Technical Introduction
to Ferrite Cores

OMEGA's male thermocouple and RTD connectors with built-in nickel-zinc ferrite cores are used where it is desired to suppress electro-magnetic interference commonly known as EMI. Suppression of EMI has become a major concern in the instrument and control field. It is particularly important in handling and transmitting electronic data as well as signals from transducers such as thermocouples, thermistors and RTDs. This is because lead wires, extension wires and signal wires often act as antennas. OMEGA offers a family of nickel-zinc ferrites in their new FT series thermocouple connector systems to allow the user to better cut down the "antenna effect" which allows undesired signals to enter the instruments and controls.

Toroidal Cores and Thermocouple Connectors
OMEGA has developed a number of toroidal core connecting devices utilizing various compositions and configurations. The devices enable the connector to suppress electromagnetic interference as a result of the antenna effect of the lead wire or thermocouple transducer. The effectiveness of any toroidal or inductor core is based upon the material selection core configuration, number of turns around the core, and overall wire length. OMEGA's thermocouple connectors listed here have been developed for a multitude of general applications. The use of additional toroidal cores as well as a specific selection of toroidal material will provide significant improvement. While the OMEGA FT-series thermocouple connecting systems are designed for a multitude of applications, the suppression qualities will vary from application to application.
Please consult the factory for those applications where the standard FT-series connector may not be sufficient.
Note: Built-in ferrite cores are available in male miniature connectors and both male and female standard size connectors.

OMEGA Panel Meters and Controllers

1) OMEGA Panel Meters and Controllers are intended for installation in metal panels which should be connected to Earth Ground. (Standard rack panels are available from OMEGA Engineering. In environments with extreme electromagnetic radiation, shielded EMI cabinets offer additional protection.)

2) NEVER run signal wires and power in the same conduit.

3) Whenever electromagnetic compatibility is an issue, always use SHIELDED CABLES for all inputs and outputs. (A vast selection of shielded signal cable is available from OMEGA Engineering.) Connect the shield to the analog signal ground if appropriate or to earth ground.

4) Install one (or more) FERRITE BEADS on each signal input wire close to the meter.

Omega's policy is to make running changes, not model changes, whenever an improvement is possible. This affords our customers the latest in technology and engineering.