A common mode (CM) signal can be converted to a differential mode (DM) signal as a result of a(n):

In a perfectly balanced circuit, both conductors present equal impedance to ground, so a common mode disturbance affects both conductors identically and produces zero differential voltage at the receiver. When the circuit is unbalanced - due to unequal line impedances, connector asymmetry, or component mismatch - the CM voltage divides unequally across the two conductors, and the resulting voltage difference appears as a differential mode signal that is indistinguishable from the intended information-carrying signal, degrading transmission quality.

A properly grounded circuit reduces noise coupling rather than causing mode conversion; grounding alone does not create the impedance imbalance needed to convert CM signals into DM signals.

Poor signal timing affects synchronization and clock recovery but does not alter the impedance balance of the transmission line and therefore does not cause CM-to-DM conversion.

Dielectric material properties influence propagation velocity and attenuation but do not create the conductor-to-ground impedance asymmetry that drives common-to-differential mode conversion.