Transverse Electromagnetic Cell [TEM]

Implementing a process of EMC compliance for a specific project is much more than simply ensuring that the design engineers follow a long list of “do’s and don’ts” in the form of EMC design rules. Following this process will reap benefits when EMC performance is evaluated at the end of the design process.

The history and insight into how the EMC specifications and procedures evolved at one automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Other present-day OEM specifications are more similar than different mostly due to the extensive reference to international standards which these OEMs have taken part in developing (e.g., EMC committees). Knowing this history should help today’s EMC practitioners, especially those new to the discipline, gain some insight into the implementation and limitations of test procedures and when to be flexible in analyzing test results.

Bias tees are an important tool for many applications including vector network analysis. As accurate understanding and modeling of power electronic components becomes increasingly important for the study of their electromagnetic emissions, so do broadband measurements with bias tees. This paper describes the composition of such a special bias tee in terms of the necessary geometries and circuitry.

EMC testing laboratories often have limitations (limited availability, lead times, etc.) that can make it difficult to obtain timely results from routine troubleshooting. Inexpensive test equipment can support efficient and economical in-house EMC troubleshooting.

This two-part article provides an overview of current automotive EMC standards and the intricacies of chamber testing automotive systems and components.