Phoenix Contact Launches EMC Filters To Limit High-Frequency Interference

Electrical devices will naturally produce electrical noise, and this noise can disrupt more sensitive systems. Servo drives, AC motors, and even DC motors can cause disruptive electrical signals in a system. Devices such as communication or analog sensors are sensitive to this noise and can give false readings or drop communications. In response to this issue, Phoenix Contact, a supplier of all things electrical, has launched three new lines of EMC filters.

Phoenix Contact has launched the FILS-1S, SFP2, and TTC-6-SFP series of EMC filters. Image used courtesy of Phoenix Contact

Three New EMC Filters

The three new families of EMC filters are designed to filter out disruptive electrical noise in both AC and DC circuits. The FIL-1S series of EMC filters is designed for high-frequency interference. The filters utilize a metal housing and an additional PE terminal for detecting interferences between the active wires and ground. The FIL series supports a nominal load current of 1 to 20 A at 230 VAC.

The SFP2 series of EMC filters not only protects devices from electrical noise but doubles as an overcurrent device, protecting both the input and output sides of the filter. This series includes variants that are UL recognized and features a nominal load current range of 5 to 20 A.

The 6.2 mm wide TTC-6-SFP-24AC-PT EMC filter designed for high-frequency noise and surge protection. Image used courtesy of Phoenix Contact

When panel space is a concern, the TTC-6-SFP series of EMC filters offers high-frequency protection in a compact 6.2 mm wide package. This filter is designed to keep unwanted noise out of digital communication systems.

Mounting and Installation

Most electrical filters are large and require mounting directly on the back plane of the electrical panel. This mounting requires drilling into the back plane and produces metal shavings that could damage other devices. Phoenix Contact's new EMC filters utilize the standard DIN rail system that most other electrical devices use. The filters feature screw or push-connect style terminals for faster and more secure connections to the filter.

Phoenix Contact’s newest EMC filters can be mounted via DIN rail. Image used courtesy of Phoenix Contact

Electrical Noise In The System

Troubleshooting electrical noise can be difficult because it isn't always clear where the noise is coming from. The quick-and-dirty solution is to start bonding everything to ground, which can often cause more interference. An EMC filter is the best way to filter out electrical noise when using devices such as servo drives, VFDs, or DC motor controllers. These devices alter the frequency of the incoming voltage to control the downstream motion device. This altered frequency will sometimes find its way back into other devices.

The new family of filters from Phoenix Contact filters out high-frequency noise from the incoming voltage and outputs a clean, constant voltage to downstream devices, along with providing overcurrent protection. The filters are ideal for systems having trouble with electrical noise and where panel space is at a premium.