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EMC Pocket Guide


Synopsis


Every electric product designed and manufactured worldwide must meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulations, and yet, EMC compliance staff levels have been cut to the bone in companies large and small. If you are a working engineer or technician, the EMC Pocket Guide: Key EMC facts, equations and data is the first place to look while designing for EMC and your quide to thwarting electromagnetic interference.

Key Features:

  • Concise, constant-use guide addressing the most common reasons for compliance failure.
  • Get needed answers quickly and move on to other design issues.
  • Pocket-size, easy to carry and use, made of durable stock for continual service.

Kenneth Wyatt

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to EMC

* Definition of EMC: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) refers to the ability of electrical and electronic systems to coexist without causing harmful interference to each other or to other nearby equipment.
* Importance of EMC: EMC issues can affect performance, safety, and legal compliance.
* Example: A medical device malfunctioning due to electromagnetic interference from a nearby MRI scanner.

Chapter 2: Sources of Electromagnetic Interference

* Internal Sources: Components within a system, such as power supplies, motors, and digital circuits.
* External Sources: Other nearby electronic devices, power lines, and radio transmitters.
* Example: A mobile phone causing interference to a nearby Bluetooth headset.

Chapter 3: Effects of Electromagnetic Interference

* Conducted Interference: Interference that travels through wires or other conductive paths.
* Radiated Interference: Interference that travels through the air in the form of electromagnetic waves.
* Example: A power surge causing damage to a computer's motherboard through conducted interference.

Chapter 4: EMC Measurement and Testing

* EMI Emission Testing: Measuring the amount of electromagnetic interference generated by a device.
* EMI Susceptibility Testing: Determining a device's susceptibility to electromagnetic interference.
* Example: A test conducted to ensure a pacemaker is not susceptible to interference from a nearby microwave oven.

Chapter 5: EMC Design Techniques

* Shielding: Blocking electromagnetic fields with conductive materials.
* Filtering: Removing unwanted frequencies from power lines and other sources.
* Grounding and Bonding: Creating a common electrical reference point to minimize current loops.
* Example: Using a metal enclosure to shield a sensitive electronic circuit from external interference.

Chapter 6: EMC Regulations

* FCC Part 15: Regulates the emissions of electronic devices in the United States.
* IEC 61000 Series: International standards that cover various aspects of EMC.
* Example: A company ensuring its products meet FCC Part 15 requirements to avoid penalties and market restrictions.

Chapter 7: EMC Troubleshooting

* Identify the Source: Determining the source of electromagnetic interference.
* Apply Mitigation Techniques: Implementing measures to reduce or eliminate interference.
* Example: Replacing a faulty power supply that was causing radiated interference in a laboratory.

Chapter 8: EMC Best Practices

* Consider EMC Early in Design: Addressing EMC issues during the design phase is more efficient and cost-effective.
* Use Proven EMC Techniques: Employ established methods that have been shown to improve EMC performance.
* Test and Validate: Conduct EMC testing to verify compliance with regulations and ensure proper operation.
* Example: A company following best practices and achieving EMC certification for its medical equipment, enhancing its reputation and product sales.