[RFI] [YCCC] Interference to CO Alarm

Jim Brown jim at audiosystemsgroup.com
Tue Nov 7 18:46:41 EST 2006


The CO Alarm is acting as a radio receiver, and we all know that a receiver 
needs an antenna. Thus, ALWAYS begin by asking What receiving antenna(s) is 
(are) connected to the device receiving the interference, including 1) power 
supply leads, 2) sensor leads,  3) output leads, 4) indicator leads, and 5) 
internal wiring (and circuit traces). Next, ask which of these receiving 
antennas are long enough to be effective receiving antennas for the 
interfering signal? Third, ask What other conductive element can sink 
antenna current flowing THROUGH the device receiving interference? 

Ferrite parts that surround an antenna reduce that antenna current -- IF they 
significantly increase the total series equivalent impedance of the antenna. 
There are several tutorials on my website that explain how ferrites work, 
include graphs of measured data for some commonly available parts, and show 
how to use them. The graphs of measured data will help you decide how to 
maximize the impedance at any given frequency.  

http://audiosystemsgroup.com/publish

There are also several mechanisms that can convert that antenna current (a 
common mode current) to a differential mode signal (see the tutorial and 
papers on my website about SCIN (Shield-Current-Induced Noise). This means 
that a simple lowpass filter may also be needed on any of this wiring, or 
even at the semiconductor junction that is detecting the RF). 

Note also that virtually all detection is square law, so, for example, a 3 dB 
reduction in RF current results in a 6 dB reduction in detected interference. 

Jim Brown K9YC
Audio Systems Group, Inc.




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