Antenna Theory for EMC
Antenna theory forms a crucial foundation for understanding electromagnetic compatibility. While traditional antenna engineering focuses on intentionally designed radiators optimized for communication, EMC engineering must also consider the unintentional antenna behavior of PCB traces, cables, enclosure slots, and other circuit elements. Understanding how these structures radiate and receive electromagnetic energy is essential for predicting and controlling emissions and susceptibility.
This category explores antenna concepts specifically relevant to EMC applications. From identifying accidental radiators in electronic designs to selecting and using measurement antennas for compliance testing, these topics provide the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to analyze and solve radiation-related EMC challenges. The principles covered here directly support shielding design, filtering strategies, and layout optimization for emissions control.
Articles
Antenna Coupling Analysis
Calculate mutual interference. Topics encompass antenna-to-antenna coupling, near-field coupling, far-field coupling, polarization effects, pattern multiplication, ground effects, mutual impedance, isolation techniques, and decoupling methods.
Antenna Measurement Techniques
Characterize antenna parameters for EMC. Coverage includes pattern measurement, gain measurement, antenna factor calibration, impedance measurement, near-field scanning, time-domain techniques, compact ranges, reverberation methods, and uncertainty analysis.
EMC Test Antennas
Understand measurement antenna characteristics. This section covers biconical antennas, log-periodic antennas, horn antennas, loop antennas, rod antennas, hybrid antennas, antenna factors, balun effects, and calibration requirements.
Unintentional Antennas
Analyze accidental radiators. Coverage includes PCB trace antennas, cable radiation mechanisms, slot antennas in enclosures, heat sink radiation, component lead antennas, via array radiation, common-mode antennas, differential-mode antennas, and parasitic antenna effects.
About This Category
The Antenna Theory for EMC category bridges classical antenna engineering with practical EMC applications. Understanding antenna behavior helps engineers predict emission levels during design, interpret test results accurately, and implement effective mitigation strategies. Whether analyzing why a particular cable acts as an efficient radiator or selecting the appropriate measurement antenna for a specific frequency range, the concepts presented here provide essential tools for EMC success.