Blogs

Supercapacitors are showing up everywhere from EVs to renewable energy systems — but one safety standard determines whether they're fit to ship. This guide breaks down what UL 810A actually requires, where manufacturers get tripped up, and one costly rating mismatch to watch for.

Compliance testing labs are where products prove they're ready for the real world — but what actually happens inside one? This primer walks through the key steps, tools, and methodologies engineers use to evaluate safety, performance, and regulatory adherence before products reach market.

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.

Choosing the wrong oscilloscope can compromise compliance results before testing even begins. This practical guide walks engineers through the critical selection factors — bandwidth, sampling rate, memory depth, and built-in analysis tools — and how to match each to real-world EMC, EMI, and high-speed digital testing demands.

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.

Interference problems caught late in development can mean costly redesigns and certification delays. Don MacArthur walks through the PCB layout, grounding, and shielding strategies engineers need to tackle EMC challenges head-on—before they become showstoppers.

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.

Compliance engineering demands constant adaptation — and training is what makes it possible. This piece examines why continuous learning is essential for keeping pace with evolving standards, emerging technologies, and global regulatory requirements, and what it means for engineers who want to stay ahead.

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.

Learn the essentials of EMC troubleshooting for product designers with this introductory column from Kenneth Wyatt. It explains why EMC failures derail product launches, highlights core design challenges, and offers foundational resources to help engineers start diagnosing emissions and immunity issues directly on the bench.