EMC Overview

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) pertains to the ability of a product to function in its intended environment without unacceptably interfering with other products’ operation, and/or for this product to be immune to externally sourced phenomena. For example, a cable set top box and television in a living room positioned in close proximity without one interfering with the other’s operation, they may be considered electromagnetically compatible.

Compatibility refers to the ability of one product to not interfere with other products in its operating environment, but also refers to the ability or capacity to withstand or be immune to external electromagnetic influence or phenomena that such product may encounter in its operating environment without unacceptable operation. Various regulatory and test standards define limits and procedures to assess whether there is lack of interference, as well as criteria for a product’s immunity from external influence in its operating environment.