This document provides an overview of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). It defines EMI as an electromagnetic disturbance that can degrade equipment performance or cause malfunctions. EMC is described as a state where equipment functions satisfactorily in a common electromagnetic environment without intolerably disturbing other equipment. The document outlines common sources and effects of EMI and techniques to control EMI at its source, including proper grounding, shielding, filtering, and printed circuit board layout. It also discusses important EMI/EMC standards and the institutions that set these standards.

1. Overview of EMI / EMC

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What is EMI and EMC ?
An electromagnetic disturbance which may
degrade the performance of an equipment (device,
system or sub-system) or causes malfunction of
the equipment, is called electromagnetic
interference (EMI).
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is a near
perfect state in which a receptor ( device , system
or subsystem) functions satisfactorily in common
electromagnetic environment, without introducing
intolerable electromagnetic disturbance to any
other devices / equipments / system in that
environment.

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Basic elements of EMI situations
Interference occurs if the received energy causes the
receptor to function in unwanted manner.
Whether the receiver is functioning in wanted or unwanted
manner, depends on the coupling path as well as the
source and victim.
The coupling path is to be made as inefficient as possible.
Source /
Emitter /
Culprit
Coupling
Path /
Medium
Receiver /
Receptor /
Victim

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Causes of EMI
Sources
Refrigerator, washing machine, electric motors.
Arc welding machine.
Electric shavers, AC, computers.
Fast switching digital devices, ICs.
Power cords of computers, UPS etc.
Air craft navigation and military equipments
Victims
Communication receivers.
Microprocessors, computers.
Industrial controls.
Medical devices.
House hold appliances.
Living beings.

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Effects of EMI
Momentary disturbance in TV and radio reception
due to operation of mixer-grinder / electric shavers
/ a passing vehicle etc.
Reset of computers and loss of data.
Burn out of sensitive cells / components.
Change of setting of status of control equipments.
Failure of pace maker implanted in a patient due to
a ‘walkie talkie’.
False initiation of electro explosive detonator.
Malfunctioning of flight controlling system due to
use of laptop by passenger.
Biological hazards.

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Radiated Emission and Susceptibility
Noisy
Component
Radiated Emission
Noisy
Component
Radiated Susceptibility

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Conducted Emission and Susceptibility
Noisy
Component
Conducted Emission
Noisy
Component
Conducted Susceptibility

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Purpose and Methodology for EMC System
A system is said to be electro magnetically compatible if :-
It doesn't cause interference with other system .
It is not susceptible to emissions from other systems.
It doesn’t cause interference with itself.
The methodologies to prevent EMI are
Suppress the emissions at source point, best method to
control EMI .
Make the coupling path as inefficient as possible.
Make the receiver less susceptible to emission.

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Common and Differential Mode Noise
CM : Interference signal in two lines are
unidirectional and return through ground.
DM : Interference signal in two lines are
oppositely directed and thus no ground current
path is required.
Electronic
Circuits
Idm
Idm
Icm/2
Icm/2
Vdm
Icm
L1
(P)
(VCC)
L2
(N)
(VEE)
(Gnd)

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EMI control techniques at source
Important techniques to control EMI at source point are
Proper Grounding – single point, multi point or hybrid
grounding depending upon the frequency of operation.
Shielding – Metal barrier is used to suppress coupling of
radiated EM energy into the equipment.
EMI Filtering - used to suppress conducted interference
on power, signal and control lines.
PCB layout – Proper PCB design from the early design
stage is required.

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Method of noise coupling
Typical modes of noise coupling are
Conductive coupling through cables.
Coupling through common impedance.
Coupling by radiated E and H field.
Ground loop coupling.

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Objectives of EMC Standards
EM spectrum protection.
Adequate power quality.
Compatibility between collocated electrical and
electronic systems for trouble free operation .

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Standards setting Institutions
DOD - Department of Defence (USA) -- Immunity and
Emission MIL standards
IEC - International Electrotechnical Commission (EU)
Immunity standards
CISPR - International Special Committee on Radio
Interference Operating under IEC. -- Emission
Standards.
FCC - Federal Communication Commission ( EU ) ---
Emission standards.
BSI - British Standard Institution ( UK ) -- Emission
standards.
VDE - Verband Deutscher Electrotechniker (Germany) -
Emission standards.

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Important Immunity Standards
IEC 61000-4-2 : Electrostatic Discharge immunity test
IEC 61000-4-3 : Radiated radio frequency EM field
immunity test
IEC 61000-4-4 : Electrical fast transient / Burst immunity
test
IEC 61000-4-5 : Surge immunity test
IEC 61000-4-6 : Conducted radio frequency EM field
immunity test
IEC 61000-4-8 : Power frequency magnetic field immunity
test
IEC 61000-4-11 : Voltage Dips, short interruptions and
voltage variations immunity test

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Important Emission Standards
CISPR 11 : Industrial, Scientific and Medical equipments
CISPR 12 : Automobiles
CISPR 13 : Audio visual and similar apparatus
CISPR 14 : Household and similar electrical appliances
CISPR 15 : Electrical Lighting and similar equipments
CISPR 22 : Information Technology equipments
FCC Part 15 : Radio Frequency Devices
FCC Part 18 : Industrial, Scientific and Medical equipments
IEC 61000-3-2 : Limits of harmonic current emission (< 16A
per phase)