Abstract: A system is configured to obtain electromagnetic data from a circuit board. A set of sensing locations resides in a plane which is substantially parallel to the circuit board. The system includes a probe, a robotic assembly coupled to the probe, and a controller coupled to the probe and the robotic assembly. The controller is configured to move the probe to various sensing locations (e.g., a two-dimensional grid of sensing locations) and collect electromagnetic data from these sensing locations. The controller is further configured to provide an electromagnetic data output based on the collected electromagnetic data. The controller is further configured to direct the probe (or an adjacent probe) to emit electromagnetic interference at these locations in order to determine the effect of such interference on circuit board operation.

Abstract: A data communications isolation transformer uses an E—E core structure within an integrated circuit package. Two E-shaped core sections of the transformer fit together to form a core structure having a center portion and two outer portions. The center portion has twice the cross-sectional area of either of the outer portions. About the center portion fits a bobbin upon which a primary winding, a secondary winding and an electromagnetic interference shield are located. The shield lies between the two windings and attenuates common mode noise in the transformer. The shield is grounded to either the “chassis” side or the “logic” side of the apparatus. The shield may be a strip of conductive material, such as copper, or a thin conductive wire wound across the space between the primary winding and the secondary winding.

Abstract: A filtering attachment is provided for the reduction of common-mode noise in systems. The filtering attachment includes a connector, a ferrite fitted around the connector and a conductive bracket which serves to secure the ferrite around the connector as well as comprising a shunting capacitance for increased filtering.