EMI And EMC Testing



EMI and EMC

EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) means disrupting the operation of an electronic device placed close to the electromagnetic energy of an external electrical source (natural or man-made). Disruption may cause the failure of the device, or the device may not be able to function properly. EMI is, sometimes, referred to as RFI (Radio Frequency Interference). 

EMI sources can be natural or man-made. Natural sources include solar radiation, electrical storms, etc., while man-made sources include other electrical devices like switch-mode power supply, the internal circuitry of personal computers, etc.

EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) means enabling a device to function properly in its intended environment in the presence of EMI sources. This device is known as EMC compliant.

EMI or EMC Testing

Testing is essential as it ensures that a device caters to the required standards. EMC pre-compliance and compliance testing are performed by companies to ensure EMC/EMI compliance with regulations. For this, they employ the services of a specialized test facility or test house. Compliance testing for EMC requires methods, equipment, and measurement sites in compliance with national or international standards. Individual nations define compliance with national and international standards that may vary. 


EMC testing can be categorized into the following categories:

  • Immunity Testing, and

  • Emissions Testing

Immunity Testing

When a device is exposed to electromagnetic noise and other disturbances, immunity testing measures its reaction. The purpose of immunity testing is to assure that the device will perform the desired operation when used within its expected operating environment.

Emissions Testing

When a device operates in normal conditions, emissions testing measures the amount of electromagnetic noise generated by the device. The purpose of emissions testing is to ensure that emissions from the device are below the defined limits of that device. This testing ensures that the device will not cause any harmful interference to other devices operating within its expected operating environment. 

Why is EMI or EMC Testing Necessary?

Designers and manufacturers of electronic products must care about EMC compliance. Countries across the world have defined EMI and EMC regulations to improve reliability and safety to their electrical and electronic equipment users. The regulatory bodies have set specific limits on the amount of unwanted emission emitted from a device. The primary goal of such limitations is to prevent interference to a nearby TV or radio receivers. If an electrical/electronic product fails to pass EMC compliance, it may result in fines, seizures or product recalls.

For instance, Premier Filters offers an in-house conducted EMI testing service to meet the stringent demands of various industries. 

EMC Testing Routines

EMC testing routine is determined by 

  • Nature of the testing device

  • The intended application of the testing device, and 

  • Regulatory requirements governing the use of the testing device

Electromagnetic phenomena simulated through EMC testing include the following:

  • Voltage drop due to power interruption

  • Electromagnetic surges due to lightning

  • Electromagnetic noise - conducted and radiated 

  • Magnetic fields like radiating from electrical wires

  • Fast transients caused by electrical switches, relays, motors, etc.

  • The electrostatic discharge  associated with static electricity

To stimulate the above conditions and determine the ability of the testing device, various equipment are used such as surge generators, spectrum analyzers, and power amplifiers.

EMI Testing With Premier Filters

If you plan on doing in-house EMI testing, Premier Filters can help. Premier Filters is the US-based company that designs and manufactures EMI Filters. The company has 70+ years of experience in delivering unrivalled products and offering a wide variety of services - from engineering, sales, manufacturing to customer service. For further information, visit https://www.premieremc.com/.

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