Blogs

Patrick André discusses the misconception of "ground" in electrical engineering. He explains the difference between true ground and power/signal returns, emphasizing the importance of proper return line treatment in circuit design. André highlights how this understanding impacts EMC performance and system design across various applications.

This blog by Don MacArthur discusses how to measure creepage and clearance distances on printed circuit boards (PCBs) to ensure safety. It covers definitions, design guidelines, measurement techniques, and tips for compliance engineering in electrical product safety.

Morse code: not just dots and dashes from the past! From secret military comms to life-saving SOS calls, this 'outdated' system is buzzing with modern uses. Discover how it's thriving in tech, emergencies, and a passionate amateur radio community.

When developing electrical or electronic products that use shielded cables, a common question arises: Where should cable shields be grounded? At one end? Both ends? Or not at all? Don MacArthur aims to offer a starting point for formulating your own response based on your specific situation.

Explore the correct use of UL iQ for Electrical Insulation Systems and how proper utilization can save time and money during product development.

Ken Wyatt's blog explores DIY radiated emissions testing. He breaks down the gear you'll need—think spectrum analyzers and special antennas—and shows how to set up your own test space without breaking the bank. It's all about catching EMC issues before the big, pricey lab tests.

The blog discusses various types of bandwidths used in EMC measurements, including receiver bandwidth, resolution bandwidth (RBW), and video bandwidth (VBW). It explains their differences, importance in testing, and challenges in measuring low-amplitude signals at high frequencies.

Passive components can go rogue beyond expected frequencies, resulting in parasitic effects sabotaging EMI suppression. Designers beware, a passive component's non-ideal behavior requires strategic handling.

Often overlooked during the development of appropriate spacings (creepage distances) for safety-certified products is the failure to account accurately for the material group of the components involved. This oversight can have significant implications. Let us briefly explore this issue to raise awareness among readers.

While many designers attempt to perform radiated emissions troubleshooting at an outdoor site or in a semi-anechoic chamber using a third-party test lab facility, I've found a much more efficient method is to perform this using a nearby antenna right on your own work bench.