC channel can be easily affected; therefore, several... more
The power-line communications channel (PLC) is one of the harsh and challenging channels due to heavy load and noise impairments. Sending and/or receiving of data bits over the PLC channel can be easily affected; therefore, several investigations have been conducted to illustrate interference effects over PLC where intermittent noise plays a major role in this type of communications channel. The in-building network is a non-stable system due to the heavy traffic in the wiring system; therefore the power-line communication system gets affected by the internal and external communications factors. In this paper we apply direct connections to the PLC networks in a “unique” method when the 220V mains are on and when off. Indirect connections are also conducted using different types of equipment and connections and results are presented.
Research Interests:
In this paper it is shown that conducted interference from a power converter differs when measured with and without a Line Impedance Stabilization Network (LISN). This is problematic as the true Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) of a... more
In this paper it is shown that conducted interference from a power converter differs when measured with and without a Line Impedance Stabilization Network (LISN). This is problematic as the true Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) of a converter is therefore difficult to characterize. Possible reasons for this difference are discussed showing to the influence of a LISN on measurements.
Research Interests:
This paper proposes a noise source model for power converters consisting of a single source as well as impedances that model imbalance. The single source models Differential Mode (DM) noise, while the imbalance in the model the Common... more
This paper proposes a noise source model for power converters consisting of a single source as well as impedances that model imbalance. The single source models Differential Mode (DM) noise, while the imbalance in the model the Common Mode (CM) noise. This is different from models where both the DM and CM sources are modeled independently. Such models rely on external black box observations and do not contribute to understanding the fundamentals of noise generation inside converters. Understanding how noise is generated inside the converter can aid designers to reduce conducted Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) at the source. This in turn will reduce filter size and cost, which is significant in modern day converters. Fundamentals of noise reduction in power converters are given with a boost converter as example. Reducing converter EMI at the source largely relies on balancing which is not perfect. The sensitivity of parameters which influences balancing is given.
Research Interests:
A number of measurements show the results of the harmonics and conducted emissions from “Energy-Savings” Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) when connected to the power-line communications channel. Different CFL's from different manufacturers... more
A number of measurements show the results of the harmonics and conducted emissions from “Energy-Savings” Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) when connected to the power-line communications channel. Different CFL's from different manufacturers were investigated. The paper covers the CENELEC band, as well as the broadband communications channel: 150kHz-30MHz. The obtained results show the levels of harmonics and interference that these types of lamps produce. It shows that CFL's produce interference in the 3kHz-150kHz band, but this pose no risk for PLC. Some CFL's do however produce interference in the 150kHz-30MHz band that can interfere with power-line communications.
Research Interests:
LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps have recently come on to the market as energy efficient alternatives to incandescent light bulbs. Although energy effective, they inject conductive noise into the power-line system. This can have a... more
LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps have recently come on to the market as energy efficient alternatives to incandescent light bulbs. Although energy effective, they inject conductive noise into the power-line system. This can have a detrimental effect on the power-line communications channel. This paper investigates these effects when LED lamps are seen as noise sources on the power line. It shows that there are two classes of LED lamps - depending on the noise generating electronics used as drivers for the light emitting diodes. Different driver electronics have different influences in different parts of the emission spectrum. It is shown that in the CENELEC band: (3kHz-150kHz) the interference level from LED lamps is significantly below the allowed maximum PLC signal levels. In the band 150kHz-30MHz however, PLC signals compete with Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) levels and the SNR can be equal to zero, but only if the lamps have active power electronic converters
Research Interests:
Leakage inductance is known to affect power transfer of transformers and coupled inductors, as well as causing voltage spikes across converter switches possibly damaging them. The standard solution is to implement a snubber to reduce... more
Leakage inductance is known to affect power transfer of transformers and coupled inductors, as well as causing voltage spikes across converter switches possibly damaging them. The standard solution is to implement a snubber to reduce these voltage spikes. This paper investigates the effects of leakage inductance as well as snubbing on conducted EMI emissions.
Research Interests:
This paper shows the problematic aspects when estimating radiating current from digital PCB's with attached wires. Variances in the digital waveform, transmission lines vs. lumped circuits, antenna ground interaction and antenna terminal... more
This paper shows the problematic aspects when estimating radiating current from digital PCB's with attached wires. Variances in the digital waveform, transmission lines vs. lumped circuits, antenna ground interaction and antenna terminal impedance predictions were difficult to include in a simple lumped circuit model.
Research Interests:
This paper gives an outline useful for introducing EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) design to first time students. It is based on the universal interference model and the concept of zoning. It structures the introduction to circuit... more
This paper gives an outline useful for introducing EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) design to first time students. It is based on the universal interference model and the concept of zoning. It structures the introduction to circuit design, filters, connections and shielding. The contributions of grounding and management are also incorporated into the outline
Research Interests:
This paper deals with specific and difficult concepts when introducing EMC to engineers and technicians. It is based on the authors experience in presenting introductory short courses. Some concepts are difficult to grasp for first time... more
This paper deals with specific and difficult concepts when introducing EMC to engineers and technicians. It is based on the authors experience in presenting introductory short courses. Some concepts are difficult to grasp for first time students as it emphasises phenomena and techniques not necessarily found in other subjects. Five concepts are identified, discussed and possible solutions given for easier understanding.