The start of a new year is a time when, traditionally, we reflect on the progress we made during the year passed and set our goals for the new year. More often than not your professional development goals include training or some form of higher education to expand or refresh your technical knowledge. To assist you in choosing affordable solutions to meet your training goals in 2010, you’ll find here sources of compliance related seminars and workshops offered online and on location, public and private.
We invite you to submit your own suggestions for additional listings as we continue to update our Events section online at www.incompliancemag.com. Send your comments to us at editor@incompliancemag.com.
EMC Seminars
Circuit-to-Circuit Interference – Silent Solutions (www.silent-solutions.com) – This unique class is for electrical design engineers at all levels challenged by electrical noise problems in products containing RF (wireless), analog, switching power supply and digital electronics. Through a unique combination of lecture and hands-on experiments, class participants will master the ability to anticipate, solve and avoid electrical noise problems that can inhibit functionality in new product designs. By participating in this class, design engineers will be able to accelerate time-to-market design. For more information please visit www.silent-solutions.com/education.htm.
Designing for EMC/SI: Grounding and Shielding EMC/SI in Printed Circuit Boards – Kimmel Gerke Associates (www.emiguru.com) – This two-day program is designed to equip electronics design and systems personnel with information necessary to identify, design and fix EMI/EMC problems. Please visit www.emiguru.com for the schedule of various locations and dates offered.
Electronic Product Design and Retrofit for EMC – Silent Solutions (www.silent-solutions.com) – This two-day class gives engineering professionals the ability to successfully recognize, solve and avoid common EMI problems. Demonstrations using working hardware illustrate concepts such as radiated emissions, high frequency antennas, radiated and conducted immunity, and crosstalk in connectors, cables and IC packages. This class is appropriate for experienced circuit and system design engineers, EMC engineers, as well as those who are new to EMI problem solving. Engineers with time-to-market projects will find this workshop extremely useful. For more information please visit www.silent-solutions.com/education.htm.
EMC By Your Design: A Practical Applications Seminar and Workshop – D.L.S. Electronic Systems, Inc. (www.dlsemc.com/1101) – This three day seminar followed by a one day workshop provides design engineers with an understanding of EMC design principles, and a hands-on work-shop to apply these principles in working with actual products. For further information please visit www.dlsemc.com/1101.
EMC – Printed Circuit Board Design – Silent Solutions (www.silent-solutions.com) -This one-day class provides technical training intended for electrical and EMC engineers interested only in PC board design. It is an excellent follow-up class for students who have recently completed our two or three-day EMC class. Course topics include component placement, signal routing and stack up, power bus decoupling, signal theory and signal integrity, “ground” splits, and a critique of bad applications notes from IC vendors. Students will examine good and bad design techniques using hardware demonstrations, schematic reviews, and sample PCB layouts. For more information please visit www.silent-solutions.com/education.htm.
EMC Troubleshooting Workshop – Kimmel Gerke Associates (www.emiguru.com) – This one day seminar provides troubleshooting methods and techniques for electronics and systems engineers and EMC personnel. Students should take Designing for EMC prior to this workshop. This workshop is offered exclusively as part of a Winter Getaway package therefore locations are limited. Please visit www.emiguru.com for additional information and registration.
EMI & Signal Integrity – Washington Labs Academy (www.wll.com) – This course presents practical design-oriented methods for maintaining signal integrity on complex and high speed circuit board and methods of designing electronics systems for Electromagnetic Compatibility. For more details, dates and registration information, please visit www.wll.com/academy.html.
Grounding for EMC, Signal Integrity and Instrumentation – Silent Solutions (www.silent-solutions.com) – Theory, applications and hardware demonstrations in this one-day class describe effective design and troubleshooting techniques. The real-time demonstrations use a spectrum analyzer, oscilloscope and signal generators to illustrate inductance, common-impedance coupling and ground loops. Specific examples of single-point, multi-point, “good” and “bad” grounds will be discussed. For more information please visit www.silent-solutions.com/education.htm.
Introduction to EMC Design, Troubleshooting & Pre-Compliance Testing – Washington Labs Academy (www.wll.com) – Find out how to use hands-on techniques to measure and troubleshoot EMI problems before shipping your product (and design staff) to the EMI test laboratory. In this course you’ll review a list of “Top 10 EMC Problems” in electronic products and discuss how to select, purchase and/or build your own near-field probes. Many other low-cost troubleshooting tools will be introduced. For more details, dates and registration information, please visit www.wll.com/emc_intro_course.html.
Mechanical Design for EMC – Silent Solutions (www.silent-solutions.com) -Unique to the industry, this one-day class provides clear applications, theory and demonstrations for the successful design of mechanical enclosures for good system emissions and immunity performance. Key topics include grounding at the PCB and enclosure, system ground maps, PCB component placement and control drawings, enclosure and cable shielding, PCB device “cans,” resonant slots and enclosures, heat sinks, unintentional antennas, as well as connector, screw and conductive gasket spacing. For more information please visit www.silent-solutions.com/education.htm.
Product Safety Seminars
Designing for Compliance to IEC 60601-1 2nd Edition – UL University (www.uluniversity.com) – This two-day workshop will help attendees gain a thorough understanding of how to use IEC 60601-1 and UL 60601-1 effectively. A copy of the Standard is included with your workshop materials. Course is eligible for Continuing Education Units (CEUs). For dates and locations visit www.uluniversity.com.
Introduction to Functional Safety – TÜV SÜD Academy (www.tuvamerica.com) – This course teaches a general understanding of the concepts of the IEC 61508 series of standards and how the requirements impact the design and implementation of products for the global marketplace. Please visit the company’s website for further information.
Lightning Protection Installation Standard Review – UL University (www.uluniversity.com) – This two-day workshop presents key elements of UL 96A and its practical application and provides valuable insight on how UL 96A and NFPA 780 relate to each other. Course is eligible for Continuing Education Units (CEUs). For dates and locations visit www.uluniversity.com.
Test, Measurement and Laboratory Use Equipment: Designing for Compliance to UL 61010-1 – UL University (www.uluniversity.com) – This intensive technical workshop includes: how to apply the “two levels of protection” concept, measuring creepage and clearance based on the voltages and materials involved and selecting components of appropriate integrity for use in non-energy limiting circuits. Course is eligible for Continuing Education Units (CEUs). For dates and locations visit www.uluniversity.com.
Understanding Ground Resistance Testing – A One Day Training Seminar – AEMC Instruments (www.aemc.com) – This one day course offers the information needed to understand testing of grounding systems. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on demonstrations attendees learn the various types of ground resistance test, proper application and how to operate equipment used in conducting these tests. For dates and locations please visit www.aemc.com/techinfo/Seminars/Ground_Resistance_Testers/ground-seminar-listings.html.
Associated Research (www.asresearch.com) offers a free full-day seminar at their Forest Lake, IL facility, providing a comprehensive review of Test Area and Personnel, and Common Electrical Product Safety Tests. Please visit www.asresearch.com/events-training/seminars.aspx for dates and to register.
Compliance Tech University, founded by ED&D (www.ProductSafeT.com), offers seminars in electrical product safety covering topics of IT Equipment, Industrial and Medical electrical product safety. Please visit ED&D’s website for dates, locations or to register.
UL University offers a host of additional training opportunities throughout the year. Visit their website to view topics, dates and locations www.uluniversity.com.
Washington Labs Academy offers Product Safety Seminars through their Washington Labs Academy. Visit them online for topics, locations and dates (www.wll.com/academy.html).
ESD Seminars
Level 1 Plant Auditor – Stephen Halperin & Associates (www.halperinassoc.com) – The Level 1: Plant Auditor Course is a three day intensive that will teach the fundamentals of ESD and train technicians to make the ESD Control Measurements required by ANSI/ESD S20.20 and IEC 61340-5-1 ESD. For additional information or to register visit www.halperinassoc.com/services/esdtraining/esdspecialistprogram/schedule.asp.
Level 2 Program Design & Administration – Stephen Halperin & Associates (www.halperinassoc.com) – The SH&A Certified ESD SpecialistSM Level 2: Program course is a five day course that will teach advanced elements of ESD Program Design, documentation, implementation and management in accordance with ANSI/ESD S20.20 and IEC 61340-5-1. It includes advanced calculations, troubling shooting and supplier auditing techniques. For additional information or to register visit www.halperinassoc.com/services/esdtraining/esdspecialistprogram/schedule.asp.
Level 3: Process Capability Analysis – Stephen Halperin & Associates (www.halperinassoc.com) –Attendees successfully completing the SH&A Certified ESD SpecialistSM Level 3: Process Specialist course and take home project will be capable of analyzing the electrostatic characteristics of a manufacturing process. They will be able to identify the most sensitive device the process can handle in terms of HBM, CDM, FIM and MM, locate electrostatic process problems and recommend corrective action to enhance the process as necessary. This is a three day course. For additional information or to register visit www.halperinassoc.com/services/esdtraining/esdspecialistprogram/schedule.asp.
Other Professional Development Seminars
iNARTE Certified Laboratory Auditor, (iNCLA) Training and Credentialing Program – iNARTE (www.narte.org) For more information and to register visit www.narte.org/h/iNCLAConference.asp.
iNARTE also offers the following workshops throughout the year: HPEM/HEMP/IEMI Workshop, Personal Development through Engineering Excellence, Workshop on ANSI C63.10 – 2009: Testing Unlicensed Wireless Devices. Please visit their website for additional details at www.narte.org.
Other Public Seminars
MIL-STD-461F: Methods and Procedures – Washington Labs Academy – The MIL-STD-461F will be introduced, including the new/modified test methods and test article configurations. This course offers critical information for military compliance professionals, testing industry professionals and developers involved with electronics systems development. For more details, dates and registration information please visit www.wll.com/mil_std_461course.html.
Northwest EMC (www.nwemc.com) will be hosting a seminar at their Brooklyn Park Minnesota facility at the beginning of May 2010. Topics are to include wireless, medical products compliance, standard updates, and more. For more information please visit their website for additional details.
Round Table Discussions
Global Regulatory Approval of Products in the United States and Canada – TÜV Rheinland – (www.tuv.com) – This two hour discussion will provide an overview of Global Regulatory Approvals processes, review potential roadblocks and give you an opportunity to have your questions answered by TÜV Rheinland’s IA Division expert. This Round Table will be held at various locations throughout the U.S. Numerous dates offer convenient opportunities for participation. For additional information please visit www.tuv.com/us/en/international_approvals_round_table_html.
Private/Custom Seminars
Many experts offer private seminars designed to train select personnel at your location. These seminars offer companies an opportunity to train multiple compliance personnel with a customized approach designed for their needs. Following is a list of experts who offer private seminars.
Best ESD Technical Services (www.bestesd.com) – Classes and seminars can be arranged on different topics – from basic introduction to highly-specialized classes on a particular subject of ESD or EMC/EMI relevant to your applications.
Cherry Clough Consultants (www.cherryclough.com) – Seminars allow for a customized approach to training in basic and advanced EMC design, the EMC Directive and EMC engineering practices for EMC testing techniques and EMC functional safety.
DLS Electronics Systems (www.dlsemc.com/1101) – DLS experts offer practice oriented seminars and workshops on EMC design and regulatory compliance issues.
Kimmel Gerke Associates, Ltd. (www.emiguru.com) offers seminars on EMC design fundamentals and techniques for ensuring EMC Compliance.
LaMothe Associates (www.lamotheapprovals.com) offers fully customizable design seminars. Seminars are targeted towards understanding the design requirements of either IEC 61010-1 or IEC 60950-1 – specifically as they apply to the products you are designing. Both new and seasoned designers will benefit from these seminars with LaMothe Associates’ hands-on approach.
Montrose Compliance Services (www.montrosecompliance.com) offers worldwide customized training programs on achieving EMC compliance, EMC design fundamentals and techniques.
Industry Symposia and Table Top Programs
These annual symposia, sponsored by the IEEE’s EMC and Product Safety Engineering Societies and the ESD Association, are an excellent resource for extensive technical training and exchange of new ideas and technical concepts. The benefit of attending these events is that attendees can sample a vast array of workshops quickly and efficiently while networking with colleagues and professionals with the same interests.
IEEE EMC Society – International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility (www.emc2010.org) – Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 25-30, 2010.
7th Annual IEEE Symposium on Product Compliance Engineering (www.psessymposium.org) – Boston, MA, October 18-20, 2010.
32nd Annual Electrical Overstress/Electrostatic Discharge Symposium (www.esda.org/symposia.html) – Sparks, NV, October 3-8, 2010.
IEEE EMC Society Regional Events 2010
Milwaukee, WI: March 30 – Henry Ott Presents “Practical Aspects of Noise and Interference Control in Electronic Systems.” Contact Jim Blaha at Ingenium Testing (815) 315-9250 x 117 or jblaha@ieee.org.
Huntsville, AL: April 20 – Dr. Eric Bogatin will present. Contact Doug Parker at Adtran (256) 963-6937 or doug.parker@adtran.com.
Chicago, IL: May 11 – Multiple speakers on various topics. Contact Frank Krozel at Electronic Instrument (630) 924-1600 or frank@electronicinstrument.com.
Detroit, MI: May 20 – Speaker and topic to be announced. Contact Scott Lytle at Yazaki North America, (734) 983-6012 or scott@emcsociety.org.
Additional events are in development with possible locations being Seattle, WA in June 2010 at the Boeing Museum of Flight, and Dayton OH in August 2010 with a private evening event at the nearby National Museum of the US Air Force. This event will be a joint event with the Antenna Measurement and Techniques Association (AMTA).
On-Line Training
If webinars are your preferred style of learning, many companies sponsor on demand style webinars for viewing at your convenience. Please visit the following sites to view topics and make your selection.
TÜV SÜD America (www.tuvamerica.com/tuvnews/webinars.cfm) offers webinars and online seminars in the areas of Safety, EMC, Management Systems and Competency Assessments.
Associated Research (www.asresearch.com) offers webinar programs providing detailed information on many aspects of electrical safety testing. They are a valuable resource that can be used to learn more about common electrical safety tests as well as how to properly and safely set up a workstation and conduct a test.
UL University (www.uluniversity.com) offers a selection of online courses including self-paced eLearning and live and pre-recorded webinars. UL’s professional design staff can also create custom eLearning solutions to meet your specific needs. 
