Don MacArthur

This month's Practical Engineering explains how to use the Welch-Satterthwaite formula to calculate the effective degrees of freedom and expanded uncertainty in a measurement uncertainty analysis. It provides a practical example to demonstrate the application of this formula.

Mastering capacitor behavior is crucial for noise control in electronics. Understanding impedance variations with frequency, along with ESR and ESL components, helps engineers design effective filters. The piece explains how capacitors "dance" with frequencies to manage unwanted noise.

Ferrite beads may fail to suppress RF emissions due to misidentified noise sources, high circuit impedance, outdated advice, or incorrect ferrite selection. Careful analysis and appropriate application are crucial for effective EMC compliance.

Don MacArthur's blog outlines key steps to excel in compliance engineering, including mastering regulations, staying updated, gaining experience, developing problem-solving skills, and maintaining ethical conduct. He emphasizes continuous learning and effective communication across teams.

Don MacArthur explains spectrum analyzers, tools for frequency domain analysis of signals. He covers their functionality, key parameters (center/span, reference level, RBW, VBW), types, and usage. MacArthur emphasizes their importance in electronic measurements and provides tips for preventing damage to the devices. 

This blog by Don MacArthur discusses how to measure creepage and clearance distances on printed circuit boards (PCBs) to ensure safety. It covers definitions, design guidelines, measurement techniques, and tips for compliance engineering in electrical product safety.

When developing electrical or electronic products that use shielded cables, a common question arises: Where should cable shields be grounded? At one end? Both ends? Or not at all? Don MacArthur aims to offer a starting point for formulating your own response based on your specific situation.

Explore the correct use of UL iQ for Electrical Insulation Systems and how proper utilization can save time and money during product development.

Passive components can go rogue beyond expected frequencies, resulting in parasitic effects sabotaging EMI suppression. Designers beware, a passive component's non-ideal behavior requires strategic handling.

Often overlooked during the development of appropriate spacings (creepage distances) for safety-certified products is the failure to account accurately for the material group of the components involved. This oversight can have significant implications. Let us briefly explore this issue to raise awareness among readers.