An integrated modeling approach for electromagnetic coupling in power and control cables

Unwanted electromagnetic coupling can degrade signal integrity, reduce power efficiency, and impact Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Crosstalk, in particular, is a key problem in multi-conductor cables, especially in high-frequency power transmission and communication networks. Hence, accurate modeling of unintended coupling, including crosstalk, requires reliable prediction approaches. Crosstalk in cables can be modelled analytically using a Multiconductor Transmission Lines (MTL)-based approach, which provides symbolic-form solutions and enables straightforward estimations. However, applying analytical MTL formulations leads to inaccurate results since practical cases often exceed their basic assumptions. Alternatively, full-wave numerical methods enable more realistic modelling of unwanted Electromagnetic interference (EMI), accounting for complex conductor geometries, inhomogeneous media, frequency-dependent effects, and higher-order mode interactions. Nevertheless, they are computationally intensive and require further post-processing to be integrated into the circuit-level simulators widely used in industrial settings. This thesis proposes a hybrid approach to predict unwanted EMI, balancing the accuracy of numerical simulations with the efficiency of circuit-based simulations. The strategy was applied to model Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT) in quad power and control cable. The results were validated with experimental measurements, demonstrating the ability of the circuit-level model to capture the effects of cable length, the spatial configuration of generator and receptor circuits, and the termination impedance on the unintended coupling effects. The findings are most relevant in applications such as electric vehicle charging stations, industrial control, and renewable energy systems, where high power quality and EMC must be guaranteed. The practical recommendations provided in the work are particularly useful in industrial settings, where customized cable models are required to integrate the Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE)-like simulator to ensure EMC requirements are met at the system level.