A smart approach to electrical interference

They provide effective filtering in electrical power networks that use ripple control technology or data lines that use Power Line Communication (PLC), which are becoming increasingly common as more factories introduce industry 4.0 technologies.

Two versions of REO’s power line filters are available, the standard CNW 161 PLC filter and the CNW 163 filter for applications requiring DIN rail mounting. Both models comply with the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive 89/336/EEC.

Interference is generated by any electronic devices active on a power line, as well as by many switch-mode power supplies. The rise of Industry 4.0 has led not only a large number of electronic devices on lines, but also to a rise in the use of PLCs. This involves the transmission of data in electrical grids, often using existing lines to minimise costs. However, this further increases the likelihood of electrical interference.

REO’s power line filters tackle EMI and RFI by removing high-frequency electrical noise from the supply network, with a filtering range from 50kHz to 20MHz. Most electronic noise falls within this range and will be safely removed before it reaches the powered devices.

“The push towards industry 4.0 is putting a bigger strain on power lines and leading to many power quality issues,” explained Steve Hughes, Managing Director, REO UK. “The resulting electrical noise can reduce device lifespans and, in rare cases, permanently damage sensitive components. Therefore, it’s important for businesses to remove these frequencies and keep them safely under control before implementing industry 4.0 technologies.

“Addressing EMI and RFI is also important for those working with renewable power sources. Power converters play a big part in making renewable energy usable, but they introduce a high amount of noise into the power lines. Being able to effectively filter out those disruptive frequencies brings us a step closer to safely adopting renewable power.”

Power converters are necessary to use renewable energies in both industrial and residential environments. However, they generate a wide band of frequencies due to the high frequency switching involved in power conversion. In order to ensure reliable power quality, these frequencies need to be limited through filtering.