The Tekbox TBCG4 harmonic comb generator produces a wide range of known frequencies for EMC immunity testing and routine checking of EMC chambers. I’ve used harmonic comb generators for decades in various applications, including antenna measurements, cable resonance measurements, and shielding-effectiveness testing. I also find them useful for checking the daily consistency of test chambers […]
Free and low-cost online EE tools aid in design
Downloadable and online free and low-cost EE tools help engineers design and analyze circuits.
New products at the EMC & Compliance International Conference
At the annual UK event, Tekbox, Y.I.C. Technologies, and Harogic Technologies were among the companies exhibiting new EMC measurement equipment. The EMC & Compliance International conference and training was held again in Newbury, UK, from May 22 to 23 this year (Reference 1). This was my first opportunity to attend this annual conference hosted by […]
Spectrum measurements shed light on sign malfunctions
Interference in the 900 MHz band appears to produce random errors in a gas station price sign. Spectrum analyzers help track it down. I received a call recently from a former client who manufactures electronic signs. A gas station was experiencing intermittent loss of wireless control of its signs, which displayed the price of various […]
How to separate differential and common-mode harmonic noise currents
Differential-mode and common-mode currents can cause your product to produce radiated and conducted emissions. These three techniques can help you measure them.
Review: Electronic bug and hidden camera detectors
Do you want assurance that cameras embedded in everyday devices don’t spy on you? Then you should check for cameras, SD card slots, and Wi-Fi-connections. We reviewed two devices that help you find those lurking spies. While discovering a hidden camera in an Airbnb, VRBO, or hotel is rare, there have been reports of travelers […]
TinySA Ultra: A low-cost spectrum analyzer that fits in your pocket
This palm-sized, battery operated instrument can help you diagnose EMC problems.
How to use simple antennas for EMI troubleshooting
For general troubleshooting, you can use consumer-grade antennas such as for TV. Pre-compliance tests require calibrated antennas. Antennas are important for capturing radiated harmonic emissions from electronic products. You can use them for simple troubleshooting or for calibrated pre-compliance testing. For troubleshooting purposes, you can use almost any uncalibrated antenna. I’ve even seen engineers use […]
How to use RF current probes for EMI: Part 2
In Part 2, you will learn how to use an RF current probe to calculate E-fields and troubleshoot EMI emissions from cables. Free and low-cost software tools let you customize the calculations based on your current probe’s data. As I mentioned in Part 1, RF current probes are one of my most useful troubleshooting tools. […]
How to use RF current probes for EMI: Part 1
DIY and commercial RF current probes let you find which cables act as EMI-emitting antennas. RF current probes are one of my most useful troubleshooting tools. Because most radiated emissions failures are due to attached cables acting as transmitting antennas, clamping an RF current probe around a wire or cable will measure the common mode […]
