“If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything.” — John Wooden Over the years, I have seen several things that make me scratch my head. Many of them are things I have done (there, I admitted it). I would like to look at these situations to (maybe) help not to make the same mistakes. So, to be clear: Do not do these things. Concerning Shielding One would … [Read more...]
What is EMC?
Introduction This article will serve as an introduction to the topic. It is aimed at the people who have been told by their management, “You are now my EMC person. Go figure out what it is and how we must deal with it!” It will not be an all-encompassing treatment of the subject, but it will provide the reader with a start and some ideas of where to go for more … [Read more...]
IEC-61000-4-3:2020 4th Edition Containing Multiple Signal Test Option Has Been Published
The new IEC 61000-4-3:2020 4th edition includes the following updates: a description of how to test using multiple test signals; the addition of information regarding EUT and cable layout; the removal of the upper-frequency limitation to take into account new services; and the further specification of how to characterize the uniform field area, as well as added clarification … [Read more...]
Seven Fundamental Considerations for Selecting EMI Filters
By Rigoberto Rios, Jorge Varela, and Amanda Ison Virtually every electronic device is subject to and, to at least some degree, must be protected from electromagnetic interference (EMI), or electrical noise. EMI is generated by both naturally occurring and engineered sources ranging from solar flares to cell phones, and, if left unmitigated, diminishes the integrity and … [Read more...]
Securing New 5G Physical Assets with Electronic Access Control
The 5G era of mobile computing and communications is rapidly moving forward. 5G stands for the fifth generation of wireless infrastructure—a massive upscale of network technology. It will provide data transfer rates faster than the blink of an eye, reducing latency for even the most data-hungry applications, high bandwidth, and greater opportunities for connectivity and … [Read more...]
Ensuring Performance of Connected Home Electronic Products
Towards a Connected Home The title of Bob Dylan’s 1964 hit “The Times They Are A-Changin’” certainly holds true for home appliance products. The world of consumer electronics needs to evolve and keep pace with the growing desire of their customers and play a part in enabling the dream of a truly connected world. The Internet of Things (IoT) trend has finally reached our homes. … [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...]
Analog Devices Announces Combination with Maxim Integrated, Strengthening Analog Semiconductor Leadership
Analog Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADI) and Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. (Nasdaq: MXIM) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which ADI will acquire Maxim in an all stock transaction that values the combined enterprise at over $68 billion2. The transaction, which was unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, will … [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...]
