An efficient shield room for automotive testing progresses from design to finished structure. Michael Koffink and Bob Mitchell Intertek Four years ago, we noticed a growing demand for EMC testing from the automotive industry. As cars and trucks now feature myriad on-board electronic devices, they are increasingly susceptible to stray emissions while simultaneously functioning … [Read more...]
Achieving More Accurate Measurement of Conducted RF Emissions Using Modified AMNs
Measurement uncertainty for common-mode disturbances can be reduced from about 22 dB to a maximum of a few dB. Mart Coenen Philips Applied Technologies, Eindhoven, the Netherlands INTRODUCTION In early 1980, extensive discussions were held within the IEC CISPR/A working group regarding the definition of the impedance characteristics and the RF emission limits attained via … [Read more...]
Reverberation Chamber for EMC Testing
The reverberation chamber provides the most realistic simulation/equivalency for electronics functioning within a cavity. Er-Ping Li and Xing-Chang Wei Electromagnetic Labs, Institute of High Performance Computing, Singapore INTRODUCTION The problem is familiar, but growing. The widespread and ever-growing use of electronic devices with high-speed components increases the … [Read more...]
Antenna Fundamentals
A proper understanding of antennas requires familiarity with electromagnetics, circuit theory, electronics and signal processing. Candace Suriano, Ph.D., Suriano Solutions John Suriano, Ph.D., Nidec Motors, Auburn Hills, MI, USA Tom Holmes, Agilent Technologies, Tipp City, OH, USA Qin Yu, Alcatel-Lucent, Columbus, OH, USA How does an antenna pick up a signal and convert it to … [Read more...]
Interference Suppression Using a Balanced MLCC
An innovative capacitor design can provide more RFI suppression in a substantially smaller package Steve Weir and James Muccioli X2Y Attenuators, LLC Erie, PA Instrumentation amplifiers are often employed in hostile noise environments. Sensor lead cables may pick up substantial RF radiation, particularly if they are long and/or not well shielded. When applied to the input of … [Read more...]
Selecting a Radiated Emissions Test Site
Bob DeLisi Principle Engineer – EMC Underwriters laboratories Inc. Michael Windler Operations Manager NA EMC Underwriters laboratories Inc. Introduction Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing and certification has become an integral part of product regulatory compliance. With the growing number of wireless communications devices being introduced into the RF … [Read more...]
Accuracy of Flickermeters – Round Robin Results
Have the new standards improved measurement accuracy? Ken Hall Hewlett Packard, Roseville, CA, USA This article presents the results of an inter-laboratory comparison of a flicker measurement system. In the process of evaluating replacement equipment that met the new international requirements of IEC 61000-3-2,1 harmonics, and IEC 61000-3-3,2 voltage fluctuations commonly … [Read more...]
Options for North American Product Compliance
Jack Black D.L.S. Electronic Systems, Inc. Wheeling, IL Manufacturers and distributors of electronic and electrical devices are required to meet various product safety and EMC standards established by the United States and Canada. They may be asked to show proof of compliance for these products by residential and workplace end-users. Today, there are multiple options for … [Read more...]
Practical Considerations in Upgrading RF Immunity Test Systems to 6 GHz
Pat Moore, MILMEGA Ltd., UK Introduction With the recent release of IEC61000-4-3 Edition 3, many EMC test houses are actively researching the availability of equipment capable of meeting the testing demands presented by the new 6 GHz upper frequency limit. The conventional solution offered by EMC equipment suppliers has several major disadvantages, particularly as regards … [Read more...]
Fibrous Dust Testing – Genesis and Successful Reproduction of a Menace
Testing services and equipment are now available to analyze designs for fibrous dust susceptibility. Dan Willemin Professional Testing Incorporated, Round Rock, TX, USA Accumulations of dusts have always hampered cooling, to some extent, but dusts and electronics cooling problems of the past usually involved industrial or military applications. To understand why dust has … [Read more...]
