# EMC Expert Debunks Common PCB Grounding Myths

- Show: [OnTrack](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack)
- Published: 2026-01-27
- Length: 58m
- Episode: 331
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-01-27-emc-expert-debunks-common-pcb-grounding-myths
- Listen: https://podcast.altium.com/e/emc-expert-debunks-common-pcb-grounding-myths/

## Summary

Todd Hubing, president of LearnEMC, explains that grounding myths stem from confusing signal integrity return paths with EMC ground structures, arguing that high-frequency currents follow the path of least impedance and do not cause ground loops on chassis connections. He debunks the rule that decoupling capacitor placement matters on boards with closely spaced power and ground planes, noting that plane capacitance dominates at high frequencies. Hubing also advises against using common mode chokes on unbalanced power inputs, recommending instead that designers focus on minimizing common mode voltage sources to prevent radiated emissions.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-01-27-emc-expert-debunks-common-pcb-grounding-myths#t=0) Introduction: Todd Hubing and LearnEMC
- [4:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-01-27-emc-expert-debunks-common-pcb-grounding-myths#t=243) History of EMC Regulations and FCC Requirements
- [8:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-01-27-emc-expert-debunks-common-pcb-grounding-myths#t=506) Debunking Grounding Myths and EMC Ground
- [23:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-01-27-emc-expert-debunks-common-pcb-grounding-myths#t=1408) Decoupling Capacitor Placement and Plane Spacing
- [33:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-01-27-emc-expert-debunks-common-pcb-grounding-myths#t=2009) PCB Stack-Up Strategies and Copper Fill
- [43:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-01-27-emc-expert-debunks-common-pcb-grounding-myths#t=2615) Common Mode Currents and Choke Usage

## Topics

- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Analog & power electronics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/analog-and-power-electronics)
- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Certification & compliance](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/certification-and-compliance)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- LearnEMC (company)
- IBM (company)
- Clemson University (company)
- Henry Ott (other)
- Rolf Ostergard (other)
- Robert Fernick (other)
- Ralph Morrison (other)
- Dan Baker (other)
- Eric Bogatin (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [The Spark Gap - Episode 21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-11-26-the-spark-gap-episode-21) (The Spark Gap)
- [An Interview with Hank Zumbahlen - Zoppa Zumbahlen Zateticism](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-02-19-an-interview-with-hank-zumbahlen-zoppa-zumbahlen-zateticism) (The Amp Hour)
- [398: Clocks Get Into Everything](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-01-14-398-clocks-get-into-everything) (Embedded.fm)
- [Secret Buzzer Handshake](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-10-07-secret-buzzer-handshake) (The Amp Hour)
- [An Interview with Eric Bogatin - Tilded Thumb Tenets](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2015-06-04-an-interview-with-eric-bogatin-tilded-thumb-tenets) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-01-27-emc-expert-debunks-common-pcb-grounding-myths. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to OnTrack.