emi

This Column discusses a technique for troubleshooting radiated immunity failures in electronic devices using near-field probes. It presents a case study, explains the method's application, and addresses its limitations and safety considerations for bench-level testing.

The month's Banana Skins covers various electromagnetic interference issues in different contexts. It discusses problems with video projectors affecting audio induction loops, switch-mode power supply emissions varying with voltage, hybrid vehicle EM emissions, computer interference with amateur radio, electrostatic discharge in fluid lines, and communication equipment in ambulances causing radio interference.

Understanding current flow patterns is crucial in EMC engineering, particularly the distinction between Common Mode and Differential Mode currents. Controlling current paths and providing local return paths helps reduce electromagnetic interference and improve immunity.

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.

Of Decibels and Centibels, and EMC Engineers in a Row The ubiquitous 41” rod antenna...

We are proud to carry on the tradition of sharing Banana Skins for the purpose of promoting education for EMI/EMC engineers.

In large systems, such as big cabinets housing numerous electronic components, employing the near-field probe method can be time-consuming and, depending on the voltage level, potentially unsafe (for instance, when dealing with high-voltage circuits requiring isolation). In such scenarios, an alternative approach is necessary.

Patented RF-free Ramsey housings from Saelig now provide improved, highly-isolated bench-top environments for performing pre-compliance and evidentiary investigations of electronic devices.

Solving EMI problems isn’t only about ensuring that a product can meet EMC regulations and standards (although it’s a significant part of the job). Another crucial reason for addressing EMI issues is to enhance product reliability, especially when a product operates in public or industrial areas where there are many different types of noise sources.

A manufacturer of electrical test equipment took an order worth several million dollars for new product to be used worldwide to help service the vehicles manufactured by a major multinational.