EYE ON . EMC is a complex topic. To achieve the desired EMC characteristics of a product, in an efficient way, often requires collaboration between different professional groups. In addition to electronics designers, all parties involved should have the understanding and basic knowledge of the subject. The most concerned may be: mechanical designers, project managers, machine builders, installers, and others.
A new product . must comply with certain EMC requirements in order to fulfill the essential requirements in the EMC directive. Mostly we take it for granted the product maintains its EMC performance through its entire lifetime. From sometimes bitter experience we know that our dear products fail occasionally, needing repair or replacement. Most people relate failure to loss of function but loss of EMC performance can also occur.
Abstract . The possible threat of a high-power microwave (HPM) weapon that destroys electronic equipment or its function is today taken seriously, and test methods and test standards are slowly adapted to this situation. However, a complete standard methodology for destructive HPM testing of complex electronic systems does not exist. In this article, the current status of relevant standards is reviewed, and FOIs ongoing work to contribute to the development of an up-to-date standard is mentioned.
An editor’s reflections . The total number of mobile subscriptions in the world is now as big as the world’s population. At the same time actors in the mobile communication industry have launched a vision that makes today’s mobile use appear only as a starting point. After the third and fourth generation mobile systems such developments are now underway to the fifth generation, 5G.
An editor’s reflections . The EMC area was born about a hundred years ago, when radio broadcasts began. At that time there was a concern that electromagnetic interference signals from electrical household equipment in could interfere with the reception of the new service.
FOI is establishing a facility . for destructive HPM testing and is developing an envisaged test methodology for such tests. The methodology consists of two test phases: (1) Determine the lowest power density required to destroy an object within a frequency range, using a reverberation chamber. (2) At this frequency, determine the most sensitive direction of attack using an HPM generator. A reverberation chamber and an HPM-generator adequate for such tests are presented together with early results from destructive testing of electronic systems in a reverberation chamber.
Crosstalk between cables . and radiated emission from cables to antennas with the focus on vehicle applications has been investigated. In particular, the effect of using lightweight materials instead of metal in the vehicle chassis has been studied. Computer simulations of this were done in CST, and in the conclusion cable placement depending on material selection is discussed.
Let us take . a look in the rear view mirror and see the technology used in the first Volvo S80 introduced back in 1998. What has happened in society the last 10 to 15 years that has influenced the development of the vehicle’s electrical system? How has Volvo Cars adapted to the new demands from customers and society?