CV02-04-PCB Design Guidelines for EMI & ESD SuppressionCITRUSCOM CV02-04 ESD+EMI Filter Application Note PCB Design Guidelines for EMI & ESD Suppression PCB Placement EMI & ESD Placement Considerations Good placement in PCB design is very important for suppression of EMI & ESD hazards. In general, ESD protection devices should be placed near the I/O connectors and the protected lines. The length of PCB metal traces connecting ESD devices, ICs and I/O connectors is a key factor for the ESD protection of protected IC on PCB. When a surge current of ESD strike comes, the path impedance determines how much current the path would shunt in case that the ESD protection devices and on-chip protection circuits have the same trigger voltage. A shorter trace length equates to smaller impedance, which ensures most the surge energy should be dissipated b……