EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
EMC is a device both not emitting electromagnetic noise into its surroundings above acceptable limits and being able to work as intended despite the noise around it. It has two aspects: emission and immunity. For radio equipment it is defined as one of the essential requirements under RED.
EMC is the common name for two separate problems:
- Emission: the noise your device produces. What is emitted over cables is called conducted emission, what is emitted through the air is called radiated emission.
- Immunity: withstanding electromagnetic effects coming from outside. Electrostatic discharge, fast transient bursts, surges and radiated field immunity are assessed under this heading.
In a wireless remote control, EMC translates directly into range. If the noise you produce yourself raises the receiver's noise floor, no antenna arrangement can compensate for it. The practical measures are clear: shield the motor cable, terminate the shield at the correct point, run power and signal cables on separate routes, and add a filter and, where necessary, a ferrite at the supply input. On the compliance side EMC is one of the essential requirements of the radio equipment directive and conformity is usually shown via the relevant harmonised standards; which standard and which version was applied is written in the product's declaration of conformity.
Context in which this term is used: Wireless remote control installation: pairing, relay, safety