19Apr
07Apr
Electromagnetic Compatibility-when devices work smoothly Together!
Electromagnetic Compatibility-when devices work smoothly Together! Devices are like people, they work best when they're compatible. Electronic devices work best when they don't interfere with each other. Electronic devices can be interfered with in several ways. They can be "distracted" by RF interference emitted by nearby devices. This distraction is similar to a co-worker who is always talking. The background "noise" keeps work quality below its potential best. Devices that can be "distracted" are called "susceptible". The answer to susceptibility...
05Apr
RF/EMI Shielding-the Key to EMC!
RF/EMI Shielding-the Key to EMC! Electromagnetic Compatibility Standards must be met prior to marketing devices. The device must perform well in a shared electromagnetic environment. It must not disrupt the performance of other nearby devices. It must not be disrupted by its environmental coworkers. The "potential disruption" is caused by RF/EMI outside of acceptable standards. In the US, the FCC determines these standards. In Canada, Industry Canada determines the standards. Europe requires the "CE" mark that represents compliance. Every country...
02Mar
Efficient Best Practice- Frequent EMC Developmental Testing!
Efficient Best Practice-Frequent EMC Developmental Testing! Frequent EMC developmental testing sounds like a lot of work. It also sounds like a waste of precious time. The truth is doing the testing early and often saves a lot of time! "Backtracking" to mitigate/diagnose problems is the real waste of time. Backtracking means "to retrace one's steps" or to "pursue, trace, and monitor". I call it "going back to the drawing board"! Talk about time consuming, that's the definition of backtracking! Pre-Compliance...
24Feb
Electromagnetic Compatibility-when Components get Along!
Electromagnetic Compatibility-when Components get Along! Electromagnetic Compatibility is when components of a device get along. In new devices, the components must work together in a shared electromagnetic environment. If the devices aren't compatible, the device performance suffers. A device should be like a team, many parts working toward one goal. Successful teams are assembled of people who work toward a goal smoothly. Each player executes his job without holding the team back. Similarly, one teammate can adversely affect the function...
23Feb
Pre-Compliance EMC Testing saves Time and Money!
Pre-Compliance EMC Testing saves Time and Money! All electronic devices must pass testing by an accredited EMC testing lab. It is estimated that up to 50% of products fail final testing on their first try! Multiple trips for testing really increase the product development cost. Pre-Compliance Testing during development at your facility can prepare your device for the "Final"! This early testing helps to detect and address problems stepwise during development. Testing and correcting early avoids expensive "back tracking" to...
10Feb
EMI/RFI spell Trouble, VTT offers Solutions!
EMI/RFI spell Trouble, VTT offers Solutions! An electronic device can't be marketed until it is compliant with applicable EMC Standards. Each device has to pass EMC Final Compliance Testing before it can be marketed. Testing is rigorous, device development is crucial in preparation for it. Pre-Compliance testing, starting upon product development is the best way to prepare for the Final Compliance Testing. Pre-Compliance testing is best done "early and often" in your own facility. This development method saves time and...
09Feb
New Electronic Device? It has to “Play by EMC Rules”!
New Electronic Device? It has to "Play by EMC Rules"! Electronic Devices are usually made to make our lives easier. EMC standards are necessary for devices to work together smoothly. These standards deal with RF emission, susceptibility, and immunity. RF emissions are a byproduct of an electrical device. All electrical devices produce these emissions. The key is keeping the electromagnetic environment consistent for all devices. This environment is achieved by insisting each device meets EMC Standards. New Electronic Device? It has...
02Feb
Have EMC Testing Questions, VTT can Answer them!
Have EMC Testing Questions, VTT can Answer them! There are many types of EMC Testing Standards, issued mainly by these groups: FCC (Federal Communications Commission), MIL Standards, EN (European Norm), SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), ISO (International Organization for Standardization), IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), and CISPR (Comite International Special Des Perturbations Radio). All of these groups have tests, test standards, and test methods. These tests deal with emission of and susceptibility to RF. Many products are exported to foreign countries and become subject...
27Jan
