The effect of connection inductance and ESL can limit the effectiveness of decoupling capacitors. Bruce Archambeault, Ph.D., IBM Research, Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA INTRODUCTION Decoupling capacitors serve two purposes. One is to provide charge to the ICs for functionality, and the second is to maintain a low impedance between power and ground-reference planes in … [Read more...]
Overseas Opportunities for EMC & Independent Laboratories
The opportunities for test labs are huge in the dynamic markets of Asia. Mike Violette, Washington Laboratories, Gaithersburg, MD, USA INTRODUCTION There are various reasons to consider expansion into international markets. Factors that force companies to look across the border or across the ocean include obvious opportunities for product and/or service offerings, changing … [Read more...]
Simple Lab Techniques of Comparing EMI/RFI Absorber Materials
Surface current numbers can be used to pinpoint a material with the best absorption characteristics in a given frequency range. David R. Pacholok, Creative Electronics Consultants, Sleepy Hollow, IL, USA. With engineers facing ever increasing radiated EMI regulatory compliance concerns, various types of EMI absorber materials have come on the market. These are usually … [Read more...]
ISO/IEC 17025 – Should the International Standard on Laboratories be Divided into Two Separate Standards?
Is there a need for a distinct testing lab standard and calibration lab standard? Daniel D. Hoolihan, Hoolihan EMC Consulting, Lindstrom, MN The flag-ship laboratory quality standard in the world is ISO/IEC 17025–General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories. Based on years of experience using the standard, the author is recommending that … [Read more...]
Significance of Dielectric Materials for In-Vehicle Electromagnetic Field Computation
Studies suggest that models based on only the metallic parts of a vehicle can provide useful data for predicting the electromagnetic performance of complex systems such as vehicles. Alastair R. Ruddle, Ph.D., MIRA Limited, Nuneaton, UK Numerical modeling is an increasingly popular approach for investigating electromagnetic issues in complex systems. Possible applications … [Read more...]
A Short History and Review of Shielded Cables
Effective Shielding prevents interference from entering or emanating from a cable. Don Dodge, Calmont Wire and cable, Inc., Santa Ana, California, USA HISTORY In the late 1800s, as the use of electricity was first being used for communications, interference reared its ugly head. The imperative for some form of mitigation became apparent. The first attempts involved wire … [Read more...]
Properly Applying Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) in a Health Care Facility
Protecting electrical systems within a facility is paramount to ensure equipment operation and longevity. Bryan Cole, Technology Research Council, Nichols, New York, USA Jim Tiesi, Emerson Network Power Surge Protection, Binghamton, New York, USA Surge protective devices (SPDs) are utilized in numerous applications: commercial buildings, telecommunication shelters, industrial … [Read more...]
Smart and Reliable Assessment of Electromagnetic Environmental Effects on Ordnance
Become a successful HERO tester in four easy steps. Gaétan Duplain and Charles Leduc, Opsens, Inc., Quebec, Canada Hazards from Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO), the potential for electromagnetic radiation to pose an adverse effect on munitions, is a familiar problem first identified in the 1950s. Avoiding the unintended detonation or malfunction of electrically … [Read more...]
RF Shielding Materials: An Update on Selection and Cost Consideration
RF gasket selection must be a well-informed decision in the design process. Gary Fenical, Laird Technologies, St. Louis, MD, USA Advances in electronic components continue to occur at a rapid pace, and this ongoing rush means more and more wireless devices, increasing power levels, and higher frequencies. While consumers demand more advanced products with increased features … [Read more...]
Protection of Commercial Installations from the 'Triple Threat' of HEMP, IEMI and Severe Geomagentic Storms
With properly designed protection, commercial installations and buildings can be protected against each of these environments. William A. Radasky, Ph.D, P.E., Metatech Corporation, Goleta, California, USA Over the past five years, many publications have indicated that three unusual high-power electromagnetic threats pose significant danger to industry. These are: the … [Read more...]
