EMI noise analysis of plasma display panels

The radiation of electromagnetic (EM) noise from a plasma display panel (PDP) is analyzed using a three dimensional finite element method (3D-FEM) and measurements. The EM noise is not only the harmonic noise from the digital circuits, but also the broad band noise from the panel itself. The EM noise amplitude depends on the displayed patterns of the panel. From the measurements of the noise from different displayed patterns and the timing of the noise emission, we found that one of the main reasons for the radiation from the panel is the displacement currents between the electrodes of the panel. This phenomenon was confirmed by the computation using a 3D-FEM. The EM noise from the panel can be decreased by optimizing waveforms of driving pulses and the grounding method of the panel electrodes.