Read the articles in our TechXchange: Delving into EMI, EMC, and Noise.
Nearly all electronic hardware creates electromagnetic interference (EMI), which at times can be a plague on the performance of other devices in the surrounding area or even cause malfunctions. Electronics engineers also often need to guarantee their designs do not create noise that can affect other devices, inadvertenly telling them to do something they shouldn't—a property also called electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
Failure to address electronic interference in the early stages of a device's development can lead to prolonged delays down the road that cost both time and money or create safety hazards. Most electronic devices need to withstand a degree of EMI, whether to meet industry standards—in the case of aerospace and defense or factory machinery—or tight regulatory requirements—in the case of auto electronics or medical equipment.
To reduce EMI in a design, electronics engineers first need to understand where it comes from (coupled from cables or physical conductors? Radio transmissions or stray magnetic fields? Other sources?) and how it may affect the device. But even after assessing the situation, engineers are usually left with more questions than answers when it comes to mitigating EMI and noise. What should I do to improve my design? What types of enclosures should I use? What components do I want to evaluate? Filters? Common-mode chokes?
This article series covers a wide range of topics that can keep you ahead of the game when it comes to EMI challenges. The articles range from the fundamentals of EMI and EMC to the components, technologies, and strategies you can adopt to keep out electrical interference in automobiles, on factory floors, and other areas. Check out the TechXchange page on Electronic Design and keep an eye out for new installments in the series.
Read more articles at TechXchange: Delving into EMI, EMC, and Noise.