In a few weeks, we will be able to enjoy the 2019 IEEE International Symposium on EMC, Signal and Power Integrity (EMC+SIPI). I am so excited! This symposium is sponsored by the IEEE EMC Society (EMC-S), the world's largest organization dedicated to the development and distribution of information, tools and techniques for reducing electromagnetic interference with support … [Read more...]
Review of MIL-STD-461 General Requirements
Introduction Recently I noted that my series on MIL-STD-461 test methods was closing since I had accomplished a review on each of the test methods. It seems appropriate to continue with a review of General Requirements – those things common to the various test methods. These requirements have been around since the first release of MIL-STD-461 and MIL-STD-462 dealing with … [Read more...]
Specifying RF/Microwave Power Amplifiers for EMC Testing – Amplifier Control
This is post 4 of AR’s blog series “Specifying RF/Microwave Power Amplifiers for EMC Testing.” The full series can be viewed here. EMBEDDED AMPLIFIER CONTROL For years, amplifier control has been limited to manual operation and remote control through a communications bus. With ever-changing technology, a third type of amplifier control has emerged. Now, many amplifiers … [Read more...]
Basics of Passive Filters for EMC Compliance
INTRODUCTION One of the roles of the practicing EMC engineer or product designer is to be able to design filters to add to circuits in order to get them to pass various EMC immunity and emissions standards such as IEC 61000-4-2 for ESD immunity, IEC 61000-4-3 for Radiated RF immunity and IEC 61000-4-4 for Electrical Fast Transient/Burst immunity and other various … [Read more...]
Specifying RF/Microwave Power Amplifiers for EMC Testing – HIRF & High Frequency Field Generating Systems
This is post 3 of AR’s blog series “Specifying RF/Microwave Power Amplifiers for EMC Testing.” The full series can be viewed here. SYSTEMS The ability to pull together the right amplifiers for the job, with training and ongoing support is one of many important elements to building a system. This approach allows test engineers and technicians the ability to do what they do … [Read more...]
What is the Most Important EMC Design Guideline?
INTRODUCTION EMC design guidelines have always been a popular subject in the EMC design community. What is the most important EMC design guideline, i.e. the guideline with the highest impact on the emission and immunity of electronic circuitry? Studying books and literature from renowned EMC experts often tells us that the most important EMC design guideline is: … [Read more...]
Cost-Effectively Ensure Electromagnetic Compatibility in the Age of IoT
Wireless/RF is ubiquitous, so implement a pre-compliance regimen with off-the-shelf equipment. Every electronic product has to go through full electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing to get the much-coveted stamp of approval from the various regulatory bodies. This has traditionally been a costly undertaking with multiple trips to a distant testing facility, with … [Read more...]
Specifying RF/Microwave Power Amplifiers for EMC Testing – Amplifier Input & Output Requirements
This is post 2 of AR’s blog series “Specifying RF/Microwave Power Amplifiers for EMC Testing.” The full series can be viewed here. INTRODUCTION How much input power is required to achieve full rated output power is a common concern when choosing an amplifier. Amplifier manufacturers have specified an input of 1 milliwatt. (Note that this is not the case for every … [Read more...]
Risk Mitigation: Advanced ESD Instrumentation for Qualification Testing of Static Shielding Bags
Today, Suspect Counterfeit ESD Control and Non-Compliant Packaging is a growing issue throughout the Global Supply Chain. EEE parts (ESD sensitive devices) damage transcends circuit cards, touch screen displays, handheld devices, and other microprocessor driven products. Suspect counterfeit static control or non-compliant electrostatic discharge (ESD) shielding bags can be … [Read more...]
In Memory of Bob Goldblum
Good morning. My name is Graham Kilshaw and it is my honor to offer this eulogy in honor of my father in law – Bob Goldblum. It was only 35 degrees outside when Bob was born, December 18, 1935 in Philadelphia, and the economy wasn’t that warm either. After all, most of the country was considered far from comfortable at that time. The Wall Street Crash had occurred just 6 … [Read more...]
