Application of PRBS for dominant source identification electromagnetic interference caused by digital integrated circuits

Pseudo-random binary sequence (PRBS) was applied to identify dominant noise sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI) radiated from a printed circuit board (PCB) including line driver ICs. The ICs were controlled in activation of output according to a set of PRBSs that varied amplitude of switching current generated in the ICs and also changes the strength of EMI. Correlation coefficients between the temporal variation of conducted EMI strength and PRBS were examined. Results showed that PRBS has a potential to identify dominant noise sources of EMI.