Electromagnetic Compatibility and Interference
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is the ability of electronic equipment to function satisfactorily in its electromagnetic environment without introducing intolerable electromagnetic disturbances to other equipment in that environment. As electronic systems become more densely integrated and operate at higher frequencies, managing electromagnetic interference (EMI) becomes increasingly critical to product success and regulatory compliance.
EMC engineering encompasses two complementary disciplines: emissions control, which limits the electromagnetic energy a device radiates or conducts into its environment, and immunity (or susceptibility), which ensures a device can withstand external electromagnetic disturbances without degradation. Both aspects require careful attention throughout the design process, from initial architecture through detailed layout and enclosure design, to achieve products that coexist harmoniously in the electromagnetic spectrum.