Automatic layout optimization of an EMC filter

Abstract

The transfer function of an EMC (Electro-Magnetic Compatibility) filter is strongly disturbed in high frequency due to stray electromagnetic phenomena. On the one hand the imperfections of the components but also all magnetic couplings on the other hand. Although these effects seem to be negative, it is possible to reduce the impacts of these imperfections on the filter response, and even to use them in order to improve its behavior. A proper arrangement of components and a clever layout of tracks are required. Nevertheless, the complexity of the problem makes unthinkable a manual construction. Therefore, this paper discusses the implementation of an automatic routing algorithm based on the PEEC method (Partial Equivalent Element Circuit), in order to consider the electro-magnetic aspect in the layout definition.