The Requirement: When MIL-STD-461 revision “G” was issued, I believed that the answer to many of my measurement equipment calibration issues had been solved. Right there in the “Calibration of measuring equipment” paragraph the requirements clearly stated: After the initial calibration passive devices such as measurement system antennas, current probes, and LISNs, require no … [Read more...]
Demystifying EMC in an Electric Vehicle’s Drive Unit
1. Introduction The past decade has witnessed both a leap forward in technology and market expansion of the global electric vehicle (EV) industry [1]. With Tesla leading the market, followed by traditional vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Volkswagen, PSA, and Toyota, to name just a few, the electrification of the automotive industry has been advancing at … [Read more...]
Review of Induced Signal Susceptibility Testing—DO-160 Section 19
The Issue Induced signal susceptibility has been a factor in electronic equipment performance since the dawning of voltage and current. Often referred to as crosstalk, the undesired coupling of one circuit’s signals to another may result in interference that degrades the integrity of either signal. This article examines the testing process prescribed by RTCA DO-160 Section … [Read more...]
Review of Bonding and Grounding Requirements
The Question What is the required bonding and grounding requirements to achieve compliance with the various electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards associated with electronic equipment? I received this question a few days ago and quickly realized that a quick and easy answer was not feasible since I virtually had no knowledge of what kind of equipment types were … [Read more...]
Electromagnetic Pulse: The Myths and Reality
Introduction Some 10-15 years ago this topic was irrelevant for the civil sector, and the issue of protection of electrical and electronic equipment from high altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) solely belonged to military specialists. Today, much of the mass media discusses HEMP danger for civil infrastructure at the global level in all possible ways; and thus, this topic … [Read more...]
Review of Magnetic Effects Testing—DO-160 Section 15
The Issue From the beginning of aviation, knowledge of the aircraft direction during flight has been critical to locating destinations. The magnetic compass was used for centuries in shipping, and naturally, it was adopted for aircraft use. Without visible signposts or landmarks, direction relies on the compass to provide the necessary information. The compass aligns with the … [Read more...]
Review of MIL-STD-1275 Requirements
Introduction This may seem disassociated from the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) theme of this publication but issues dealing with power quality and the qualification testing has a direct link to EMC. Frequently the EMC engineers and technicians are tasked taking care of the power quality, so I believe that reviews of these standards are appropriate. MIL-STD-1275 deals … [Read more...]
New and Proposed Changes to CISPR SC I Standards
Are you familiar with CISPR 32 and CISPR 35? CISPR 32 was originally published in 2012, followed by a pair of corrigenda and then the 2nd edition was published in 2015. CISPR 32 replaced CISPR 13 (Broadcast receivers emissions) and CISPR 22 (ITE emissions), both of which were withdrawn by the IEC on March 5, 2017. In the EU CISPR 32 is published as EN 55032 and it has … [Read more...]
Review of Space Applications EMC Requirements
The Contract Having been a long-time manufacturer of oxygen concentrator equipment, when I saw an opportunity to bid on a job to provide an oxygen concentrator system (OCS) for a satellite project I jumped at the chance. The specifications were normal for this type of system and of course electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements were included. Having experience with … [Read more...]
Review of MIL-STD-1399-300-1 Requirements
Introduction The electrical power system of a ship functions like a city’s electrical grid from the power generation to medium voltage distribution to the low voltage networks located in various sections of the ship’s structure. It only makes sense to treat the power system like a city’s power system, after all larger vessels include services that a city would … [Read more...]
