Expert Insights

In the realm of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), grounding and bonding are fundamental practices that ensure the safe and effective operation of electrical systems. Proper grounding and bonding minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) and enhance the performance, reliability, and safety of electronic devices. This article delves into the principles of grounding and bonding in EMC, explores common practices across various industries, and highlights successful implementations through case studies.

Three real-world case studies show how RF power amplifiers and creative benchtop setups solve complex radiated immunity failures in hours instead of weeks. From military-grade testing to runaway medical motors, discover techniques that save time and money while identifying root causes traditional methods miss.

This is the first of seven articles devoted to the topic of shielding to prevent electromagnetic wave radiation. The results presented here are valid under the assumption of a uniform plane wave with normal (perpendicular) incidence on a boundary between two media.

A new version of Technical Report TR18.0-01-25 (TR18) on ESD Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Checks by the ESD Association’s Working Group 18 is about to be released. This article, divided into Part 1 and Part 2, provides guidelines for the EDA industry and the ESD design community for establishing a comprehensive ESD verification flow to address the ESD design challenges of modern ICs.

Commercial EMI testing requires strict pass/fail criteria with no allowances for upset. Military/aerospace susceptibility testing uses higher levels but allows more flexibility - equipment may be acceptable despite susceptibility at specific frequencies if those frequencies won't be encountered operationally, prioritizing practical deployment considerations.

Compliance engineering is a critical field that ensures products and systems meet regulatory standards, safeguarding public health and safety while promoting environmental sustainability. The training of compliance engineers, however, presents significant challenges, particularly in keeping up with constantly evolving regulations and balancing theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Measuring E-fields in the far field works for the majority of consumer and military hardware developed in the 20th and early 21st centuries. But with EVs becoming more common (for aircraft as well as terrestrial cars), measuring the H-field in the near field is more appropriate.

In our increasingly electronic world, electromagnetic interference (EMI) poses a significant challenge to the reliability and performance of electronic devices. Shielding is a critical technique used in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) to mitigate the effects of EMI. This article explores the concept of shielding, its importance in EMC, various shielding materials and their applications, and practical tips for designing effective shielding solutions.

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.

This column examines inductor impedance evaluation using S₂₁ parameters with network analyzers. Comparing two-port shunt and series methods across multiple inductors, it concludes that the two-port series method provides significantly more accurate measurements when compared with manufacturer data.