System and method for mitigating self-generated interference

An underground utility locator, comprising:

• a wand, the wand having a top end and a bottom end, the wand including at least one antenna configured to output a field strength signal in response to an electromagnetic field;
• a GNSS module;
• a power module coupled to the wand, the power module including a smoothing circuit for providing a substantially constant current, the smoothing circuit comprising:
• an incoming rippling current with a rippling effect;
• a feedforward capacitor that delivers the rippling effect of the incoming rippling current;
• a reservoir capacitor with a rippling voltage, wherein the reservoir capacitor discharges to reduce the rippling effect of the incoming rippling current;
• and
• a feedback capacitor, wherein the feedback capacitor controls a quality factor of a filter of the smoothing circuit;
• and
• an outgoing current from the power module to the GNSS module wherein the reduced rippling effect includes the outgoing current being substantially constant.

A method of mitigating interference from radiated emissions, the method comprising:

• providing a wand, the wand having a top end and a bottom end, the wand including at least one antenna configured to output a field strength signal in response to an electromagnetic field;
• providing a system circuit including a GNSS module;
• providing a multi-layer enclosure at least partially surrounding the GNSS module, the multi-layer enclosure comprising:
• an outer shell layer and an inner shell layer, wherein the outer shell layer and the inner shell layer are at least partially separated by an air gap;
• providing a power module coupled to the wand, the power module including a smoothing circuit, the smoothing circuit comprising:
• an electric current monitor;
• an incoming rippling current with a rippling effect;
• a feedforward capacitor that delivers the rippling effect of the incoming rippling current;
• a reservoir capacitor with a rippling voltage, wherein the reservoir capacitor discharges to reduce the rippling effect of the incoming rippling current;
• and
• a feedback capacitor, wherein the feedback capacitor controls a quality factor of a filter of the smoothing circuit;
• storing a charge via the reservoir capacitor;
• discharging the charge from the reservoir capacitor when the voltage drops below a threshold voltage value;
• filtering out frequencies within a specified range from a current drawn by the system circuit;
• and
• delivering a substantially constant current to the system circuit.