EMI/EMC Troubleshooting Techniques

Course 287

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Summary

Recordings of Dr. Mediano's recent live web classroom course can now be viewed online at your convenience. This online course is presented in 2 recorded 4-hour sessions and available on-demand over a 60 day access period. You will also be able to download a PDF of the instructor's notes, so that you can follow along with the lecture.

A short course to discover practical techniques, instruments, and tools for diagnostic and troubleshooting of EMI/EMC problems. Troubleshooting or debugging EMI problems is usually frustrating especially when a trial and error strategy is used. Discover how to localize, characterize, and solve emissions and immunity EMI problems in a very understandable and entertaining style.

Learning objectives

Upon completing the course you will be able to:

• analyze a system with problems looking for culprit-coupling mechanism and victims • use EMI diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques to locate and fix EMI/EMC problems in equipment already finished • reduce time and cost of EMI/SI diagnostic and fixes

Target Audience

No prior EMI/EMC knowledge is needed but an electrical engineering background (BSEE or equivalent experience) is recommended.

This course will be of interest to:

• Design engineers/technicians from the electronics industry involved in EMI/EMC problems • Those interested in a working knowledge of EMI/EMC engineering principles and concerned with EMI/EMC problems as circuit designers, PCB layout engineers, or mechanical designers • Laboratory personnel involved in measurement and troubleshooting of EMC failures • Managers responsible for design, production, test and marketing of electronic products

Outline

Fundamentals
 • Circuit theory vs electromagnetic theory • Spectrum of a signal: time domain vs. frequency domain • Resonance and Quality factor (Q) • Frequency vs. dimensions (size) • EMI/EMC problems and debugging philosophy • The “hidden schematic” concept • Near vs. far field •  “Hidden antennas”: radiation and pickup
Instruments for debugging
 • Scope (time domain and frequency domain) • Spectrum analyzer (frequency domain). • Tracking generator • VSWR bridge • Network analyzer
Tools and probes for debugging
 • Voltage probes • Current probes • Amplifiers • Antennas • Small TEM cells • Near-field probes (E&H) • Near-field scanners • LISN
Troubleshooting techniques and practical demonstrations
 • Real world examples analyzed and solved using some of the previous techniques and components including narrowband and broadband signals in digital and analog circuits, and DC/DC converters.