Glossary / FAQ

Why is EMC important?

Electronic devices must operate in the intended environment without causing interference with other devices and not be interfered with during normal function.  Reliability of a product in its intended environment is paramount for quality of operation and continued business.

Acronyms

  • EMC – Electromagnetic Compatibility

  • EMI – Electromagnetic Interference

  • RFI – Radio Frequency Interference

  • PCB – Printed Circuit Board

  • RE – Radiated Emissions

  • CE – Conducted Emissions

  • RI – Radiated Immunity

  • CI – Conducted Immunity

  • LVDS – Low Voltage Differential Signaling

  • RSDS – Reduced Swing Differential Signaling

  • APIX – Automotive Pixel Link

  • MOST – Media Oriented Systems Transport

  • HDMI – High-Definition Multimedia Interface

  • ODT – On-die Termination

  • DDR – Double Data Rate

  • USB – Universal Serial Bus

  • IBIS – Input/Output Buffer Information Specification

  • FCC – Federal Communications Commission

  • ISO – International Standardization Organization

  • CISPR – International Special Committee on Radio Interference

  • UL – Underwriters Laboratory

  • DUT – Device Under Test

  • EUT – Electronics Under Test

  • AUT – Antenna Under Test

FAQ’s

What is CE-Mark?  – A mandatory conformity marking for certain products sold within the European Economic Area.

What is ‘iNARTE’ ? – International/National Association of Radio and Telecommunication Engineers

What is common mode noise?  The noise voltage that appears equally and in phase from each signal conductor to ground

What is differential mode noise? Noise that causes the potential of one side of the signal transmission path to be changed relative to another side.

What is cross-talk? Undesired energy appearing in one signal path as a result of coupling from other signal paths.

What is an EMC Test Plan?  A document that provides guidance on how to apply standards to a specific product for a given application.  It identifies the device under test (DUT), the acceptance criteria, modes of operation and test setup details for a specific set of conditions.

What is signal rise time and why is it important?  Because it is the single source of all EMC consulting work!  Just kidding… It refers to the time it takes for a signal to rise from 10% or 20% to 80% or 90% of the peak signal amplitude.  Rise time can refer to a voltage or a current and when signal voltages and currents change rapidly radiated and conducted emissions are created.  These terms are also referred to as di/dt (change in current over change in time) and dv/dt (change in voltage over change in time).