Fundamentals of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

       

Further reading

• Fundamentals of Electromagnetic Compatibility (432)

Power supply systems are becoming more powerful, which can lead to electromagnetic interference. On the other hand, digital networks are expanding, becoming more sensitive, performing at high data rates and increasingly used for safety related tasks. This development demands high quality electricial installations in all buildings where electromagnetic non-compatibility leads to either higher costs or to an unacceptable decrease in safety standards.

To implement a reliable and cost-effective EMC-safe electrical installation in a building, it is absolutely necessary to perform an EMC-analysis and develop an EMC plan at a very early planning stage in the project. In exploitation, the safest way to guarantee compliance to EMC requirements may be to obey the following rules:

• use only modules and materials which are EMC compliant
• use EMC trained staff to carry out installation work
• EMC skilled engineers should supervise the installation work

The aim of this application note is to give an overview and a basic understanding of the major physical principles of electromagnetic interference and an introduction to the principles of mitigation of disturbing effects. As a result, the measures required to achieve an EMC-compliant installation should be easily understood.