Looking back at Exploring EMC 2023 – Hosted by MDL Technologies

Back in November, MDL Technologies hosted its inaugural “Exploring EMC” event, bringing together some of the brightest minds in the EMC industry to showcase the latest technologies and innovations. Gathering at the British Motor Museum, the event played host to guest speakers from MDL’s range of technology partners to discuss EMC test standards, practical design for EMC compliance and how to prepare for a successful test programme.

Exploring EMC welcomed more than 80 attendees including guest speakers from Raditeq, Unit 3 Compliance, ETS-Lindgren and PMM Narda.

Key takeaways from the event

Radiated Emissions - Causes, Antennas, Noise, and Solutions

Kicking off the day was a talk and demonstration by  James Pawson of Unit 3 Compliance.  James carried out a live demonstration showing how radiated emissions occur from circuits using simple concepts and circuit theory.

Highlighting the differences in EMI Measurements performed by Spectrum Analyzers with EMC Functions vs. Pre and Full Compliant Receivers in the presence of Pulses with Low Repetition Frequency, according to the requirements of CISPR 16-1-1 Standard

Progressing into the morning, Dr. Eng. Michele Zingarelli, EMC Regional Manager from PMM Narda continued the seminar with his talk on the comparison of EMI measurement performance of a Spectrum Analyser, a Pre-Compliant Receiver, and a Full-Compliant Receiver.  Also covered were upcoming changes in IEC/EN 55014-1 for Household Appliances, specifically the discontinuous interference test ‘clicks’ and the impact on the EMI Analysers that can be used.

Test methods for RF immunity testing

Patrick Dijkstra, of Raditeq explained the essential requirements for measuring equipment, with a particular focus on speed and accuracy. Patrick also discussed the performance and measurement criteria required by the EMC Immunity standards to cover all functions of the Device Under Test (DUT).

Considerations for a successful EMC Test program

Closing the Seminar was Ryan Fergus,  EMC Systems Engineer at ETS-Lindgren. The presentation provided helpful information on how to plan for a successful EMC test program, covering things like EMC test plans, pre-compliance testing, product configuration requirements, EUT performance monitoring, test standards and costs.

Exploring EMC Exhibition

In addition to our speakers, several of our technology partners such as Tektronix, Haefely, and Y.I.C Technologies had small stands at the event to showcase their latest offerings. Attendees had the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and explore new horizons in this rapidly evolving field from trusted industry experts themselves.

“Thank you for everyone who made the effort to attend Exploring EMC from the UK and across Europe. This has been a successful event and is the first of many.” 

– Mike Kennedy, Group Business Development Director

Want to get a more extensive recap of our
2023 Exploring EMC Seminars?

To watch the recordings of our seminar presentations from our guest speakers, please complete the short form below.

EMC International & Compliance 2023

MDL Technologies will be returning to EMC & Compliance International – the UK’s leading exhibition on electromagnetic compatibility.

EMC and Compliance International will focus on all aspects of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and compliance, with exhibitors from across sectors including electronics, electrical, industrial, aerospace, medical, military and more. The show will provide access to expertise on new EMC directives, components, test techniques and equipment and the latest EMC modelling. The show also features two days of training and technical workshops delivered by world-renowned EMC experts.

MDL will be showcasing a range of technologies on stand 21, from manufacturers including ETS-Lindgren, Haefely, PMM and Raditeq. Joining MDL on the stand will be members of APC Technology Group’s Test and Measurement team, showcasing Wavecontrol’s  range of EMC exposure equipment and personal safety devices.

An innovator and market leader of systems and components for the detection, measurement and management of electromagnetic, magnetic and acoustic energy.
Browse ETS Products
A full range of stand-alone, modular, and compact conducted immunity test equipment designed to simulate the effects of interference sources on electronic, electrical and telecommunications products.
Browse Haefely Products
A brand of Narda Safety Test Solutions, PMM regularly develops new technologies and instruments to cover the most demanding applications in Safety (EMF) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC).
Browse PMM Products
Designs and development of analog radio frequency (RF) electronics.Working with the engineers at Raditeq you gain the required expertise to make your HF, RF, Uwave and EMC challenges a great success.
Browse Raditeq Products
Bolab's transient generators use pulse bursts to simulate interference sources in electronic equipment, especially modern systems that are particularly sensitive to these types of pulses.
Browse Bolab Products
Over 20 years’ experience in the design and development of professional instruments for measuring, monitoring and evaluating human exposure to electromagnetic fields.
Browse Wavecontrol Products

The MDL team will also be on hand to discuss how we can facilitate turnkey test facility projects and advise on commercial or Military/Avionics Standards, drawing on more than 30 years of experience in the electronics test and measurement marketplace.

Elsewhere at the show, there is a full programme of EMC training sessions and workshops available to delegates, covering such topics as:

  • EMC test challenges for military/electric aircraft
  • EMC design for power and electronic applications
  • EMC simulations
  • EMC for prime contractors
  • Practical compliance for manufacturers
  • EMC risk management

For more information about EMC & Compliance International, or to register for a free visitor ticket, head to their website using the button below.

What is a Secure Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF)

What is a sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) room

A sensitive compartmented information facility or SCIF is a room or building specially built with highly technical countermeasures designed to prevent eavesdropping and are built to specific acoustic specifications, typically being designed without windows and having a litany of other measures built into access and electronics.

They can also be shielded with a metallic radiant barrier to prevent radio frequencies from radiating from within.

SCIF requirements

The requirements for SCIF facilities change depending on the end user however most require acoustic soundproofing to prevent the conversation from being overheard outside of the room, this can also be achieved with the use of white noise being played to mask conversations. 

To protect from an electronic perspective all SCIFs have metallic barriers similar to that of a faraday cage. The purpose of this is to block all RF signals and  RF emissions. Because of this, they are often accompanied by power filters if getting data or power into the room is necessary.

 

Can a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) have windows?

In general, SCIFs are designed to be secure environments that are isolated from the rest of the facility or building in which they are located. They are usually constructed with reinforced walls, floors, and ceilings to protect against unauthorized access and eavesdropping. As a result, SCIFs often do not have windows, as windows can provide a potential avenue for compromise of the secure environment.

However, it is possible for a SCIF to have windows, provided that they are designed and installed in a way that does not compromise the security of the facility. For example, the windows may be made of a material that is difficult to see through, or they may be coated with a film that blocks electronic signals. In some cases, the windows may be placed in locations that are not visible from the outside, or they may be installed in such a way that they cannot be easily opened or breached.

Ultimately, the decision to include windows in a SCIF will depend on the specific security needs and requirements of the facility. It is important to carefully consider all potential vulnerabilities and to take appropriate measures to protect the security of the SCIF and the sensitive information it contains.

What is Tempest?

Telecommunications Electronics Material Protected from Emanating Spurious Transmissions (TEMPEST) is a set of standards set by the U.S. National security agency and NATO certification.

It refers to a specific set of standards detailing spying on information systems from leaking emanations, including unintentional radio or electrical signals, sound, and vibrations. Within a secure compartmented information facility this typically is referring to Tempest power filters NATO SDIP-27 Level A (formerly AMSG 720B) 

What are HEMP Filters?

High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) filters are specifically designed filters that would protect electronic devices within a facility from any EMI or destructive overvoltages that could come from poor power sources, utility company fault, wiring erors or an EMP.

How can MDL help you meet your SCIF requirements?

MDL is the UK distributor for ETS-Lindgren the global leader in EMC, Acoustic, and Test & Measurement sectors.

MDL has the ability to design bespoke SCIF rooms that fit your specifications, our in-house team works alongside ETS Lindgren to provide some of the most demanding industrial, medical, and government shielding challenges.

TIPS Security Container

For high threat, classified applications, the Security Container integrates physical and Tempest security to maintain configuration flexibility regardless of changes in hardware, technology, or the

Read More »

Series 101 Shielded Rooms

The Series 101 RF shielded construction system meets and substantially exceeds all RF shielding requirements. The system consists of modular, hot galvanized rigid steel structural

Read More »

What is an Anechoic chamber and what is it used for?

What is the difference between a Fully Anechoic Chamber (FAC) and a Semi-Anechoic Chamber (SAC)?

A semi-anechoic chamber (SAC) and a fully anechoic chamber (FAC) are both specialised facilities used for testing the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and radio frequency (RF) performance of devices. Both types of chambers are designed to eliminate or reduce reflections of electromagnetic waves, which allows for more accurate and reliable testing results.

What is an Anechoic Chamber and what is it used for?

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Read the full article at APC Technology Group

Fully Anechoic (FAC), Semi Anechoic (SAC) AND Open Area test Site (OATS)​

what-are-anechoic-chambers-used-for

What are Anechoic Chambers used for?

emc testing

EMC Testing – Turnkey EMC Solutions for Aerospace, Defence, Automotive and Commercial Applications

In-House EMC Test Lab Consultancy Service

In-House EMC Test Lab Consultancy Service

MDL Technologies is part of APC Technology Group

In 2021, MDL became part of APC Technology Group. APC provides the design, specification and distribution of specialist electronic components and systems, property technologies and connectivity products. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, APC’s specialist teams help UK OEMs, CEMs and organisations looking to take advantage of the latest technologies to produce better equipment, improve efficiency and achieve superior performance.

Start a technical conversation with our team to discuss your EMC projects

APC Technology Group prioritises understanding and exceeding our customers’ specific EMC testing requirements. We achieve this through a collaborative approach, tailoring solutions to meet each client’s unique specifications, ensuring timely delivery and adhering to established budgets.