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The ESD Association and JEDEC Collaborate on Standards Development for Harmonized Electrostatic Discharge Test Methods

In September 2006, a small group of ESD control and design stakeholders assembled in a small conference room at the LaPaloma Resort in Tucson, AZ to discuss how the ESD Association (ESDA) and the JEDEC Solid State Technology Association (JEDEC) might harmonize some of their key device (component level) standards documents. Some of the stakeholders involved in those initial discussions (and similar meetings over the next six months) were integrated circuit manufacturers, integrated circuit test manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers, integrated circuit test service providers, and representatives from the ESDA and JEDEC. This first meeting was somewhat extraordinary as these industry stakeholders were able to bring JEDEC and the ESDA to the same table to start working on the harmonization efforts after other previous attempts failed. The key individual sponsoring this meeting was Kay Adams, the ESDA President in 2006-2007.

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European Update: CE Labeling Directive Formalizes Requirements

Since the implementation of the “New Approach” and the CE Marking in the European Union, the requirements for device labeling have evolved, been reviewed, variously implemented and not uniformly enforced. A closer look at post-market compliance is an evolving trend across many economies. Discussions in the European Union, North America and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) continue to focus on post-market surveillance and enforcement. One area of scrutiny, particularly in Europe is device labeling.

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EMC Standards from a European Perspective

Do you supply products into Europe? If you supply products that come within the scope of the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC, the application of harmonized standards provides the simplest means of demonstrating conformity with the protection requirements (emission and immunity) of the Directive.

This article will provide you with essential information on the selection and use of the appropriate standards for your product.

European Union Directives

European Union Directives concerning the Electronics Industry: ATEX Directive - 94/9/EC EMC Directive - 2004/108/EC Low Voltage Directive - 2006/95/EC Machinery Directive - 2006/42/EC Medical Device... Read More...

Update on CISPR Standards: What’s New Above 9 kHz

The global recession has not prevented EMC standardization work from marching relentlessly forward. Work within CISPR is no exception and this year delegates and experts will meet in Lyon, France in September under the auspices of the current chairman Don Heirman (US) and secretary Steve Colclough (UK). For those of you new to EMC, CISPR is an international special committee on radio interference within the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). As defined on the IEC website for CISPR, CISPR’s principal task is at the higher end of the frequency range, from 9 kHz upwards, preparing standards that offer protection of radio reception from interference sources such as electrical appliances of all types, the electricity supply system, industrial, scientific and electromedical RF, broadcasting receivers (sound and TV) and, increasingly, IT equipment (ITE). Following is a brief overview of the scope of CISPR’s current activities in 2009, close to 75 years after its founding in 1935.

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US vs Recent Canadian Rules for Ultra-Wideband Radio Operations

With the publication of Industry Canada RSS-220 in March of this year, manufacturers are now able to certify and market their UWB (Ultra-Wideband) equipment in Canada. Following the publication of FCC (Federal Communications Commission) UWB rules in Part 15 Subpart F by 7 years, the new RSS-220 rules largely follow FCC equipment categories and limits. However, the Industry Canada limits are more stringent in part than the FCC’s for hand held and indoor communication devices. Test methods and equipment labeling also differ somewhat between the FCC and IC rules.

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Certification: A Panacea for a Paranoid Society?

The “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval” was launched in 1909 by Good Housekeeping Magazine. The publication, a first in consumer protection (in the early Spring of social advocacy) guaranteed satisfactory use of products that bore their Seal. The guarantee states that “if any product that bears our Seal or is advertised in this issue (with certain exceptions) proves to be defective within two years from the date it was first sold to a consumer by an authorized retailer, we, Good Housekeeping, will replace the product or refund the purchase price.”

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