Topmusicanswers
A chassis ground refers to a ground connection that connects all of the metal parts to the earth ground. A couple of examples of chassis grounds are an oven's metallic enclosure if it's safely grounded to the earth and a vehicle's metallic body.
- What is the difference between earth ground and chassis ground?
- Where do you connect the chassis ground?
- Why is chassis ground used?
- How do you isolate chassis ground?
What is the difference between earth ground and chassis ground?
All three indicate connecting to a point of (theoretically) zero voltage, but within a different context: chassis ground for a device, signal ground for very low voltage signals within a device, and earth ground for a power system.
Where do you connect the chassis ground?
In most cases, the circuit ground should be connected to the chassis with a low inductance connection in the I/O area of the board. In some cases additional circuit to chassis connections may have to be made, but these are in addition to the one in the I/O area, not in place of it.
Why is chassis ground used?
Chassis grounding serves the same purpose for electronics as lightning protection does for high voltage power systems. Specifically, to route unwanted and potentially dangerous current away from the system elements and components to prevent circuit operation interruption and damage.
How do you isolate chassis ground?
Short them together directly via the mounting holes on the PCB. Tie them together with capacitors between digital GND and the mounting holes. Tie them together via multiple low inductance connections near the I/O connectors. Leave them totally isolated (not connected together anywhere)
