EMI Effects on Electronic Systems and Mitigations

Overview

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) refers to electromagnetic emissions generated by electronic equipment during operation that can disrupt other devices or systems. These emissions can propagate via wiring or over the air and interfere with normal operation of nearby equipment.

Potential Impacts

• Reduced device performance and reliability.
• Signal quality issues such as noise, hiss, and image distortion.
• Communication errors or data loss.
• Device instability or system crashes.

Mitigation Measures

• Use shielding: incorporate enclosures and shielding materials in the design to reduce radiation and propagation of electromagnetic energy.
• Design interference-resistant circuits: apply filters, isolators, and other circuit techniques to improve immunity to interference.
• Optimize PCB layout: separate signal and power traces to avoid crosstalk; arrange ground traces and planes to minimize interference in return paths.
• Use qualified power supplies: select low-noise, stable power sources and implement isolation measures to reduce conducted input power interference.
• Perform EMI testing and compliance: use appropriate test equipment to verify that devices meet relevant standards and regulatory requirements.

Applying these measures can significantly reduce EMI impact on electronic devices and systems, improving overall performance and reliability.