August 2022

This is the first of two articles devoted to an eye diagram. In this article, the fundamental definitions and concepts are presented.

The 2003 Columbia re-entry accident was caused by a piece of liberated external tank foam that struck and damaged the left leading edge during powered ascent. Computational and experimental electromagnetics were ultimately applied to foster the development of a new NASA Ascent Debris Radar (NDR) for the remaining 22 Shuttle missions. In the process, countless static and dynamic radar signature and EMI/EMC calculations and tests were completed to assure this safety-critical radar system was ready for the return to flight (RTF) missions.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is moving into more mission critical applications, especially with connected medical devices. Engineers can reduce the risk of premature battery failure by following the practical methods described in this article.

The selection of component values for common mode filters need not be a difficult and confusing process. The use of standard filter alignments can be utilized to achieve a relatively simple and straightforward design process, though such alignments may readily be modified to utilize pre-defined component values.

Tin whiskers are small, hair-like structures that can form naturally from the surface of tin components. This article explores potential contributors to tin whisker growth, failure mechanisms that may be induced by whiskers, current testing standards and processes, and mitigation strategies, with a particular focus on the automotive industry.

There is often confusion about the interaction between IC-level component ESD protection and the appropriately required system-level ESD protection strategy.

In this column, the author offers a brief summary of a more systematic approach for using ferrite cores on cables. This summary can serve as a “ferrite core checklist” for design and test engineers.

A common question in new product development is, “How do I properly ground the heatsink?” As a practicing compliance professional, this is an important question to have at least an idea of how to respond.