Comparing Simulated Impact of Single Frequency and Multitone EMI for an Integrated Circuit

The electromagnetic immunity characteristics for integrated circuits are currently verified using tests involving single-frequency continuous wave disturbances. In real operational environments, however, systems may be exposed to simultaneous interference sources at multiple frequencies. Simulation results obtained for the electromagnetic susceptibility of a simple voltage-controlled oscillator to randomly generated multitone interferences are compared with corresponding data obtained for single frequencies. The results obtained are used to assess the validity of the current approach of testing circuit designs for immunity using single frequency noise source. Notable differences in the output response of the circuit to single and multitone interference, which could possibly lead to system malfunctions, are illustrated.