Common Mode Noise Voltage
In many measurement systems the source of the signal Vs being measured is grounded at one point [point 1 in Fig 16.8(a)], and the amplifier to which it is connected is grounded at a different point [point 3 in Fig. 16.8 (a)]. The shield of the measurement system is also usually grounded but may not be connected to the amplifier shield. Thus the source, the signal lead, and the amplifier are all fully shielded from external capacitive coupled and EM interference. However, the voltage appearing across the amplifier input V2 will be the sum of the source voltage Vs, and the potential difference between the two ground points 1 and 3, V13 = Vcm or V2 = Vs + Vcm. If Vs has a small amplitude (such as the 10- to 50-mV output signals typical of many transducers, Vcm (the common-mode voltage) can completely obliterate Vs. For example, if the ground resistance between ground points 1and 3 to Fig. 16.8(a)