ken wyatt

Not all EMC emissions look alike — and knowing the difference can save your compliance test. Kenneth Wyatt breaks down how to use near-field probes to identify and interpret broadband versus narrowband emission profiles, so you can trace noise back to its source before it becomes a costly failure.

An Arduino-based board with no solid ground return plane makes the perfect "what not to do" test case. Near-field probe measurements, spectrum analyzer captures, and real emissions data reveal why two-layer designs can be EMC trouble — and what it takes to fix them.

Spectrum analyzers are the go-to tool for diagnosing conducted and radiated emissions — but knowing how to configure them makes all the difference. Kenneth Wyatt walks through key settings, trace strategies, and practical tips for getting reliable results on the bench.

Tackle radiated emissions before heading to the test lab. This practical guide covers the essential workbench toolkit — near field probes, RF current probes, and spectrum analyzers — including DIY options and affordable commercial choices for identifying noise sources and reducing cable emissions.

Electrically fast transient (EFT/B) testing simulates switching and motor-induced transients that can disrupt electronic systems. This article explains the fundamentals of EFT immunity, outlines practical benchtop testing alternatives, and provides step-by-step guidance for identifying and resolving EFT susceptibility before formal compliance testing.

Field failures traced to ESD-induced USB hub damage in deployed POS terminals. Through systematic H-field probe analysis, we identified poor connector-to-chassis bonding as the root cause—a preventable design oversight with expensive retrofit implications.

Troubleshooting RF immunity failures at your workbench allows you to identify susceptibility issues in hours instead of weeks. These focused techniques pinpoint exact coupling mechanisms, saving thousands in test lab costs while providing more efficient solutions than traditional anechoic chamber testing.

Learn to set up in-house conducted emissions testing for line-operated products using basic equipment like spectrum analyzers and LISNs. This practical guide helps engineers perform pre-compliance EMC testing right on their benchtop, potentially saving time and money.

While many designers attempt to perform radiated emissions troubleshooting at an outdoor site or in a semi-anechoic chamber using a third-party test lab facility, I've found a much more efficient method is to perform this using a nearby antenna right on your own work bench.

“Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) Pocket Guide” by Kenneth Wyatt, WA6TTY and Michael Gruber, W1MG This small 88-page...