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(Re)Discovering the Lost Science of Near-Field Measurements, Part 2

This article is the third in a series commemorating 70 years since the advent of modern EMI testing. But this last article is itself divided into multiple parts, due to the topic’s complexity. Unlike the previous two articles, which mainly tracked evolution and explained issues, this series of installments argues that we started off correctly seventy years ago, but then took the wrong fork in the road in 1967.

The Legal Perils of Customer Service

Customer service, before and after sale, is one of the most important functions that must be performed by a manufacturer or product seller. It is also one of the riskiest. Obtaining no information, inadequate information, wrong information, misleading information, or harmful information can make it difficult to evaluate future risk, meet your regulatory obligations, and defend a product liability lawsuit.

In-Situ Radiated Emission Testing of Large Systems Installations

When it comes to in-situ radiated emission measurements, the combination of near- and far-field measurements is often the best approach. Near-field measurements can help identify the sources of emissions, including individual modules or components and their frequency and amplitude characteristics. This information can then be used for far-field measurements. Far-field measurements involve using antennas to measure the radiated noise, with full‑size antennas recommended for measurements between 30 and 200 MHz.

Technical Resources

Testing and Measurement

Product Profiles

Design

Troubleshooting EMI Issues Caused by Structural Resonances

Most EMI issues are caused by a resonance that is excited somewhere in the system. It may be a resonance of a cable acting as an antenna or a heatsink energized by the power electronics switches bolted to it, becoming a good radiator. In this article, we look at the indicators that signal the presence of structural resonances and provide techniques for fixing the EMI issues. Practical case studies are presented to demonstrate the techniques.

Energy Release Quantification for Li-Ion Battery Failures

The growing application of lithium-ion batteries brings with it an increased risk of unanticipated energy releases and thermal runaway. Quantifying battery energy release characteristics during product design can help mitigate those risks.

EMC Management in Charging Applications

Implementing a process of EMC compliance for a specific project is much more than simply ensuring that the design engineers follow a long list of “do’s and don’ts” in the form of EMC design rules. Following this process will reap benefits when EMC performance is evaluated at the end of the design process.

Fundamentals

NASA Space Shuttle’s Return to Flight: The Untold Electromagnetic Backstory

The 2003 Columbia re-entry accident was caused by a piece of liberated external tank foam that struck and damaged the left leading edge during powered ascent. Computational and experimental electromagnetics were ultimately applied to foster the development of a new NASA Ascent Debris Radar (NDR) for the remaining 22 Shuttle missions. In the process, countless static and dynamic radar signature and EMI/EMC calculations and tests were completed to assure this safety-critical radar system was ready for the return to flight (RTF) missions.

Continuing Your Professional Education in 2022

Traditionally, the start of a new year is a time when we reflect on the progress we’ve made during the year passed and set our goals for the new year. We’ve queried training resources in our industry to provide you with an overview of free or affordable solutions to meet your training goals in 2022.

Capacitors: Theory and Application

This article presents the fundamentals and application of capacitors. What is a capacitor, and how do we select them? Techniques of selecting capacitors and things to consider when using capacitors are highlighted. Both practical examples and simulation are used to demonstrate the key points.

Ohm’s Law Also Applies to ESD‑Induced Heat Pulses

Heat flow analysis for semiconductor ESD situations can be approximated to one dimension, and then captured with a generalized Ohm’s Law using a complex impedance. Methods can include time-dependent electrothermal pulses and feedback due to self-heating, with solutions readily carried out on any desktop computer.

Standards and Compliance

High-Integrity Components in Electrical Equipment, Part II

While the selection of components in electrical equipment plays a crucial role, a sound understanding of the characteristics of safety-critical and high-integrity components can provide valuable information about the ways to advance and achieve safety goals.
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