Glimpse into the Science of Power
Power conditioners are often considered essential for audio and video systems. However, they are only necessary when dealing with noise outside the 50-70 Hz AC power frequency range. It’s essential to eliminate noise in this range before it affects the equipment. While power conditioners don't address AC noise in the utility AC power operating frequency, active power regeneration systems can decouple equipment from the utility AC mains. However, all active solutions use a portion of the input power, reducing power delivery to your equipment, potentially raising the noise floor, and reducing the impact of transients.
Signal grounds are crucial in audio and video systems because they establish a “Zero Reference” point for digital and analog equipment. Sound is composed of multiple sine waves, each with positive and negative amplitudes passing through a zero point. A true square wave does not exist in laboratory settings or nature. Instead, what is observed as a square wave on an oscilloscope is a complex combination of numerous sine waves. A common signal ground for your system creates an identical zero point reference crossing for your entire system, ensuring maximum musicality and vivid video.
Chassis grounds can dramatically reduce EMI* saturation to and from your equipment and cabling. Cabling is essentially a transmit-and-receive antenna; radiation absorption and transmission must be negated. Typical electronics have power supply connections to the chassis and the power inlet, plus the cabling connectors are chassis-mounted. This combination can be detrimental by conducting power supply and chassis noise along the signal chain to the speakers or video monitor. Where needed, a chassis grounding system can be highly beneficial when implemented correctly.
EnKlein stands at the forefront of innovation in complex analog and digital electronics, serving both commercial and government sectors. With a founder who boasts over 30 patents in applied AI, signal, and systems technology, we provide state-of-the-art solutions for a wide range of communications and non-communications equipment. Enhance your audio and video systems through our expert knowledge and unwavering commitment to cutting-edge technology!
*Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is a significantly increasing issue derived from electronic devices and has become increasingly common since the 1990s. It consists of two distinct fields: electrical and magnetic, with the latter dissipating rapidly as distance from its source increases. A wide range of electronic components, including cables and circuit boards, are inherently vulnerable to EMI due to their close proximity within the magnetic field. Fluctuations in this field nduces currents that can create malfunctions and performance problems in electronic devices. It's crucial to understand that EMI density in the 21st century is increasing as quantity of household electronics increases; WIFI, IOT, air purifiers, mobile phones, and even your audio/video equipment are sources of undesired EMI.
