EMC Tackle EMC issues in 10 simple steps
Paul Bentley, managing director of GD Rectifiers, talks exclusively to CIE magazine about EMC and EMI design considerations and shares 10 simple steps to eliminating electromagnetic interference issues with machine control panels
E
lectromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) are frequently referred to when testing the compliance of electronic and
electrical products.
Whilst EMI is the interference caused by the electromagnetic disturbance affecting the performance of a device, EMC measures the device’s ability to operate as intended within its shared environment, the two are closely linked.
Electromagnetic interference often displays undesirable noise and may lead to disrupted function of electrical and RF systems from four different types of EMI, including: conducted EMI, common mode EMI, differential mode EMI and radiated EMI. Common sources of EMI include power generating equipment such as generators, power supplies, voltage regulators, switches, battery chargers, devices operating at high frequencies and machines that use both high voltage frequencies including motors and ignition systems.
EMI poses a significant risk to the optimal performance of electrical circuits and can lead to degradation, impairment or even complete disruption of electronic systems.
Both EMC and EMI are extremely important design considerations which can help save time and costs by preventing the need for a designer to redesign the product at a later stage or delay the launch if the product doesn’t pass governmental certifications.
Although EMC testing can be expensive, it is crucial to ensure that a design will function properly and won’t generate disruptive electromagnetic interference. GD Rectifiers partners with Enerdoor, a world-leading EMC designer and manufacturer to understand relevant EMC standards, regulations and to ensure products carry the relevant CE markings. GD Rectifiers works with Enerdoor to offer cutting-edge solutions tailored to diverse industries and applications.
48 June 2024
10 simple steps to mitigate electromagnetic interference and compatibility
1. Early integration
Early EMC considerations can prevent late design alterations. EMC should be considered at the initial concept and design stages, so that EMC-sensitive components can be quickly identified to keep project costs down.
2. Environmental considerations The operating environment will play a key role in determining suitable components, evaluate external radiation sources to identify potential interference issues.
3. Cost efficient
It’s easier to minimise emissions from surrounding environments and bolster immunity beforehand, rather than to modify existing EMC solutions. EMI filters help to effectively reduce electromagnetic interference, safeguarding the integrity of sensitive equipment.
4. Pre-compliance and CE testing Conducting EMC tests during development is crucial, it provides clarity on the build and application’s performance. It’s also most cost-effective to make design adjustments early on. Ensure electrical and electronic products meet international EMC standards.
5. Component selection
Choose components and materials that will provide high immunity to electromagnetic interference. Both suppression components and insulated cables can significantly help to achieve the desired EMC levels. Careful component selection helps increase the longevity and lifespan of sensitive components within your systems.
6. Software solutions
Software can help mitigate radiation induced interference by shifting working frequency to a smaller band, a technique known as frequency hopping. This helps to provide uninterrupted operation despite any interference.
Components in Electronics 7. Housing design
Integrate dense metal enclosures to optimise the control panels housing, seal opening for cables with radiation-resistant adaptations will maximise immunity.
8. Disturbance and failure reduction Alleviate disturbances in other machines and buildings to mitigate the risk of failures in PLCs, sensors, encoders and PCs.
9. Downtime prevention Guard against production downtime by minimising the impact of the interference, especially where machinery operates in proximity and EMI filters are required to prevent radio frequency noise interruptions. This is crucial as interference can lead to control malfunctions, resulting in faulty outputs, accidents or production loss.
10. Collaboration
Collaboration with EMC specialists is essential during the design and development stage. As a distributor of Enerdoor’s EMC products, GD Rectifiers provides specialist design and support to customers requiring EMC standard and customer-specific solutions. GD Rectifiers works with a large range of partners to supply transformer and rectifier panels with associated controls.
Why choose Enerdoor to solve electromagnetic interference issues? ● Dedicated experience – Enerdoor has over three decades of specialised knowledge
● Global presence – the manufacturer has a global presence with R&D facilities worldwide including Germany, Switzerland and United States
● Design capability – capabilities extend up to 10GHz
● Custom solutions – Enerdoor offers tailored solutions to meet customers’ unique requirements
● EMC testing – Enerdoor has their own CE labs and offers a flat-rate testing service to guarantee a solution to EMC issues
● EMI/RFI filters in stock and ready to deliver, with a 5-year warranty
GD Rectifiers has partnered with Enerdoor as their exclusive UK distributor for seven years. We offer customers Enerdoor’s complete range of EMI-RFI filters, DC EMI filters, motor protection devices, harmonic filters, power transformers, parallel filters, power factor correction, medical and military filters, voltage stabilisers, surge protection devices and ignition systems.
www.gdrectifiers.co.uk www.cieonline.co.uk.uk
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