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This paper addresses the effects on nearby communication systems when Spread Spectrum Modulation techniques are used for a DC-DC power converter. These interactions can be found in modern smart grids and automotive power networks in which the combination of communication links, switching power supplies and long cables play a major role in Electromagnetic Interference issues at low frequencies below 150 kHz. Spread Spectrum Modulation, with its different variations (Sine and Random) are widely used to comply with Electromagnetic Compatibility standards. However, there are certain effects that can be harmful to either the converter or the rest of the power network. These effects happen at different frequencies and for different parameters used in the modulation algorithm. With the aim to standardise an assessment procedure, measurements are made to determine the interference created by a SiC based DC-DC converter. The Peak index of a CISPR-16 EMI receiver is used to evaluate the behaviour in the frequency domain while a study in serial communication disruption is undertaken using mean and quantile values from a Bit Error Rate (BER) tester.

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Interference in Power Line Communication (PLC) is examined in this paper. PLC is a wired communication technology that provides communication and data transmission over the existing electrical network. It uses the electrical wiring in buildings or the electrical grid to transmit data signals between devices, rather than using dedicated communication cables or wireless signals. Many applications employ PLC technologies, which have the benefit of leveraging existing power connections for both power and data transfer, reducing cost and complexity. These interactions may be observed in contemporary smart grids and automobile power networks, where lengthy cables, switching power supplies and communication links all work together but exacerbate Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) problems. This research examines the effects of spread spectrum methods used to reduce EMI from power converters on PLC systems. Spread Spectrum Modulation (SSM) and its three variants, Sine, Random and Sawtooth, are frequently employed to meet the requirements of electromagnetic compatibility, however, there are some repercussions that may be detrimental to the converter or the rest of the electrical network. These outcomes occur for various modulation algorithm settings and at various frequencies. Measurements are made utilising the Frame Error Rate (FER) value provided by the PLC link system to ascertain the interference produced by a Silicon Carbide (SiC)-based DC-DC converter in order to investigate these concerns and standardise an assessment approach. To examine the effect of SSM on reducing EMI in the frequency domain, the peak index of a CISPR-16 EMI receiver is used.

This paper demonstrates that using conventional frequency scanning methods for the evaluation of conducted electromagnetic interference generated by DC/DC converters can give misleading results when pseudo-random modulation is used as part of the converter control scheme. The paper therefore proposes that the resolution bandwidth of the super heterodyne EMI test receiver used for measurements and the dwell time should be adjusted to match the control parameters of the random modulation scheme. The use of different values for resolution bandwidth and dwell time is demonstrated and measurements for random and fixed modulation schemes are compared.