EMC/EMITesting: WhatYou NeedTo Know
Emission testing is a crucial step in the design and manufacturing of electronic devices Various regulatory bodies, including the FDA, FCC, and ISO, have set specific limits on the emission of certain types of radiation. Devices that meet these emission limits are allowed to enter the market In this article, we will explain what EMI testing is, what it covers, and what you need to know before you carry out an EMI test
What is EMC/EMITesting?
When it comes to EMC/EMI testing, you need to be aware of the different types of tests that are available and the purpose of each. Here is a look at what each type of test does and when you might want to use them
EnvironmentalTests
Environmental tests are conducted to determine whether or not emissions from electronic equipment cause harmful or potentially harmful effects to the environment. This can include checks for such things as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), lead and other heavy metals, and harmful radiation levels
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)Tests
RFIs are conducted in an effort to identify sources of electromagnetic interference that may be causing problems for electronic equipment. RFIs can identify such things as high-power transmission lines, microwave links, wired network hubs, and wireless access points By identifying these sources, you can reduce the potential for interference and improve the performance of your electronic equipment.
Types of EMC/EMITesting
1 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing is the process of determining whether electronic equipment and systems can operate together without causing interference or damage. EMC testing is required for any electronic device that will be used in a hazardous environment, such as an aircraft cockpit or medical equipment
2 There are three main types of EMC testing: radiated susceptibility, conducted susceptibility, and electromagnetically induced transients (EIT). Radiated susceptibility tests look for emissions from devices that could potentially cause interference with other devices nearby Conducted susceptibility tests look for electrical currents that could cause interference with other circuits. EIT tests are used to measure the amount of electromagnetic noise generated by a device.
3. EMC testing can be performed using a variety of test methods, including direct measurement, simulation, and RF exposure. Direct measurement methods use physical devices to measure emissions or currents Simulations are used to create conditions that mimic real-world conditions and allow for more accurate measurements RF exposure tests use electromagnetic radiation to expose devices to potential interference sources.
4 EMC testing is important because it allows manufacturers to ensure that their products meet safety standards and comply with regulatory requirements It also helps identify potential problems early so they can be fixed before they cause serious damage or harm to users or the environment
Environmental and Human Health Effects of EMC/EMITesting
Environmental and human health effects of EMC/EMI testing are still being studied, but the potential for adverse effects is certainly there According to IEEE Spectrum, “The Environmental Protection Agency has classified electromagnetic radiation from power lines and other communications devices as a possible carcinogen ” That said, there is no evidence yet that exposure to EMC/EMI testing has led to any serious health problems However, as more studies are conducted it is likely that more serious health concerns will be revealed
One potential environmental concern with EMC/EMI testing is the release of radiofrequency energy into the air. This energy can travel long distances and may affect people who are nearby when the test is taking place In addition, EMC/EMI testing may cause electric fields that could potentially interfere with electronic equipment, including medical devices These fields could also pose a risk to human health if they are strong enough to cause physical damage.
There is also a risk that EMC/EMI testing could contaminate water supplies near facilities where tests are performed. Radiofrequency energy can damage DNA and other sensitive molecules in water, which could lead to contamination of drinking water
It's important to note that while these risks exist, there's currently no evidence that exposure to EMC/EMI testing has actually caused any health problems in people. However, it's important for anyone who may be concerned about their exposure to these tests to speak with their doctor or other healthcare
Regulatory Requirements for EMC/EMITesting
There are a number of regulatory requirements that must be met for EMC/EMI testing. Below is a list of some of the most common requirements:
● The electrical equipment must be evaluated using specific tests to ensure it is compliant with safety and performance standards.
● The laboratory must be certified by an accredited organisation, such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
● The results of the EMC/EMI testing must be documented in a report
Standards for EMC/EMITesting
There are standards for EMC/EMI testing, and organizations must adhere to them in order to qualify for certain EMC/EMI certification programs
The most important standard is the ANSI/ESD S20.20-2009 Standard for the Prevention of Interference with Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) All equipment that emits or potentially emits electromagnetic radiation must meet this standard
To be certified to comply with this standard, an organization must have an EMC plan that addresses the prevention of interference The plan should identify all sources of emissions, determine which emissions are unacceptable, and take appropriate measures to reduce or eliminate those emissions.
Additional Standards:
ISO 17799:2011 establishes general requirements for environmental management systems (EMS) in electronic and information technology (EIT) facilities EMSs protect people, equipment and data from accidental release of hazardous materials and uncontrolled combustion fumes Organisations that operate EMSs must comply with these requirements
The most important part of ISO 17799 is the section on data protection. All organisations that process or store personal data must implement a data protection policy that meets the requirements of ISO 27001:2005 or a later version
Conclusion
EMC/EMI testing is an important part of ensuring the safety and reliability of your network By understanding the basics of EMC/EMI testing, you can make sure that your networks are running as smoothly as possible. In this article, we have outlined some key things to know about EMC/EMI testing and what it entails Hopefully, this will give you a better understanding of why these tests are necessary and help you get started with planning your next test.
