Master EMC testing for electronic products with our expert tips to meet crucial deadlines without compromising on compliance or quality.

With all the many pressures you have as a product designer, does radiated or conducted emissions always seems like a stumbling block to delaying product sales? Are you continually cycling between design/fixing - running to the compliance test lab - failing again - and back to applying more fixes? Save time and cost by learning how to characterize and troubleshoot simple design issues right on your workbench using in-expensive tools to simulate emissions, ESD, EFT, etc. A great source for learning this is a book by Kenneth Wyatt: "Workbench Troubleshooting EMC Emissions" He covers all the tricks to get you started.

Last updated on Aug 14, 2024

Struggling to meet EMC testing deadlines for your product?

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing is a crucial step in the development of electronic products. It ensures that your device operates without interfering with other products or being susceptible to external electromagnetic interference. However, meeting EMC testing deadlines can be a challenging task, especially if you're new to the process or if your product has complex electronic systems. By understanding the common pitfalls and proactive strategies, you can streamline your EMC testing process and keep your project on schedule.

1 EMC Basics

Electromagnetic Compatibility, or EMC, is the ability of electronic devices to operate without emitting or being affected by electromagnetic interference (EMI). EMI can cause malfunctions and degrade performance, so products must pass EMC tests to comply with industry standards. If your device fails to meet these standards, it could be back to the drawing board, leading to missed deadlines and increased costs. Familiarize yourself with the EMC standards applicable to your product early on to avoid surprises during the testing phase.

Add your perspective

Syamkumar A

10x LinkedIn Top Voice | QC Engineer | PV Design Engineer | Solar Design Expert | Electrical Design Engineer | MBA (Operations) | B. Tech (Electrical & Electronics)
Report contribution
Ensure that your design follows best practices for minimizing interference, such as proper shielding and grounding. Regularly review and test your product early in the development process to identify potential issues before formal testing. Collaborate closely with your testing team to address any problems promptly and adjust your timeline as needed.

Like
Raghavendra Anjanappa

27K Followers | LinkedIn Top Voice | Ex-Manager Micron | Signal & Power Integrity | IC Package Design | High Speed Design | EMI-EMC| EDA | Thermal Analysis | Semiconductor Manufacturing & Assembly | Consultant |
(edited)
Report contribution
1 Start the EMC testing process early in your product development cycle with simulation tools to identify potential problems 2 Follow best placement & routing guidelines for EMC Check any recommendations from manufacturer 3 Implement good design practices such as proper grounding, shielding, and filtering 4 Conduct preliminary tests in-house if possible 5 Select an EMC testing lab with a good reputation 6 Book testing slots well in advance 7 Ensure all documentation & product details are ready before testing 8 If problems are identified during testing, address them at the earliest 9 Have a package like a 0805 for EMI filters as DNP (Do Not Populate) which will be handy during testing 10 Some labs offer pre-certification services

Like

2 Pre-Testing Tips

Before you even reach the EMC testing facility, there are steps you can take to prepare. Ensure your design incorporates EMC considerations from the start, such as proper shielding, filtering, and layout. Conducting pre-compliance tests in-house can identify potential issues before official testing begins. This proactive approach can save you time and money by reducing the likelihood of test failures and the need for costly redesigns.

Add your perspective

Waseem Alkhayer

Hardware Development Manager
Report contribution
With all the many pressures you have as a product designer, does radiated or conducted emissions always seems like a stumbling block to delaying product sales? Are you continually cycling between design/fixing - running to the compliance test lab - failing again - and back to applying more fixes? Save time and cost by learning how to characterize and troubleshoot simple design issues right on your workbench using in-expensive tools to simulate emissions, ESD, EFT, etc. A great source for learning this is a book by Kenneth Wyatt: "Workbench Troubleshooting EMC Emissions" He covers all the tricks to get you started.

Like

3 Design Review

A thorough design review focused on EMC can prevent many issues that might otherwise emerge during testing. Pay special attention to PCB layout, component selection, and enclosure design. These elements are critical for minimizing EMI emissions and susceptibility. Additionally, consider having an EMC expert review your design; their specialized knowledge could be invaluable in identifying potential problems early on.

Add your perspective

Jorge Andrés Estrada

Sr
Report contribution
Hay amplia información documentada de aspectos básicos que se deben tener en cuenta en el layout, desde los básicos como pistas cortas y anchas y similares. Revisar siempre el diseño de reguladores conmutados, son fuente generadora de EMI, usualmente el fabricante ofrece apoyo en como mitigar las emisiones. Considerar varios escenarios y tener plan B y C, fabricarlos todos y comparar.

Translated

Like

4 Test Preparation

Proper test preparation involves more than just booking a slot at a testing facility. You need to ensure your prototype is as close to the final product as possible and that you have all the necessary documentation and accessories ready. This includes user manuals, cables, and support equipment. Having everything prepared will help the testing process go smoothly and reduce the risk of delays.

Add your perspective

5 Troubleshooting Failures

If your product does fail an EMC test, don't panic. Instead, systematically troubleshoot the issue. Start by replicating the failure to understand its nature and then methodically test potential solutions. This might involve tweaking your design, adding filters, or improving shielding. Remember, EMC failures are often resolvable with the right approach and a bit of ingenuity.

Add your perspective

6 Maintaining Compliance

Once your product passes EMC testing, maintaining compliance throughout production is essential. Changes in manufacturing processes or sourcing components can introduce new EMC challenges. Implement strict quality control measures to ensure that every unit produced meets the necessary EMC standards. This vigilance will help avoid future compliance issues and protect the reputation of your product.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Struggling to meet EMC testing deadlines for your product?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 EMC Basics

2 Pre-Testing Tips

3 Design Review

4 Test Preparation

5 Troubleshooting Failures

6 Maintaining Compliance

7 Here’s what else to consider

Electronic Engineering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Electronic Engineering

More relevant reading

Struggling to meet EMC testing deadlines for your product?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 EMC Basics

2 Pre-Testing Tips

3 Design Review

4 Test Preparation

5 Troubleshooting Failures

6 Maintaining Compliance

7 Here’s what else to consider

Electronic Engineering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills