Electromagnetic Compatibility Simulation

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) describes the ability of a device to operate as intended in its environment without interfering with other devices. Controlling electromagnetic interference is an integral part of the development of any electronic device. By law, products must comply with international EMC standards, which regulate EM emissions and the susceptibility of commercially available electrical and electronic systems. A successful product must strike a balance between EMC and competing design requirements such as size, cost and performance. Finding this balance can pose major challenges to engineers. The earlier we can identify a potential EMC problem, the less disruption it causes to the design process. By including EMC-compliant design at an early stage, additional costly development iterations can be avoided later on.

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulations ensure that devices must not emit electromagnetic fields that can disrupt other electronics. Devices must also be able to withstand interference from nearby devices and from environmental electromagnetic effects (E3) such as lightning strikes or electromagnetic pulse.

How can simulation help with EMC?

Electromagnetic simulation gives engineers a detailed view of all EMC-relevant aspects of a device – from the flow of currents across a circuit board, to the propagation of fields between co-site antennas. It helps them identify and resolve potential problems before testing. This not only cuts development time and costs, but can also reduce the risk of failing regulatory EMC testing. SIMULIA’s simulation portfolio includes a range of specialized tools for interference and EMC analysis, powered by fast, accurate 3D solvers.

EMC Software Applications:

• EMC Rule Checking
• EMC virtual testing
• Co-site interference analysis
• E3 - Electromagnetic Environmental Effects
• Cable harness simulation

With CST Studio Suite technology, the relevant EMC categories emissions and susceptibility can be studied. It also enables the investigation of system-level effects, either by its sheer ability to tackle very large and complex set-ups efficiently or by hybridization between the most appropriate solvers, dedicated to a certain problem class, such as cables for example.