EMC Challenges in Electric Drives based on Wide-Bandgap devices for automotive applications

Nowadays, the electric vehicle industry is growing rapidly and the demands for performance and efficiency rise the bar higher and higher. To keep up with, wide-band gap (WBG) devices had to be introduced. Higher switching frequencies, reduction of power losses, and the increase of the power density are the main contributors of this technology. However, it is inevitable the increasing of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) that brings new challenges in terms of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC). This thesis analyzes the nature of these interferences, radiated and conducted by investigating on the origin. The final achievement is to propose mitigation technique based on hardware or software solutions that allow the system to be compliant with international standards. The system under evaluation is made up high and low voltage systems, the research identifies the critical areas where these interferences have the greatest impact. A special attention is reserved to bearing currents. This phenomenon leads to damage and malfunctions that can be avoided by creating a circuital model able to predict this event since the design stage. A realistic modelling requires Vector Network Analysis, Finite Element simulation, Vector Fitting simulation and equipment testing that is integrated with literature studies.