Introduction Insertion loss, the term used to express a filter’s ability to reduce or attenuate unwanted signals, has traditionally been measured in a 50 ohm source and 50 ohm load impedance condition, as standardized in MIL-STD-220. In this matched 50 ohm impedance condition, various types of filter circuit configurations, single capacitor, “L’s”, “PI’s”, and “T’s”, will … [Read more...]
Simulating EM Shielding for Aeronautical Applications
The airframe of an aircraft can provide some measure of shielding against high-intensity radiated fields (HIRF), but this is compromised by doors, windows, seams, access panels and components interfaced to the airframe such as antennas used for communication and navigation. Composite materials are increasingly used in aeronautical applications due to their relatively light … [Read more...]
Choosing and Using Silicon Protection Devices
Introduction Correctly choosing an external (off chip) Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) is not as simple as it once was. Integrated Circuit (IC) feature size is shrinking (Figure 1) and more and more inputs are being exposed to the outside world. Portable consumer devices are everywhere and have more functions in smaller and smaller sizes, necessitating smaller and smaller … [Read more...]
The CE Mark Process for Electronic Hardware Manufacturers
Introduction Navigating the CE Mark process can be a challenge for both startups and experienced manufacturers alike. This article is a guide for hardware manufacturers who want to do all the right things to legally get their product into Europe. Here’s what we’re going to cover: The typical CE Marking process for electronic equipment Outline of the most common … [Read more...]
EMI Troubleshooting – Step-By-Step
In this article, I’ll describe the steps I usually take to troubleshoot the top four EMI issues, conducted emissions, radiated emissions, radiated immunity, and electrostatic discharge. Of these, the last three are the most prevalent issues, with radiated emissions typically being the number one failure. If your product or system (EUT) has adequate power and I/O port filtering, … [Read more...]
Summary of Commercial EMC Tests
Commercial EMC tests cover a wide range of products. These include the obvious ones like computers and their peripherals, but also cover household appliances, electric tools and a wide variety of other products. While the standards, including limits and test methods may differ, all EMC test standards have a few things in common. The most basic are the limits for emissions … [Read more...]
Summary of Military and Aerospace EMC Tests
Military and aerospace EMC tests cover a wide range of products. While the standards, including limits and test methods may differ, all EMC test standards have a few things in common. The most basic are the limits for emissions and the types and levels of susceptibility testing. Emissions tests (and their associated limits) are put in place for military and aerospace … [Read more...]
Platform Interference – Measurement and Mitigation
As a consultant, I'm seeing an increasing number of manufacturers wanting to add or retrofit wireless into new or existing products. Products typically include mobile, household, industrial, scientific, and medical devices. Also, the trend toward the “Internet of Things” (IoT) or the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) adds to the problem. This transition towards "everything … [Read more...]
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Evaluation Methods of Static Control Gloves for ESD Integrity
Static Control gloves can be classified as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to reduce the risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD). There are several types of ESD Gloves: Nitrile, Vinyl, Latex, Rubber and humidity independent conductive carbon/nylon yarn gloves as illustrated in Figure 1 above. Due to an astounding rise in the number of non-compliant and suspect … [Read more...]
Developing an In-House EMC Troubleshooting & Pre-Compliance Test Lab
While investing in your own full in-house EMC test laboratory may seem difficult to justify, most companies should be able to afford to implement some level of pre-compliance testing capability. Outside compliance test labs can cost upwards of $2,000 per day. The advantage of being able to perform some of the key tests in-house is that you can quickly determine whether your … [Read more...]
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 38
- Next Page »
