Expert Insights

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.

Before you can calculate shielding effectiveness, you need to know whether your material qualifies as a good conductor — and that's where loss tangent comes in. This deep dive connects the math to the physics, from plane wave propagation to practical near- and far-field shielding formulas.

Grounding is the foundation of any ESD control program — but doing it right means more than just connecting a wrist strap. This primer covers the key requirements of ANSI/ESD S20.20, common grounding techniques, and what's coming in the next revision of S6.1.

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.

Via placement and trace geometry significantly affect decoupling capacitor performance. This final installment of a three-part series presents conducted emissions measurements across six PCB via topologies, revealing how distance from the power-ground plane pair and via spacing impact EMC results.

ESD flooring systems fail more often from misunderstanding than bad materials. This article walks through nine common pitfalls — from confusing anti-static with ESD-safe to poor grounding and installation shortcuts — and how to avoid each one.

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.