The essential information about which tests apply to automotive product types is now contained within the one directive. Martin O’Hara, Trafficmaster, Cranfield, Beds, UK INTRODUCTION This article discusses the changes implemented in the new European Automotive EMC directive 2004/104/EC1. The new directive, released in November 2004, effectively replaces the existing … [Read more...]
Antenna Selection for Automotive EMC Emissions and Immunity Applications (100 kHz to 18 GHz)
Optimum antenna selection plays a vital part in effective automotive emissions testing VICENTE RODRIGUEZ, PH.D. INTRODUCTION The following article describes the best antennas for meeting the requirements of full vehicle automotive EMC. The document is divided in to two main sections: Emissions and Immunity. The purpose of this article is to enlighten users on the best solution … [Read more...]
2005 Update on Intentional Electromagnetic Interference (IEMI)
IEMI refers to the deliberate attempt to produce EMI to interfere with commercial equipment. Dr. William A. Radasky, Ph.D. Metatech Corporation, Goleta, CA INTRODUCTION Over the past few years several articles have been written by this author and others indicating the threat and importance of intentional electromagnetic interference (IEMI).1–4 Since the publication of the … [Read more...]
First Amendment to the International Standard for EMC on Medical Devices
Amendment 1 to IEC 60601-1-2 is worth a careful reading by anyone involved in the design, manufacturing and/or testing of electrical medical equipment. Daniel D. Hoolihan Hoolihan EMC Consulting, Lindstrom, MN In September of 2004, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) released Amendment 1 to the Second Edition of IEC 60601-1-2. This Amendment was prepared by … [Read more...]
EMC Assessment of Programmable Controllers: Choosing the Appropriate Standards
Using out-dated standards may result in erroneous conclusions regarding the true electromagnetic compatibility of the device under test. Nikolai Panteleev and Borislava Medzhidieva EMC Testing Laboratory, Sofia, Bulgaria Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are widely used in industrial control systems for several reasons. Using specialized languages, they are easy to … [Read more...]
Achieving EMC in Pharmaceutical Industry Equipment – A Case Study
The many devices used in an industrial setting can present significant challenges in emissions control. Vinod Kumar Dhar Electronics Regional Test Laboratory (West), Indian Ministry of Information Technology, Mumbai, India While controlling electromagnetic interference is a worldwide challenge encountered in homes, shops, and offices, that task can be particularly difficult … [Read more...]
Selecting Antenna/Power Amplifier Combinations for the Coming New RF Immunity Standards
Though far from certain, it looks as if 6 GHz is a strong candidate for the upper frequency for consumer products. Art Cohen A.H. Systems, Inc., Chatsworth, CA, USA Thomas Mullineaux Empower RF Systems, Inc. Inglewood, CA, USA Testing products for susceptibility to radiated fields above 1 GHz is on the horizon. The new medical standard now stipulates testing to 2.5 GHz, and … [Read more...]
HIRF Testing in an Anechoic Chamber
A detailed examination of radiated field and transmitted power test techniques MICHEL LE CLECH, EMITECH ABSTRACT HIGH PULSED E-FIELD TEST LEVELS increased at the end of the 1990s. At the same time, many efforts were made to develop a very efficient test technique with the mode-stirred chamber. However, by improving the antenna design and test distances, comparable levels can … [Read more...]
Aspects of Conductive Filler Loading on EMI Shielding and DC Volume Resistivity
Brian W. Callen, B. Sc., Ph.D. and Claudia E. Johnston Westaim Ambeon, Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada Dennis K. Morland, P. Eng., M.Sc. The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada INTRODUCTION Conductive fillers for plastics have been used in EMI shielding applications for many years. Initially pure metallic powders such as nickel or copper … [Read more...]
Antenna Polarization Measurements
Losses can arise from polarization mismatches. Ricardo Perez Alion Science and Technology, Annapolis, MD Antenna polarization is one of many parameters to consider when designing a system. The polarization of the transmitter antenna in a system should be properly aligned with the receiver antenna to maximize coupling. Maximum signal coupling between stations occurs when both … [Read more...]
