EMC/EMI Testing: What You Need To Know (1)

1
EMC/EMI Testing What You Need To 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/EMI Testing?
• 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.
• Environmental Tests
• 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/EMI Testing
• 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

• 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.
• 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/EMI
  Testing
• 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/EMI
Testing 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
3

• 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/EMI Testing 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 177992011 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 270012005 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.