Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is the branch of electrical engineering concerned with the unintentional generation, propagation and reception of electromagnetic energy which may cause unwanted effects such as electromagnetic interference (EMI) or even physical damage in operational equipment.

EMC pursues three main classes of issue. Emission is the generation of electromagnetic energy, whether deliberate or accidental, by some source and its release into the environment. EMC studies the unwanted emissions and the countermeasures which may be taken to reduce unwanted emissions. The second class, susceptibility, is the tendency of electrical equipment, referred to as the victim, to malfunction or break down in the presence of unwanted emissions, which are known as Radio frequency interference (RFI).

Radiated EMI is most often measured in the frequency range from 30 MHz to 10 GHz (according to the FCC). Conducted EMI is most often measured in the frequency range of several kHz to 30 MHz (according to the FCC).

In-House Pre-Compliance EMC Testing

EMC testing is essential to determine a product's level of compliance with product safety directives.

Compliance means that your product is safe and will function as expected. The essential requirements are that any disturbance generated does not exceed the level above which other equipment cannot tolerate and has a level of immunity to disturbances expected within its operating environment. If the system uses products from different manufacturers, there is always a risk of a non-compliant product being placed. The first signs of non-compliance are malfunctioning systems, which lead to downtime, increasing costs, and potentially hazardous situations.

Our EMC test capabilities

Winmate has an in-house EMC test laboratory to perform highly accurate EMC tests relating to both conducted and radiated emissions. The capability spectrum ranges across industrial requirements to serving many medical and Defence applications too.

Anechoic RF chamber used for EMC testing (radiated emissions and immunity).

What reports / consultations we provide

We can provide simple print-outs of your emissions scans that show the basic test information. We can also offer a highly detailed test report, complete with photos, results, and conclusions that can further evidence of conformance to support your declaration to the necessary directives and standards.

EMC Test Setup

EMI testing generally has a low band range of 30 MHz to 200 MHz and a high band range of 200 MHz to 1 GHz. Conducted RFI is often found in the low-frequency range of several kHz to 30 MHz. Radiated RFI is most often found in the frequency range from 10 GHz to 30 MHz. RFI testing uses a frequency range of 30 MHz to 3,000 MHz. If the equipment being tested has the potential for radiation above 3,000 MHz, the frequency range of the RFI tester can be extended for particular measurements.

Electromagnetic compatibility solutions

In order to avoid unnecessary costs in bringing products into compliance with governmental regulations, many solutions are proposed to improve the interference of systems. The choice varies by application and product specifications.