Understanding EMI and EMC

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) occurs when an electronic system receives unwanted electromagnetic energy from an external source—anything from lightning to power lines to cell phones. EMI can degrade a system’s performance or make it stop working altogether.

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) refers to a system’s ability to avoid causing EMI in itself or other systems. Virtually all products have to meet an appropriate EMC standard, whether they’re intended for military, industrial, or commercial use.

X-ES engineers perform EMI and EMC testing to verify that our products work correctly in the electromagnetic environments where they are expected to function. Testing occurs in two stages:

• Pre-qualification testing occurs in an on-site EMI chamber, using a Rohde & Schwarz ESPI3 Test Receiver.
• Full qualification testing occurs off-site at independent EMI testing facilities.

On-site pre-qualification testing allows our engineers to identify and resolve many issues early in the development process, before the full qualification testing is scheduled and paid for. This results in lower costs and a faster, smoother qualification testing process.