Electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) are often used interchangeably when referring to the regulatory testing of electronic components and consumer goods.
EMI is electromagnetic energy which affects the functioning of an electronic device. Sources of EMI can sometimes be naturally occurring environmental events, such as electrical storms and solar radiation. However, more commonly, the EMI source is another electronic device or electrical system.
EMI can be generated from any electronic device. That said, certain equipment and components – such as cellphones, welders, motors and LED screens – are more likely to create disturbances than others.
Because it is rare for electronics to operate in isolation, products are generally engineered to function in the presence of some amount of EMI. This is particularly important in military-grade and avionics equipment, as well as devices requiring superior reliability in all situations.
EMC on the other hand is a measure of a device’s ability to operate as intended in its shared operating environment while, at the same time, not affecting the ability of other equipment within the same environment to operate as intended.
Evaluating how a device will react when exposed to electromagnetic energy is one component of this, known as immunity (or susceptibility) testing. Measuring the amount of EMI generated by the device’s internal electrical systems – a process known as emissions testing – is another.
Both aspects of EMC are important design and engineering considerations in any system. Failing to properly anticipate the EMC of a device can have a number of negative consequences, including safety risks, product failure and data loss.
Consequently, a wide range of testing equipment for EMC and EMI has been developed to give engineers a clearer picture of how a device will operate in real-world conditions.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines limits for the amount of unlicensed radio frequency interference that can be produced by consumer electronics and other devices. The FCC does this in FCC Part 15 rules.
Other regulations such as MIL-STD 461 and MIL-STD 464 outline EMC and environmental requirements for components/subsystems and systems for military applications.
Outside of the U.S., various ISO, IEC, CISPR and other standards define acceptable limits of EMI and overall EMC. In some industries and markets, compliance with these standards is voluntary. In others, it is a requirement.
EMI/EMC Training Courses by Tonex
EMC/EMI Training Courses by Tonex, Applied Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) training course serves as a technical program to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electromagnetic interference (EMI). It is a technical overview of many topics.
Tonex Applied EMC/EMI course is applicable to professional engineers and technicians practicing in EMC fields to include bonding, grounding, shielding, EMI prediction, EMI analysis, conducted and radiated interference, lightning protection and more.
Learn about the requirements that commercial and military electronic systems must meet to get certified. Master techniques that can be used to protect systems against these threats. Explore unconventional high power EM threats, including nuclear electromagnetic pulse and high power microwave weapons (optional topics).
In a nutshell, Engineers know the math and the physics of EMC. Technicians know the instruments and test setups. Engineers need good writing and verbal skills. Technicians need to know the pitfalls of real measurements. All applicants have to be competent in the fundamentals, i.e., coupling, filters, shielding, etc. as well as the specifications which apply to their particular specialty.
Understand EMI/EMC Concepts, Definitions, and Requirements
Understand military and commercial EMI/EMC requirements
Explore EMC Methodology, Environments, and Measurements
Calculate electromagnetic propagation
Understand EMC Modeling and Analysis
Master EMC measurement, modeling, and analysis techniques
Analyze EM Propagation and Crosstalk
Understand EM Hardening Techniques
Master Unconventional High Power Electromagnetic Threats
Analyze potential EMI problems by identifying the source, the receptor, and the coupling path
Harden electronic systems using the appropriate EMC protection technique(s): grounding, bonding, shielding, filtering, and printed circuit board design
Outline
INTRODUCTION TO EMI AND EMC
What is EMI and EMC?
Lightning Protection and Control
Power Grounds
Signal Grounding
Cable and Connector Grounding
Box and System-Level Grounding
Shielding Effectiveness
Shielding Materials and Coatings
TECHNICAL PRINCIPLES OF EMI AND EMC
Principles of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
Principles of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)
Electromagnetic Effects (EME)
Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP)
Aperture Leakage and Their Control
Shielded Windows
Electrical Gaskets
Box and Housing Shield Designs
Architectural Shielding
Shielded Rooms
Cable Shielding and Performance
EMI and Control Issues
Fields Levels, Meaning and Threats
Electrical Noise Sources
Analog Devices and Logic Victims and Their EMI Properties
EMI Device Reciprocity
Threat and Victim Levels and Margins
EMI AND EMC STANDARDS AND MEASUREMENTS
Introduction to field strength
Safety considerations
EMC standards
EMI Standards
RF Emissions
Low Frequency Emissions: Harmonics (IEC 1000-3-2)
Measurement Equipment
MIL-STD-461F
GROUNDING TECHNIQUES
Types of Grounds
Safety
Signal Grounds
Single-point and Multi-point Grounds
Common Impedance Coupling
Separation of Grounds
Ground Loops
Isolation
Shield Grounding
Grounding and Interconnect
Function of a Ground
Single Point, Multi-Point and Hybrid Grounds
Analog vs Digital Grounds
Circuit Board Grounding
Internal Cables and Connectors
I/O Treatments
Shielding
Picking the Right Materials
Enclosure Design Techniques
PHYSICS OF EMI/EMCINTERFERENCE SOURCES, PATHS AND RECEPTORS