Electromagnetic compatibility or as abbreviated EMC is often discussed as being more art, or magic, than science.  By no means is this accurate as truly with the right tools and knowledge EMC is a predictive science.  Truth is though, EMC needs to be integrated into the design phase otherwise when too late when either doing compliance testing or results in the field with customer feedback can result in weakened reputation and costly do overs.  

​

The process I use for EMC is broken into key steps noted as follows:

​

1)  Define the EMC standards that apply to the application

​

2)  In an abbreviated FMEA identify risks in the environment where the product is to be used where either both emissions and susceptibility are risks

​

3)  Create the design plan to address the appropriate standards and risks identified in steps 1 and 2

​

4)  From the first functional prototype review pre-compliance tests to validate the design margins 

​

5)  Map the emission frequency sources for the product.  The added benefit to do this is that these frequency sources are often the same frequencies were susceptibility is weakest

 

6)  Improve the emissions and susceptibility incorporating surgical design changes

 

7)  With the final engineering pilot complete the compliance tests for successful pass

​

There are more details to ensure successful EMC outcomes that are covered in follow on consultation support.