Columns

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.

This article discusses two of four circuit models for transmission lines in sinusoidal steady state. Model 1 is used for solving equations, while Model 2 introduces standing waves. The author explains their applications and differences.

This text discusses ESD/ESA control in semiconductor fabs, highlighting challenges with S20.20 certification, the importance of grounding conductive materials, managing insulative materials, and using ionization for charge neutralization in wafer manufacturing processes.

This column discusses "wordless" safety labels, which use symbols and hazard severity panels without text. It explores their benefits, limitations, and implementation considerations, emphasizing the importance of balancing complete information with clear communication in product safety warnings.

This article explains how to use a Smith Chart to determine the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR).

Standards continuously evolve, and EOS/ESD Association, Inc. standards are no different. The ESDA is always striving to achieve the highest quality standards.

Explore the impact of the return path impedance and the return current level on common-impedance coupling between circuits. The measurements presented were performed on a custom PCB containing audio, video, and high-current circuitry, where the return paths for each circuit were selectively shared with other circuits.

Humidity control in relation to an ESD control program continues to be misunderstood across the industry. Humidity does help in the reduction of charge accumulation, but it does not control charge accumulation to reduce the risk to sensitive items.

This article discusses using the reciprocity theorem in EMC troubleshooting, particularly for immunity issues. It describes a case study involving a smart meter and demonstrates how emission measurements can help identify susceptibility problems, highlighting the usefulness of walkie-talkies in testing.

In this article, we investigate the impact of a guard trace on crosstalk reduction and present measurements taken with the latest‑generation PCB, both in time and frequency domains.