Measurement Minute: Episode 4

Improve accuracy in electric drive testing with EMI troubleshooting techniques. Optimise cable management for better noise immunity and cleaner signal data.

An operator oversees autonomous electric car production from their workstation, while another engineer uses a tablet in the background.

Practical tips to reduce EMI in electric powertrain measurements

Setting up your first electric powertrain measurement can be exciting – but also a bit chaotic. If you're like most engineers, your initial setup probably looked a little messy, and chances are, the data you collected was riddled with noise.

So what’s the culprit behind all that interference?

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Electromagnetic interference (EMI)

EMI isn’t just a nuisance – it can wreak havoc on your measurements. It’s generated by common components like inverters, variable frequency drives, and other high-frequency electronic equipment. Without proper EMI mitigation, your data accuracy can suffer significantly.

Fortunately, there are simple, effective steps you can take to minimise EMI and ensure your measurements are clean and reliable.

Top tips to minimise EMI

Separate current and voltage cables
One of the easiest ways to cut down on EMI is to physically separate current cables from voltage cables. Aim for a minimum of three metres of distance between the two. This reduces the chances of coupling high-frequency noise from the current paths into your voltage measurement lines
Keep the analyzer away from the device under test
Place your power analyzer or data acquisition system at least three metres away from the device under test (DUT). EMI is strongest near its source – typically switching components like inverters – so increasing the distance will help prevent the analyzer from picking up radiated noise
Use proper cable lengths – and don’t roll them up
Using the correct length of voltage and current cables is key. Avoid excessive cable length, and more importantly, never roll up cables. Coiled cables can act like antennas, picking up and even amplifying high-frequency interference, which induces noise currents and corrupts your signals

Why this matters

A few small adjustments can make a big difference in the clarity of your data, so by following these simple guidelines, you’ll dramatically improve the quality of your measurements. Cleaner data means faster troubleshooting, more reliable results, and ultimately, a smoother path to market for your electric drive systems.

Ready to tackle EMI in your next test?

Explore our application page on electric power testing for advanced strategies, real-world examples, and tools to optimise your measurement setup and reduce EMI in electric drive systems.

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