Overview Of EMC
Electromagnetic interference
is
a serious and increasing form of environmental pollution. The large number of
electronic devices in common use is partly responsible for this trend. Adopting
the practices of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) controls the pollution
level of electromagnetic interference.
Definitions
• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC):
Ability of a product, equipment, system to operate
satisfactorily
in, and not
overly contribute
to, an electromagnetic environment.
•Electromagnetic
Interference (EMI):
Electromagnetic energy emanating from
one device which causes another device to have degraded performance.
•Electromagnetic
Susceptibility (Immunity) (EMS):
Ability to function properly in
its intended electromagnetic environment. Tolerance in
the presence of electromagnetic energy.
Simply put, EMC is to design equipment that neither generates, nor is susceptible to, interference.
The performance level and requirement of Electromagnetic Compatibility
(EMC) for any electronic product or system are specified by EMC regulations. These specified levels are enforced by individual country’s EMC
regulations and standards. Failing to comply with these
requirements can result in forced removal of a product from the marketplace,
confiscation of non-compliant product, monetary fines, and in extreme cases,
imprisonment.
Countries adopt different EMC Standards. Most adopt CISPR (International Special Committee
for Radio Interference) as their national EMC regulation. In the US, the body responsible for EMC is FCC (Federal Communications Commission). For military applications, the EMC
standard is MIL-STD-461E. These EMC Standards specifies what facilities to be used and how
measurement are to be carried out.
