Rohde & Schwarz ESW44 | 1 Hz – 44 GHz

EMI/EMC testing indicates to engineers whether a device is compatible with its electromagnetic environment as well as whether it will produce electromagnetic interference (EMI) in real-world situations. In a world without testing, the risk of helicopters falling out of the sky, respirators going silent, or your cell phone losing its signal would increase. All of these machines rely on technology which can be disrupted by rogue electromagnetic energy, and thus undergo EMC testing with the appropriate equipment to fulfill requirements standards dictated by IEC, CISPR, and MIL-STDs and achieve EMI compliance. ATEC explains what EMC is, the test methods and their standards, and some of the instruments that perform each type of test. Keep reading to learn more.   What is EMC? Electromagnetic compatibility, commonly referred to as EMC, is a branch of electrical engineering focused on EMI/EMC testing. Jets, gaming systems, and automobiles, for example, all need to be configured to protect against harmful electromagnetic interference, or EMI. Products themselves may also emit electromagnetic interference and must avoid crossing signals. A device which interrupts cell tower signals or damages airplanes could cost companies millions in fines or lawsuits—and such incidents did happen before the consequences of EMI were widely known. For the details on EMI specifically, read our blog What is Electromagnetic Interference?   EMI/EMC Testing Procedure Find the Standards. “Which standards apply to my product?” is the first question you should ask yourself. Varying between product type and geography, standards can be difficult to define or pin down and missing an EMC standard can be disastrous for manufacturers. Contact an EMC lab and determine which standards you need to meet before sending your product in or develop a plan yourself if you’re familiar with the requirements. To do your own research, visit