08Mar
03Mar
Electronic Data Protection-Buy or DYI!
Electronic Data Protection-Buy or DYI! I've talked about Faraday pouches that protect digital data hacks before. They are security pouches used by government, police, and big business. These pouches prevent data tampering or theft by wireless access. Phones, laptops, and PDAs are protected from wireless access while inside the pouch. These pouches work using the "Faraday Cage Effect" created by metalized textiles. The metalized textiles block passage of electromagnetic fields through pouch walls. This same technology is now available to...
02Mar
Efficient Best Practice- Frequent EMC Developmental Testing!
Efficient Best Practice-Frequent EMC Developmental Testing! Frequent EMC developmental testing sounds like a lot of work. It also sounds like a waste of precious time. The truth is doing the testing early and often saves a lot of time! "Backtracking" to mitigate/diagnose problems is the real waste of time. Backtracking means "to retrace one's steps" or to "pursue, trace, and monitor". I call it "going back to the drawing board"! Talk about time consuming, that's the definition of backtracking! Pre-Compliance...
23Feb
Pre-Compliance EMC Testing saves Time and Money!
Pre-Compliance EMC Testing saves Time and Money! All electronic devices must pass testing by an accredited EMC testing lab. It is estimated that up to 50% of products fail final testing on their first try! Multiple trips for testing really increase the product development cost. Pre-Compliance Testing during development at your facility can prepare your device for the "Final"! This early testing helps to detect and address problems stepwise during development. Testing and correcting early avoids expensive "back tracking" to...
17Feb
Shielding lowers Interference-Devices work Better!
Shielding lowers Interference-Devices work Better. We all know what interference is like in an office situation. While concentrating on an important job, someone disrupts your concentration. The interference comes from a coworker who is working with you. Frustration sets in, you can't get back "into the zone". You know you aren't performing your best work. The same thing can happen to devices in a shared electrical environment. All devices are trying to work but can't function well. In the workplace...
16Feb
Sensors and Electrodes-keeping us Aware!
Sensors and Electrodes-keeping us Aware! Sensors are by definition devices that measure a physical property and records, indicates, or otherwise responds to it. Electrodes are conductors through which electricity enters or leaves an object, substance or region. Through sensing, we know the condition of our automobile's systems. Today's automobile tells us how much gas we have and the condition of our tires. They tell us if seatbelts are buckled, and airbags are functional. The health care industry uses sensing devices in...
10Feb
EMI/RFI spell Trouble, VTT offers Solutions!
EMI/RFI spell Trouble, VTT offers Solutions! An electronic device can't be marketed until it is compliant with applicable EMC Standards. Each device has to pass EMC Final Compliance Testing before it can be marketed. Testing is rigorous, device development is crucial in preparation for it. Pre-Compliance testing, starting upon product development is the best way to prepare for the Final Compliance Testing. Pre-Compliance testing is best done "early and often" in your own facility. This development method saves time and...
03Feb
Sensors are Everywhere! What can they do for You?
Sensors are Everywhere! What can they do for You? I have used this platform to talk about them in the past. I've talked about their use in automobiles, medicine, and personal safety. This time, I'm going to speak about their use in sports! It's getting near the time for the Super Bowl. Football is a sport that sensors can help improve several ways. We've all heard and seen the concern about...
02Feb
Have EMC Testing Questions, VTT can Answer them!
Have EMC Testing Questions, VTT can Answer them! There are many types of EMC Testing Standards, issued mainly by these groups: FCC (Federal Communications Commission), MIL Standards, EN (European Norm), SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), ISO (International Organization for Standardization), IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), and CISPR (Comite International Special Des Perturbations Radio). All of these groups have tests, test standards, and test methods. These tests deal with emission of and susceptibility to RF. Many products are exported to foreign countries and become subject...
26Jan
