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Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is the ability of electronic and electrical equipment and systems to operate without adversely affecting other electrical or electronic equipment. Electromagnetic compatibility testing also measures how the equipment is affected by other sources of interference such as powerline transients, radio frequency (RF) signals, digital pulses, lightning, or cosmic influences.

The Need for EMC

In today’s environment, there are numerous sources of RF energy, and they are increasing. Because some devices, such as heart pacemakers, hospital bedside monitors, and instrumentation in a surgical suite, are critical, the FDA requires EMC. Vehicle manufacturers require EMC testing to ensure automotive electronic safety because engine and transmission systems could cause havoc if they do not function properly. SwRI conducts tests and evaluations to industrial, military, national, and international standards. Some agencies such as the European Union require electronic equipment be EMC tested before it can be marketed in Europe.

Electromagnetic Compatibility Research at SwRI

	SwRI tests small satellites and subsystems for electromagnetic compatibility in accordance with military and NASA specifications such as MIL-STD-461 and MSFC-521B.

EMC research at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) facilities in San Antonio, Texas, includes full-service EMC testing, EMC design, and EMC analyses at a reasonable cost. Because of our extensive facilities, equipment, and experienced staff, SwRI provides a one-stop shop, assisting clients in several different technical areas. Or, if you prefer, we can conduct EMC testing at your facility.

We are accredited for ISO 17025 by the American Association of Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), an internationally recognized quality standard for electromagnetic compatibility design, testing, and analysis, and certified for the Automotive Electromagnetic Compatibility Laboratory Accreditation Recognition Program (AEMCLRP).
 

Other Services

Other services available at SwRI include environmental sciences (vibration, altitude, salt/fog, seismic testing), fire technology (burn facilities, hazardous gases, safety/flammability). Other EMC capabilities include:

• Automotive (dynamometers, transmission test stands, whole-vehicle testing, motorcycle development)

• Avionics

• Medical/bioengineering

• Space systems

• Geolocation/radio direction finding

• EMC numerical analysis and modeling

• EMC training

• Shielding evaluation

• Building attenuation testing

• Site surveys

For more information about electromagnetic compatibility capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Jenny Ferren at jferren@swri.org or (210) 522-2329.  We can offer you insights about how to specify the best approach to solving your EMC problem.

| Structural and Mechanical Engineering Department | Mechanical & Materials Engineering Division | SwRI Home |

Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.

October 17, 2008