Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is a serious and increasing form of environmental pollution. Its effects range from minor annoyances due to crackles on broadcast reception to potentially fatal accidents due to safety-critical control systems.
In a world filled with advanced technologies, electronic devices are expected to function reliably without being affected by interference. To be globally accepted, they must also comply with all safety and performance guidelines. This is where EMI and EMC testing come into play.
These are some necessary tests to be conducted during the design and manufacture of any electronic parts or devices used for any industry. This guide is all about the source, need, difference, types, and lastly, the procedure of EMI and EMC testings.
What is EMI testing?
Electromagnetic interference testing, also known as EMI testing, is a measurement of how much interference an electronic device generates and also determines it’s possibility of getting influenced by the interference from other external sources.
Several electronic components can produce this electromagnetic interference. So, in order to prevent them from hampering the performance of any equipments nearby, this testing is conducted.
Sources of EMI
Electromagnetic interference can be caused by almost any electronic device you notice in your regular life. Some of the very common examples of EMI sources in our daily lives are:
- Switching Power Supplies: If you switch the power supplies on and off very quickly, it will create a significant amount of electromagnetic disturbance.
- Motors and Generators: These components have their own electromagnetic fields, so they often generate notable EMI.
- Communication Equipment: Radios and wireless systems like wifi devices and wireless speakers can create enough interference.
- Lighting Systems: High-frequency ballasts and LED drivers introduce noise into power lines.
An electronic manufacturing and design service company like MicroLOGIX pays special attention to stimulating these sources during EMI and EMC testing. This step makes your electronic devices far more resilient in real-world environments.
What is EMC testing?
Electromagnetic compatibility, or EMC testing, is conducted to focus mainly on the harmonious operation of electronic devices in their own electromagnetic environment.
This testing makes sure that your electronic device can not only emit excessive interference but can also resist interference from other devices.
A company like MicroLOGIX uses advanced equipments to perform EMC testing so that the electronic product matches the international standards for EMC.
What is the Need for EMI and EMC Testing for Power Electronics?
Most power electronics, such as inverters, converters, and power supplies, tend to generate electromagnetic disturbances. Their harmful effects can extend to different levels. It can:
- cause malfunction in nearby devices,
- can interrupt communication signals, or
- lead to safety hazards in medical and aviation devices
However, with EMI and EMC testing during the manufacturing phase, these electronic devices are sure to operate safely without the emission of harmful interference. They can also prevent themselves from being affected by external electromagnetic disturbances.
This one step can provide ample benefits to electronic devices like:
- System reliability
- Low-cost downtime
- And meet regulatory standards for safety and compatibility across all industries.
Difference Between EMI and EMC Testing
The major difference between EMI and EMC testing lies in their purpose:
- EMI testing is for measuring the amount of interference a device can emit and the level of possible influence from external interference, while
- EMC testing is for ensuring that the device is operating efficiently in its electromagnetic environment without causing or suffering from any interference from other devices.
MicroLOGIX performs both types of testing to give your products a competitive edge in compliance and performance.
Types of EMI and EMC Testing
Types of EMI Testing
- Radiated Emission Testing (RE)
This test is the measure of the amount of electromagnetic energy emitted from a particular device.
- Conducted Emission Testing (CE)
This testing is for the evaluation of the interference that is conducted through power or signal lines.
- Radiated Susceptibility Testing (RS)
This test is conducted to assess the ability of the device to resist external interference.
Types of EMC Testing
- Radiated Immunity Testing (RI)
Here, the device’s functional ability in the presence of external electromagnetic fields is tested.
- Conducted Immunity Testing (CI)
This test is done to assess the device’s resistance to interference through cables or power lines.
- Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Testing
We can determine how the device responds to static electricity discharges from this test.
What is the EMI and EMC Testing Procedure?
The EMI and EMC testing procedure is done systematically to determine the electromagnetic emissions of a device as well as its capability to work in an environment where there are other electronic devices. Each of these steps in the procedure is provided with further elaboration below:
- Pre-Compliance Testing
Pre-compliance testing is the first test conducted before the official compliance tests. It helps identify EMI/EMC issues early in the design development process. The process consists of some basic tests to determine if there are severe emission or immunity issues, which the corporations may correct before more complex testing is done.
- Full Compliance Testing
Full compliance testing is a deep test in accordance with given standards (like CISPR or IEC). It tests emissions and immunity. In this stage, it tests radiated emissions—energy emitted through the air, conducted emissions—energy conducted through cables or power lines—and immunity to external signals and electrostatic discharge (ESD).
- Report Generation
After going through the tests, a detailed report of this process is furnished. The detailed report would contain the results of the test, data regarding emissions and immunity levels, and whether or not the product met regulatory standards. If the device failed on some part of the test, then the focus of the report would lie on those areas of improvement, and ways to improve would be suggested.
At MicroLOGIX, we guide you through each step of this process, from pre-compliance evaluations till final reports, to ensure that your product passes EMI and EMC testing efficiently, meeting all necessary global standards.
What Are the Standards for EMI and EMC Testing?
Across regions, the standards for EMI and EMC testing vary, but the most common rules include these:
- CISPR 11, 22 (for radio interference)
- EN 61000-4-2 (for electrostatic discharge)
- IEC 61000-4-3 (for radiated immunity)
With an electronic parts manufacturer like MicroLOGIX, meeting these standards is an achievable task, with their step-by-step guidance throughout the entire testing process.
Which industries benefit from EMI and EMC testing?
EMI and EMC testing can benefit many major industries. For example, in the automotive industry, vehicles won’t interfere with each other.
For the aerospace industry, perfect communication and navigation systems are essential. The EMI and EMC tests make the procedure reliable and perfect.
In telecommunications, wireless devices prevent causing and experiencing interference.
These tests make sure that electronic goods are safe and reliable for everyday use in consumer electronics.
Medical devices are in need of these tests to guarantee proper functioning in hospitals, especially during critical times.
Why Choose MicroLOGIX for EMI and EMC Testing?
As a leading service provider of the electronics design and manufacturing industry in Bangalore, MicroLOGIX follows strict protocols for EMI and EMC testing and takes responsibility for the quality of the products we deliver. We offer two levels of EMI/EMC compliance testing services.
- Pre-compliance testing once the product is ready for pilot-level manufacturing. Since this is an economical way of testing, if there is any non-compliance, the product can be easily redesigned to meet the standards.
- Full compliance testing at an internationally accredited laboratory like TUV/Intertek for CE and UL Certification. This will be an expensive and final test but meets international standards.
Our comprehensive testing solutions ensure that the electronic parts produced by MicroLOGIX align with the global standards of safety and quality.
So if you need a reliable partner to fulfill your electronics parts supply needs, MicroLOGIX may be your best option in the industry.
Now go ahead and create your devices, because MicroLOGIX is here to support your electronic needs!