Electromagnetic emissions are an inherent part of the operation of electronic devices, which can lead to interference with their operation and affect other devices in the surrounding environment. Learn what Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is and how to manage these interferences effectively to ensure reliability and safety in various industries.

What are electromagnetic emissions and where do they come from?
Electromagnetic emissions are electromagnetic waves emitted by electronic devices during their operation. They are created by the flow of electric current through conductors, which generates an electromagnetic field. These emissions can be the natural result of various electronic components, such as processors, power supplies, or digital circuits. Electronic devices can emit electromagnetic waves both intentionally, as in the case of radio signals, and unintentionally, which is often a side effect of their operation. These unintentional emissions can interfere with the operation of other devices.
What is EMC?
EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) is the ability of electronic devices or systems to operate in an electromagnetic environment without causing interference to other devices and without being affected by other devices or electromagnetic emissions in that environment. EMC is a crucial aspect of electronic device design, ensuring reliable operation under real-world conditions. EMC standards are legally regulated and vary depending on the country and the type of device. An example is the EMC directive in the European Union, which mandates that all electrical and electronic devices sold in the EU comply with specific electromagnetic compatibility standards. EMC encompasses several key aspects:
- Electromagnetic emission refers to the quantity of electromagnetic waves that a device emits into its surroundings. Devices must comply with emission standards to avoid interfering with other devices. There is a distinction between conducted and radiated emissions. Conducted emissions are disturbances that travel through wires, while radiated emissions are those that travel through the air as radio waves.
- Interference immunity involves how a device withstands electromagnetic waves from the environment. Devices must be designed to operate correctly even in the presence of external electromagnetic disturbances.
- Conducted disturbances refer to interference that can be transmitted through cables, such as power or signal lines. This includes both incoming and outgoing interference, which can impact other devices connected to the same power network.
Importance of EMC in electronics design
When designing electronic devices, engineers must take electromagnetic compatibility into account from the very start. Failure to do so can result in numerous issues, including:
- Equipment failure can occur when electromagnetic compatibility is inadequate, leading to unpredictable performance of the devices, and in extreme cases, total failure.
- Failure to comply with EMC regulations can have severe consequences, as many countries enforce strict rules in this area. Equipment that does not meet the requirements may be removed from the market or require expensive modifications, resulting in significant financial losses and production delays.
- Interference with the operation of other devices is a common consequence of failing to meet EMC standards, which not only negatively affects user experience but also poses potential safety risks.
How to avoid electromagnetic interference in electronic devices?
Effective management of electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a crucial aspect of the electronic device design process. To minimize the risk of such interference, engineers should apply a range of well-established strategies that enhance device immunity to external influences and reduce interference emissions. Among the most important practices are:
- Shielding is a technique that prevents electromagnetic interference (EMI) from affecting sensitive components and reduces interference emissions from the device.
- Filtering involves the use of circuit filters that block unwanted frequencies from entering or leaving the device.
- PCB design should be carefully considered to minimize electromagnetic interference emissions. This includes precise component placement, proper trace routing, and ensuring adequate grounding. It is also important to differentiate signal traces and use chokes and capacitors to enhance electromagnetic compatibility.
- Selecting components with low EMI emissions and good EMC characteristics significantly reduces the risk of interference.
- EMC testing and validation are integral parts of the design process. Typical methods include measurements of radiated and conducted emissions, as well as immunity tests, to ensure compliance with the relevant standards and proper operation in the intended environment.
The importance of EMC in various industries
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is important in industrial design in many industries where the safety and reliability of electronic equipment is a priority. Each of these industries approaches EMC with varying levels of rigor, depending on the specific requirements and potential risks of electromagnetic interference. For example:
- In the medical industry, equipment must meet extremely high EMC standards because electromagnetic interference can directly affect the operation of life-saving devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators. Even a small amount of interference can lead to erroneous readings or equipment malfunctions, which can have disastrous consequences. Therefore, EMC standards in this sector are rigorously followed to ensure patient safety.
- In automotive applications, EMC is important for the reliability and safety of electronic systems in vehicles, such as ABS, airbags, and modern driver assistance systems. Each of these functions must operate flawlessly even in the presence of electromagnetic interference, which can come from both inside and outside the vehicle.
- In aviation, EMC conformity assessment requirements are even more rigorous because interference can affect critical navigation and communication systems, posing a direct threat to flight safety. In this industry, emission standards specify detailed requirements for testing electronic equipment for immunity to interference and minimizing electromagnetic emissions.
Trends and the future of EMC
Technologies like 5G and the rapid growth of IoT (Internet of Things) devices are introducing new challenges in the field of EMC management. 5G, for example, offers faster data transmission speeds and more stable connections, essential for modern applications. However, the increase in devices emitting signals within similar frequency bands also raises the risk of electromagnetic interference. The adoption of 5G, with its higher frequencies and denser network of base stations, introduces new challenges in EMC design. Concurrently, the rise of IoT increases the number of devices communicating wirelessly, often in close proximity, which can cause interference not previously accounted for in standard EMC procedures. Moving forward, we can expect more advanced EMC modeling and simulation methods that predict potential interference earlier in the design process. Additionally, real-world testing will become increasingly crucial to ensure devices can withstand the complex, multiband interference they may encounter.
Ensure peace of mind with professional design and testing.
If you want to create electronic devices that meet the highest standards of electromagnetic compatibility, it is worth using the services of an experienced company like Device Prototype. With years of expert experience and advanced technologies, we provide professional design and comprehensive testing of devices in real working conditions. This guarantees that your products will not only be efficient, but also safe and compliant with current EMC standards. Discover how we can support your project at DevicePrototype.com.