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The AA and RAC |
a few - there is therefore a huge potential for devices to interfere with each other.
EMC Testing - Why is it necessary?
Although not as prevalent in the media as food or child toy safety, there have been several well published cases where,
because Electro Magnetic Compatibility & EMC Testing was not fully considered, products have had to be recalled or
withdrawn from the market. Some well known brands have been leftembarrassed by products failing to meet EMC and RF
regulations. Could it also happen to you?
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Some well know brands such as Apple and Vidal This article explains what the issues are, the legal situation in the UK, and how to avoid the risks. |
To prevent the occurrence of EMC problems the UK government adopted stringent laws, first back in 1992, forcing all
manufacturers and importers of electronic goods to ensure that their products are electromagnetically compatible.
Business customers also often require that the products they buy are CE marked. This mark signifies that the goods meet all the relevant 'CE marking' directives in place in Europe, including the EMC Directive as written into UK law by StatutoryInstruments. The legislation in place guides manufacturer's down a route of proving EMC compliance through EMC type Testing. It offers two basic methods to prove EMC Compliance:
1) EMC Testing to harmonised standards and make a declaration that the product complies (known as the EC
Declaration of Conformity).
to the body (known as the Technical Construction File).
Should a case come to court, the manufacture can defend themselves if they can show that they have taken "all reasonable
precautions and due diligence". I.e. have checked the product, undertaken EMC Tests and made a concerted effort not to inadvertently
break the law.
| In 2003 A M Micro was forced to withdraw the iTrip from the UK market. This was a device which linked into Apple’s iPod, wirelessly transmitting music to a car stereo. However, it achieved this by re-transmitting on the same FM frequencies as all other FM broadcasters, and hence could interfere on any nearby radio receiver. The broadcasters pay for their exclusive rights to a frequency; needless to say they are not too happy about any potential interferes roaming near their listeners. |
EMC - How to reduce the risk?
As EMC is an intangible phenomenon, it is difficult for manufacturer's to know if their products are electromagnetically compatible. The only real way to find out is to conduct scientific EMC Tests. These need to be performed with a production model, and may need to be repeated at a later date to ensure compliance is maintained following changes in the production.
OEM parts and accessories should come with a Declaration of Conformity and be checked for compatibility with the final product's intended use.
EMC Testing - How we can help?
RN Electronics has been EMC Testing products since the regulations came into full force at the end of 1995. With our experienced staff we can help companies limit their risks in a cost effective manner. We first andforemost are committed to providing exceptional EMC Testing Services, innovative technical problem solving plus a fast response time to meet our client's needs.
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Cherry Clough Website Link – visit this site for some more real life examples of EMC problems. |
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European Union Website Link – visit this site for more information on the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC. |