Passing EMC compliance testing doesn't need to be as difficult as taking a degree in special relativity.
I'm often contacted by small, and medium companies to help them pass EMC testing.
I'm very happy about that since at the end of this experience I build strong relationships with the customer, which sometimes means future revenues.
Still, these days I'm amazed to see the most common errors, which to be honest, are really quite basic.
An example? no ground plane! this is very common.The return signal becomes the best loop antenna and you see radiated signal going from 80 Mhz up! and sometimes going back also to the power cable!
Another example? no varistors on long power cable! (yes a lot of smoke during the surge test)
missing X and Y capacitors... etc.
Sometimes, unfortunately, I see a lack of care from the designer engineer itself. For example, sometimes he doesn't go to the EMC house...??? How can you fix something if are not present when the fault displays itself? And most importantly how can you improve yourself? I love to fix EMC issues because I always learn something new! and for this reason, I suggest you do the same! it is a fascinating world!
If you share the love for technology, electronics, radiofrequency, PCB, as I do, then you will love testing your product! and when you pass the EMC testing the gratification is priceless.
I don't hide that I use a preferred EMC testing house... it's a long drive for me (2 hours) but I prefer the 4 hours driving rather than going to the EMC house 15 minutes from my office. Why ? Because not all the EMC houses are the same.
How? By reviewing your design, making suggestions, checking you have enough bypass capacitors, etc.
So... don't be afraid to go to the EMC house and if you need some help, let me know, I'm more than happy to help you!
Written by Francesco Poderico
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