Electromagnetic Compatibility (Emc) - Kohler Curtis F Series Manual

Curtis AC F2-A, F4-A, F6-A Motor Controllers – FOS 4.5 – April 2022

ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC)

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) encompasses two areas: emissions and immunity. Emissions
are radio frequency (RF) energy generated by a product. This energy has the potential to interfere
with communications systems such as radio, television, cellular phones, dispatching, aircraft, etc.
Immunity is the ability of a product to operate as intended in the presence of RF energy generated by
other sources as well as itself. EN12895 is the relevant EMC standard for the CE marking of industrial
trucks intended for sale in Europe and some other countries.
EMC Compliance is ultimately a system requirement. Part of the EMC performance is designed into
or inherent in each component of a system; another part is designed into or inherent in end product/
system characteristics such as shielding, wire routing, individual component layout and a portion is a
function of the interactions between all these parts. The techniques presented below can help reduce
the risk of EMC problems in products that incorporate Curtis motor controllers.
Emissions
High frequency signals can produce RF emissions that are measurable during Radiated Emissions
testing. Long cable and wire harness runs essentially become antennas for the emissions to travel.
Therefore, emission reduction techniques include making the battery and motor cables as short as
possible. Minimize the lengths of the AMPseal connector wire harness runs and the formation of
wire loops. Further emission decreases may include using shielded cables or ferrites on the control
wires and twisting the motor and battery cables. Route the battery and AC motor cables separate
from the control wires. When separating control wires and the battery/motor cable routing is not
possible, cross them at right angles.
RF Immunity
Radiated immunity problems may occur when the controller is located close to other devices
generating high RF energy. Possible ways to help prevent other devices from interfering with a
Curtis controller include:
• Placing the controller as far as possible from such noise sources.
• Shield the controller from the noise.
• Enclose the controller in a metal box and add proper ferrites to all cabling entering and
• Other possible solutions include the use of ferrite beads at the RF noise source(s) to prevent
pg. 252
leaving it.
the noise from traveling along the wiring harness and cross conducting onto sensitive wires
and common connections.
APPENDIX B
VEHICLE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
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APPENDIX B