Have you heard of EMC testing but feel unsure as to what it actually involves? Are you wondering whether EMC testing is necessary for your latest electronic invention?

Don’t worry, just because you are an amazing designer or an innovative inventor sure does not mean that you need to know all the ins and outs of EMC testing.

However, it will be favourable to have a brief overview of what EMC testing involves and why it is vital for your product to have the potential to succeed.

Allow us to provide you with a clear, concise and easy to follow guide by answering the following questions:

  • What Do We mean By EMC?
  • What Devices Emit Electromagnetic Fields?
  • What Is EMC Testing?
  • How Is EMC Testing Carried Out?
  • Why Is EMC Testing Necessary?

What Do We Mean By EMC?

To understand what EMC testing is and how it relates to new products we first need to understand what is represented by the term EMC.

Electromagnetic Compatibility (usually referred to as the shortened term, EMC) is the interaction between electrical and electronic equipment with the electromagnetic environment, as well as with other equipment.

What Devices Emit Electromagnetic Fields?

Each and every electronic device has the potential to emit electromagnetic fields. Think about how many electronic devices surround you in your everyday life?

In fact, take a moment to look around the room you are in right now; how many electronic devices can you see?

Perhaps a laptop, a TV, a phone, a microwave, and the list goes on and on! It is easy to see how there is a massive potential for devices to interfere with each other.

What Is EMC Testing?

EMC testing is carried out to ensure that the electronic device in question does not emit a large amount of electromagnetic interference.

It also tests to see whether the product will function as intended when it is in the presence of other electromagnetic phenomena.

How Is EMC Testing Carried Out?

We can usually break EMC testing down into two key areas.

Emissions – These are electromagnetic disturbances which a device gives off and have the potential to interfere with other electronic devices that share the environment.

Immunity – The ability of the electronic device to function as intended whilst in the presence of an electromagnetic environment.

Why Is EMC Testing Necessary?

A product that has been EMC tested has proven that it has the ability to exist in an electromagnetic environment without causing interference to other electronic devices and without being interfered with by the same devices.

It is easy to see why EMC testing is vital for a new product. Without such testing, a product could easily end up being an embarrassment to the company that is marketing it.

It is surprisingly common for products to be released into the market without such testing and then have to be recalled.

It is easy to imagine what this costs the company; ultimately setting them back much in the way of finance, as well as damage to their reputation.

The Bottom Line On EMC Testing And Why It Is Necessary

We live in a world that surrounds us with numerous electronic devices. Indeed, each and every day we come into contact with countless devices all of which need to function correctly despite sharing the same environment.

Introducing a new electronic product into an already competitive market is a challenge for any company despite how great their product may be.

However, without EMC testing to back it up, there is no doubt that a company could be setting themselves up for failure rather than success.

If you would like to know more about the EMC standards and product testing or need EMC testing done, then look no further than Compliance Engineering.

We are the definitive source for all of your Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) requirements. Please call us today on + 61 3 9763 3079 or contact us here.