Noise Reduction Examples

Countermeasures for Conducted Noise from Phase‑Controlled Temperature Controllers

A standard noise filter was used for conducted noise suppression in a phase-controlled temperature controller. However, the margin relative to the regulatory limits was insufficient, and additional countermeasures are now being considered.
While it is possible to add phase-to-phase capacitors as an external measure, the shipment deadline is approaching, leaving no time to review component mounting methods, wiring, or mechanical modifications.
In this situation, is there an effective alternative approach?

Limitation on the number of crimp terminals
Limitation on the number of crimp terminals
Securing space for relay terminal blocks
Securing space for relay terminal blocks
Man-hours required for processing fixed and live parts
Man-hours required for processing fixed and live parts

This may be due to normal mode noise. In such cases, the "U option" which enhances normal‑mode attenuation, is effective.
Because the U Option has the same external dimensions as the standard model, no mechanical redesign is required, allowing for an easy drop‑in replacement.

Reason

A phase-controlled temperature controller adjusts output power by switching based on the AC voltage phase. This switching operation generates normal‑mode noise.

*The switching element used is typically a TRIAC, which consists of two thyristors connected in reverse parallel.

Switching waveform during phase control
Switching waveform during phase control
Phase-controlled temperature circuit diagram
Phase-controlled temperature circuit diagram

Solution Decision

Noise terminal voltage when using U option(example of TAC-30-103 and TAC-50-103-U)
Noise terminal voltage when using U option(example of TAC-30-103 and TAC-50-103-U)

The U Option provides improved normal‑mode attenuation in the low-frequency range.
Since its external dimensions and mounting footprint are identical to the standard product, it can be replaced directly without design changes.
This eliminates issues such as:

Additional crimp terminals required for
  -external capacitors
  -Securing terminal block space
  -Designing and mounting external capacitor fixtures

Commentary

(1) Attenuation characteristics comparison

Compared with the standard model, the U Option delivers greater low‑frequency normal‑mode attenuation. It achieves noise suppression equivalent to adding external capacitors.

Comparison of normal mode attenuation characteristic(example of TAC-50-103 and TAC-50-103-U)
Comparison of normal mode attenuation characteristic(example of TAC-50-103 and TAC-50-103-U)

(2) Internal Circuit Differences

Inside the noise filter, a phase‑to‑phase capacitor is incorporated to suppress ormal‑mode noise.
  -Standard model: Y (Star) connection
  -U Option: Δ (Delta) connection
This difference in connection topology significantly affects low‑frequency performance.

Circuit diagram of TAC-50-103(standard product)Y:Star connection
Circuit diagram of TAC-50-103(standard product)Y:Star connection
Circuit diagram of TAC-50-103-U(U option)△:Delta connection
Circuit diagram of TAC-50-103-U(U option)△:Delta connection

(3) Impedance Characteristics Comparison

Using the TAC‑50‑103 as an example, switching the capacitor connection from Y to Δ increases the inter‑phase capacitance to roughly three times (model dependent). This lowers the low‑frequency phase‑to‑phase impedance, thereby enhancing normal‑mode attenuation.
However, because Δ connection results in higher voltage across the capacitor, the rated voltage differs:

Comparison of impedance characteristics between phases(example of TAC-50-103 and TAC-50-103-U)
Comparison of impedance characteristics between phases(example of TAC-50-103 and TAC-50-103-U)

The following series support the U option.

  • JAC

    JAC series

    RoHS

    Three-phase 500VAC 6-60A
    Compact and low profile
    High-attenuation from 150kHz to 1MHz
    1-stage filter

  • TAH

    TAH series

    RoHS

    Three phase 500VAC 4-150A
    General purpose
    Low profile
    Ultra high-attenuation type from 9kHz to 1MHz
    1-stage filter

  • FTA

    FTA series

    RoHS

    Three-phase 500VAC 40-150A
    General-purpose Book type
    High-attenuation from 150kHz to 1MHz
    1-stage filter

  • FSB

    FSB series

    RoHS

    Three-phase 500VAC 10-150A
    Book type
    EMI/EMC Filter for motor drive system
    2-stage filter

  • TAC

    TAC series

    RoHS

    Three phase 500VAC 4-300A
    General purpose
    Low profile
    High-attenuation type from 150kHz to 1MHz
    1-stage filter

  • *2For other series, please contact us.
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