In-house Workshops
In-house Seminars/Workshops/Trainings:
(Seminars can be held in German or English; Documentation PDF is in English)
Topics
EMI-Control, Standards, Regulatory (CE) Product Compliance covering all EMC / Radio / Automotive EMC and related areas
These seminars have been designed as independent, external expert advice. We typically teach in-house courses. No product promotion!
Our Teaching Method
- The use of publicly available internet and free of charge virtual downloads with laboratory demonstration applets and RF calculators is now integrated into classroom teaching. We are covering state of the art topics from DC to way over 80 GHz, if needed.
- Real word teaching always starts from practical applications / standards. The courses have been developed consistently from experience gathered over 40 years.
- It is very different from mathematically deductive academic style teaching.
Our goal is to provide effective help and ensure a clear understanding of the rapidly changing technical / regulatory details in these complex areas.
- Technically all is based on understanding the physics background and imperfections / compromises in standards. We intend to achieve this by systematically selecting practical case studies and customizing the seminars each time from our modular topic teaching blocks. Design rules are provided wherever possible.
Teaching, over the years, attracted more than one thousand successful participants in Europe, North America and Asia, both from industry and government. This ranged from beginners to top experts, enjoying our approach.
Of course, some level of technical / theoretical background is needed to empower delegates later to find specific work solutions. Theory is, if possible, however minimized or made transparent.
Many EES customers called our seminars an "eye opener”!
Target group
Our approach brings fast learning success to practitioners, technicians and R&D / Test engineers.
We also offer specially tailored courses for people with job functions in sales, marketing, regulatory product compliance or management, CEO.
Minimum duration 1/2 day to several days. Teaching in German (PDF in English) or English.
Our PDF documentation is never standalone (like a text book). Active listening is required to comprehend all details explained by the course instructor.
Our latest 2 modular blocks are
Understanding EMC/Radio/Automotive standards
- EM-Field related testing-(BASICS)
Short description / Abstract:
This half-day course provides or refreshes basic EMC/ Radio/Wireless/Automotive lab testing background/ knowledge. The focus is on electromagnetic (EM) field related testing, mostly a less understood topic. Physically very large systems testing will only briefly be discussed. All is based on the author’s worldwide industry and government experience (25+Y) in auditing and consulting.
The seminar presents an overview mainly on understanding physics and historical development of common principles and differences in testing, calibration, instruments, sensors, antennas and EM test site related measurements for both radiated emissions and immunity. Economical and technical limitations/compromises are explained e.g. CE product compliance testing. This issue is normally less understood in normative testing for manufacturer’s declaration of conformity. CEO, Sales, R&D, quality managers as well as corporate legal department need however be aware.
After comprehending physics’ background, project specific risk assessment and ways to solutions become more transparent. How should we technically check the quality of a given test report acc. to ISO/EN 17025? Is the normative test procedure correctly implemented and standards application well interpreted? Are product specific operational modes all exercised/documented, relevant equipment calibrated, measurement uncertainty stated?
Additionally classical EMC product design traps/solutions for CE product/ electronics Compliance (2016 enforced EU EMC, RTTE/RED directives) will be discussed.
Important topics include: History, Common EMC Units including Decibels, Constants in physics, frequency spectrum (DC to daylight), simple EM-radiators, test antenna characteristics, near/far field, spectrum and radiation efficiency of printed circuit boards. Real World properties of electronic components, relevant EMC standards, EMF, legislation / regulations, MRA, other applicable EU Directives, TCF vs. harmonized standards, typical EMC Tests for Pre/Compliance Testing.
In about 3h, based on existing knowledge, clients improve their understanding of EMC testing with focus on field-related tests. This will enable and promote “help yourself” in the work-environment for all parties concerned, rather than just blindly searching for 10 golden EMC design rules leading to successful product compliance. Time permitting free internet “help tools” will be demonstrated.
Understanding EMC/Radio/Automotive standards
-EM-Field related testing- (ADVANCED)
Short description / Abstract:
This half-day training course builds on the Basic Course and provides advanced knowledge in latest EMC/ Radio/ Wireless and partly automotive lab testing. The focus is on electromagnetic (EM) field related testing for EU product compliance. EM-Field testing is a mostly less understood procedure. Conducted testing is typically easier to perform. Field-Testing of physically very large systems, not fitting into labs, will only shortly be mentioned in terms of needed computer code system analysis. All info is based on the author’s worldwide industry and government experience (25+Y) in auditing and consulting.
Latest normative / regulatory requirements, parties concerned:
The seminar gives a deep technical / practical inside into partly brand-new regulatory requirements with their underlying technical standards and normative references. Such Basic standards include CISPR 16 series and EN 61000-4-x. Presently all this includes test instrument measurement uncertainties, not yet complete test-stands to product under test interactions. All product relevant standards are indirectly called up in e.g. 2016 enforced new EMC /RTTE->RED EU Directives, and the official general guidance document July 2016 OJ “Blue Guide”. In here product risk assessment and maintaining e.g. EMC characteristics over the life cycle of the product are now made a general CE compliance requirement.
What procedure is now directly EMC (not specifically low voltage/medical) relevant/applicable? Where do we find internationally recognized “2016 field limits” (Risk, locations, occurrence probabilities) defining classes of EM Environment for your application? Is manufacturer testing to EU OJ harmonized standards, under all applicable directive(s), with presumption of product compliance, always sufficient?
What are the technical assumptions/deficiencies/compromises (Risks) in testing to those EM field related norms? This issue is normally less understood in normative testing and signing manufacturer’s EU declaration of product conformity. CEO, Sales, R&D, quality managers as well as corporate legal department need to be aware!
Technical challenges in EM Field testing:
Common technical principles and fundamental differences in EMC, Wireless/Automotive testing will be discussed. Technically suitable calibration, instruments, field-sensors, antennas and EM test site related set-ups/measurements (e.g. Absorber lined Chambers/qualification testing e.g. NSA, SVSWR etc.) for both radiated emissions and immunity, way into GHz, will be highlighted in detail. Case studies for commonly used lab equipment will be shown, including wrong applications. There are e.g. various antennas for radiated emissions and immunity like Bicones, Log-Periodics, stacks, horns and TEM Wave Guides, all with application limits. Antenna factors vs. frequency, radiation pattern and sensitivity need to correspond with the chosen radiated emission standard and test distance. Broad-band power amplifiers for radiated immunity will be assessed based on frequency, CW, pulse power specs, harmonics and noise-floor. “Field”-relevant technical test cases with typical limitations/compromises are elucidated.
Correct standard interpretation/ mandatory documentation of “EM field” relevant testing. After comprehending physics’ and regulatory background, project specific risk assessment and solutions become more obvious and transparent. Everything falls eventually under manufacturer product liability which could mean a legal challenge in court trial. How should we technically check the quality of a given test report, may be even from an accredited test lab acc. to ISO/EN 17025? Is the standard / normative test procedure correctly chosen by the manufacturer / customer and rightly implemented by the test lab.
Is the standards application and standard itself correctly interpreted for always existing unclear “grey areas”? Are all product specific operational modes considered/ weighted/exercised and documented? Is software and HW status clearly documented? This could seriously impact “pass or fail”. Is relevant equipment calibrated by an accredited calibration lab, measurement uncertainty stated, test personnel’s know-how current?
Is the technical product compliance documentation complete?
Further important topics include:
Test antenna characteristics in near/far-field distance, listing of typically relevant EMC standards, TCF, harmonized standards, and limits in Pre/Compliance Testing.
Typical Workshop / Seminar duration
In about 3h to 6h, based on existing knowledge, delegates improve their awareness and understanding of suitable “EMC/ Radio/ Automotive testing” solutions. This is restricted with focus clearly on EM-field related tests. Consequently safe and prudent management decisions become more likely. “Help yourself” in the work-environment, rather than just blindly searching for the non-existing 10 golden EMC design rules will now be an option.
Some other seminar-blocks include the topics listed below - but we have many more on request.
EMC ANALOGUE Circuit Design for Electronic Equipment
Introduction and Basic Philosophy to achieve EMC
- EMI and Countermeasures
- High Frequency Characteristics of Electronic Components — not stated by manufacturer
- Passive Circuits to Suppress EMI
- Printed Circuit Board Input, Protection Circuits
- Printed Circuit Board Output, Protection Circuits
- Power Supply Protection Circuits
- EMC — Preferred PCB layout
- Cost-effective Pre-Test Design, Approval Methods
EMC DIGITAL Circuit Design for Electronic Equipment
EMC Design Engineering for Digital Circuits
- Introduction and Basic Philosophy to achieve EMC
- Real World EMI
- Systematic Protection by Zoning
- EMC Management during Design Phase
- EMI and Countermeasures
- Logic Circuits as a Source of Electromagnetic
- Emissions (in a linear system similar to immunity)
- Radiated Emission Testing
- Coupling Paths for Conducted and Radiated EMI
- High Frequency Characteristics of Electrical
- Components — not stated by manufacturer
- Passive Components
- Active Components
- Digital Circuit Design
- Component Packaging
- Circuit Design Examples
- Unused Inputs
- Input / Output Filters and Surge Protection
- Signal Buses
- Galvanic Separation
- Shielding
- EMC Preferred PCB Layout
- Zoning
- Component Positioning
- Layout of Signal Traces
- Power Supply Layout
- Essential Design Rules
- Check Global EMC Performance
- Design Procedures and Rules
EMC SYSTEM ENGINEERING for Electronic Systems and Equipment
- Introduction to EMC System Engineering
- EMC Zoning and Cabling
- EMC Threat Assessment and Damage Analysis
- Coupling Mechanism
- Spread of EMI
- Cables
- Theoretical Tools for EMC analysis and experimental validation
- System and Equipment Disturbance and Failure
- EMC System Methodology and Design Rules
- Shielding against Electric and Magnetic Fields
- Zoning Concept
- Nested Zone Shields
- Conducted Disturbance
- Countermeasures against Conducted Disturbance
- Cable Entry Panel
- Grounding and Bonding
- Filters
- Protection Measures (Surges)
- Protection against Electromagnetic Fields by Shielding
- Shielding Integrity
- Maintaining Shielding Integrity
- Guide-lines and Summary
- Summary and Recommendations
- Test Categories
- EMC Tests according to Standards
- ‘Think’ EMC Systems