Chapter 1 - Introduction

Abstract

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a serious and increasing form of environmental pollution. Its effects the range from minor annoyances because of crackles on broadcast reception, to potentially fatal accidents because of the corruption of safety-critical control systems. Various forms of EMI may cause electrical and electronic malfunctions, can prevent the proper use of the radio frequency spectrum, can ignite flammable or other hazardous atmospheres, and may even have a direct effect on human tissue. The threat of EMI is controlled by adopting the practices of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). The term EMC has two complementary aspects: (1) it describes the ability of electrical and electronic systems to operate without interfering with other systems; (2) it also describes the ability of such systems to operate as intended within a specified electromagnetic environment. Effective EMC requires that the system is designed, manufactured and tested in regard to its predicted operational electromagnetic environment, that is, the totality of electromagnetic phenomena existing at its location.