EMI Bites: Prevent Signal Reflections with Point-to-Point Connections
EMI Bites: Prevent Signal Reflections with Point-to-Point Connections
A common PCB design flaw is introducing impedance discontinuities by branching traces, disrupting signal integrity and amplifying EMI.
Signals care only about the instantaneous impedance they encounter at each point along the trace.
When a 50-ohm trace splits at a junction, it sees differing impedances, causing reflections—unwanted signal bounces that degrade performance and potentially generate common mode noise.
The solution?
Use point-to-point connections, routing traces directly from pad to pad without branching.
This ensures a uniform 50-ohm instantaneous impedance across the signal path, eliminates reflections, minimizes EMI emissions, and enhances EMC compliance.
-Dario
P.S. Want more EMI control strategies to pass EMC?