Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Consultancy and Training
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Consultancy and Training
|
|
| Why should we bother about EMC? The fact of the matter is that years ago very little was done to overcome the problem of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) for the simple reason that the technology of the time was inherently immune to the problem. Why? because the technology was Valves or vacuum tubes as the Americans called them. Noise did not interfere with the required signals because the magnitude of noise was generally measured in microvolts whilst the magnitude of the intended signal was often measured in volts. The signal to noise ratio was always on the side of the signal. The invention of the Transistor/solid state technology in the immediate post war years changed all of that. Suddenly, intended signals were measured in millivolts/microvolts. Fortunately, the internal background noise also reduced with this new technology but the unwanted and uncontrolled external noise in the form of electromagnetic radiation suddenly posed a threat to the correct functioning of the solid state circuits. Thus was borne the need for some control and many countries introduced legislation and standards that placed limits on the interference that equipments can generate. It is well to note at this point that EMC has nothing to do with the functionality of your product, that is your contractual requirement placed upon you by your customer. EMC is all about your product working as intended in a known environment such that it will not cause any interference to any other equipment operating within the same environment and vice versa. The
European Union created an EMC Directive through which it stipulated the
requirements and provisions for anyone wishing to market their products within
the EU had to comply with. That Directive was 89/336/EEC and has been in force
since January 1996. That Directive has been updated by 2004/108/EC which came
into force 20th January 2005 and will take over from 89/336 on the 20th July
2007. The EU legislation covers both emissions from your product
as well as your products immunity from other products. The United States of
America has always concentrated on the emissions from your product and are now
looking at the requirement for immunity legislation. Australia has implemented a
similar regime to that of the EU and many of the Far Eastern States are
following in similar foot steps. There are many unknowns when it comes to making the decision as to how you should get your product ready for the market place. The Directive allows you to self-certify or use a technical construction file. What you need is the answer to the questions, "Which way do I go and what do I do if the product fails to meet the standards?" CEG Consulting can help you. Why should we bother about Quality? There was a time, and not so long ago, when the words 'Quality' and 'Quality Assurance' were considered to be a joke within Industry. Not any more as no business will survive if it does not have a 'bedrock' of quality systems and procedures in place. |
|
Send mail to chris.grimes@cegconsulting.co.uk with
questions or comments about this web site.
|
