Meet the Speakers

Bob Scully
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Bob Scully

EMC Group Lead Engineer (retired) | NASA, Johnson Space Center

Presentation

Why Is EMC Important in the Design Process?

At first glance, the question “Why Is EMC Important in the Design Process?” might well be construed as simply an obvious one. In a sense, this is true. Legal stipulations, contractual clauses, technical requirements, hard earned experience, and basic physics all would seem to make the response to this question moot. Unfortunately, the reality is on every project, inevitably some or all of the foregoing seem to conglomerate into a spectrum of understanding, ranging from solid technical backing to utter and complete bafflement, and even complete disbelief. Buried in this tenuous mixture of degrees of credibility are those who steadfastly defend their position, because they know more about the topic than do you. This slide deck provides some clear thoughts of and background for the question “Why is EMC Important in the Design Process?”, and in so doing may provide some ammunition for the next encounter with the naysayer who wants to zero out the budget.

Dennis Lewis
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Dennis Lewis

Technical Fellow | Boeing

Presentation

Addressing the Increasing Wireless Requirements for Commercial Aircraft and Aerospace Applications

With the proliferation of wireless devices, it is important to understand how they behave in complex electromagnetic environments and how they interact with other devices and systems with which they are co-located. Aircraft environments have been shown to behave similarly to reverberation chambers, and therefore these techniques can be employed to achieve precision measurements of the propagation environments and system interactions. This presentation will give examples of how these techniques were employed to measure bulk absorption used to simulate passenger loading of aircraft, field mapping which is useful for the evaluation of signal coverage and channel interference, as well as signal propagation characteristics. Utilizing this same approach, it is possible to assess the shielding of large structures such as commercial aircraft. These aircraft shielding measurements are necessary for High Intensity Radiated Field Susceptibility (HIRF) certifications.

Clayton Forbes
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Clayton Forbes

Technical Director of Product Qualification | Element Materials Technology

Presentation

MIL-STD-810H Method 516 Shock Testing

MIL-STD-810H Method 516 (Shock) evaluates a product's ability to withstand sudden mechanical shocks that may occur during transportation, or operational use. Learn about the procedures for various types of shocks,and drop testing to verify that equipment can survive and continue operating after exposure to various impact forces.

Jason Smith

President | AbsoluteEMC

Presentation

Pre-Compliance Testing During Product Development

EMC issues discovered during compliance testing can lead to costly redesigns and project delays. This presentation examines how pre-compliance EMC testing, including near-field diagnostics and board-level immunity analysis, helps engineers identify emissions and susceptibility issues early in development. Attendees will learn practical techniques for troubleshooting EMC problems, understanding RF coupling mechanisms, and improving product readiness before formal certification testing.

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Johee Chang
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Johee Chang

Business Development | TÜV SÜD

Presentation

Integrating Cellular: The Path to Certification

As cellular connectivity becomes increasingly common in IoT, industrial, and connected devices, navigating the certification landscape is more important than ever. This presentation explores the evolution of cellular technology from 2G to 5G and non-terrestrial networks, the rise of pre-certified modules, and the certification pathways required to bring products to market. Attendees will gain an understanding of PTCRB, CTIA, and IoT Network Certified programs, including testing requirements, timelines, costs, and cybersecurity considerations. The session will also highlight the benefits of cellular connectivity, how certification differs from regulatory compliance testing, and best practices for obtaining network approval from mobile operators.

Matthew Sze
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Matthew Sze

Sales Manager | OMICRON

Presentation

Introduction to Partial Discharge Management on High-Voltage Apparatus

Partial discharge testing is a critical diagnostic tool for assessing the condition of insulation systems in medium- and high-voltage equipment. This presentation introduces the fundamentals of partial discharge phenomena, measurement techniques in accordance with IEC 60270, sensor technologies, and the interpretation of partial discharge results. Through practical case studies involving transformers, cables, and switchgear, attendees will learn how early detection and analysis of partial discharges can identify insulation defects, reduce the risk of equipment failure, and improve asset reliability and maintenance planning.

Dr. Emmanuel
Iyieguniwe
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Dr. Emmanuel Iyieguniwe

Founding Director, Master of Public Health Program | Kate Marmion School of Public Health, University of Texas at San Antonio

Presentation

Childhood Lead Exposure Assessment Among Westside San Antonio Communities

This study evaluated environmental lead exposure risks in 10 homes and two childcare centers serving young children in Westside San Antonio. Researchers assessed lead hazards in paint, dust, and water while also measuring parental awareness of childhood lead exposure. Results showed that 50% of homes and one childcare center tested positive for lead in paint or dust, while all water samples were below detectable limits. The findings highlight ongoing lead exposure risks in underserved communities and underscore the need for expanded testing, community education, and future research to support lead poisoning prevention efforts.

James Zik
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James Zik

Vice President of Product Management | PCTEL

Presentation

Software-Defined Radios for Signal Intelligence and Network Validation

Software-defined radios play a critical role in signal intelligence, spectrum monitoring, and wireless network testing. This session explores how SDRs can be used to detect, classify, decode, and locate RF signals and interference across technologies including LMR, 4G/5G, Wi-Fi, NTN, and private wireless networks. Attendees will learn practical approaches for network deployment, coverage validation, interference hunting, and spectrum analysis to help ensure reliable and compliant communications systems.

Himanshu Joshi
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Himanshu Joshi

Western US Rep Manager | Fluke Networks

Presentation

Importance of Inspection, cleaning, and Certification on Fiber installations

In fiber optic networks, even microscopic contamination can significantly impact performance, leading to signal loss, reflection, and costly downtime. Proper cleaning and inspection are critical first steps to ensure connector integrity and reliable network operation. Certification then validates that installed links meet industry standards and performance requirements, reducing risk and ensuring long-term network stability. Together, these practices form the foundation for high-performing, dependable fiber infrastructure.

Ron Alhquist
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Ron Alhquist

Factory Representative for ETS – Lindgren | ATSEMC

Presentation

Drones, UAVs, and Other Airborne Equipment: Options for EMC/OTA/EMP Testing

Airborne equipment can be exposed to RF signals of varying field strength depending on a number of operational factors. One common theme is the risk of departure from controlled flight if the designed or expected operating conditions are exceeded. The MIL-STD, DO-160 and similar documents provide guidance on testing regimes aimed at ensuring that the EUT is tested under conditions relevant to the operational environment. During the presentation, we will look at some of the RF test environments available for exercising the EUT using different exposure techniques for different field intensity levels, and some highly customized options for OTA (over the air) communication assessment.