EMC Bench Notes: Pre-Compliance Testing for Radiated Emissions, Part 4 - Measurement Software - In Compliance Magazine

Nov 10, 2024

In the last three months, we have introduced how to manually make the Radiated EmissionsThe unintentional release of electromagnetic energy from an electronic device or apparatus." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/radiated-emissions/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">radiated emissions pre-compliance measurements for consumer, automotive, and military products, including all the system gains and losses. Once we complete the calculation for each dominant harmonic, you can directly compare the harmonic amplitude to the appropriate test limit. Unfortunately, this manual method can be time-consuming if there are many harmonics over the limit. That’s where automated pre-compliance software saves the day!

This article will review three examples of free or affordable pre-compliance measurement software, some of which I’ve personally used. Two of the examples require using the manufacturer’s hardware. One is designed to work with several different analyzers.

Typically, all the software examples will first sweep and measure the desired band in peak detection mode. Following that first sweep, the software will optionally measure using quasi-peak or average detection. The software will display limit lines according to the Electromagnetic Compatibility [EMC]The branch of electrical sciences which studies the unintentional generation, propagation and reception of electromagnetic energy with reference to the unwanted effects (electromagnetic interference, or EMI) that such energy may induce." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/electromagnetic-compatibility/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">EMC standard specified. All are designed to be used on a PC.

Many of the software packages will also display a table of harmonics greater than some default dB from the NoiseA measure of undesired noise mixed into the output." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/noise/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">noise floor and indicate passing or failing and margin from the limit. All packages will print out a full test report with measurement equipment and serial numbers, test operator, measurement facility address, and contact information, along with an emission plot and table of results.

All the software packages require you to input the GainThe ratio between the magnitude of output and input signals." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/gain/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">gain and loss versus frequency data for Antenna FactorThe ratio of the incident electromagnetic field strength to the voltage V (units: V or µV) on the line connection of an antenna." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/antenna-factor/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">antenna factor, cable loss, preamp GainThe ratio between the magnitude of output and input signals." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/gain/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">gain, and attenuator loss (if used). This data is usually entered in frequency steps. For example, Antenna FactorThe ratio of the incident electromagnetic field strength to the voltage V (units: V or µV) on the line connection of an antenna." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/antenna-factor/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">antenna factor will usually be supplied by the manufacturer in steps of 5 or 10 Megahertz [MHz]Unit of alternating current (AC) or electromagnetic (EM) wave frequency equal to one million hertz (1,000,000 Hz)." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/megahertz/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">MHz. The software will interpolate if a harmonic is measured between these frequency steps.

The pre-compliance software I’m most familiar with is Tek’s EMCVu. EMCVu is based on Tek’s SignalVu-PC measurement and analysis software and EMCVu is a licensed option. It is useful for both troubleshooting and pre-compliance testing and works with all of the current Tektronix spectrum analyzers. Because I’m on the road or giving live presentations a lot, I typically bring along the Tek RSA306B real-time USB-controlled spectrum analyzer that tunes from 9 Kilohertz [kHz]Unit of alternating current (AC) or electromagnetic (EM) wave frequency equal to one thousand hertz (1,000 Hz)." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/kilohertz/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">kHz to 6 GHz.

The software includes a handy setup guide that steps you through the process of adding measurement system gains and losses, such as Antenna FactorThe ratio of the incident electromagnetic field strength to the voltage V (units: V or µV) on the line connection of an antenna." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/antenna-factor/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">antenna factor, preamp GainThe ratio between the magnitude of output and input signals." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/gain/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">gain, and coax losses. Figure 1 shows a composite of Antenna FactorThe ratio of the incident electromagnetic field strength to the voltage V (units: V or µV) on the line connection of an antenna." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/antenna-factor/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">antenna factor, preamp GainThe ratio between the magnitude of output and input signals." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/gain/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">gain, and coax cable loss.

The setup guide also has several common Federal Communications Commission [FCC]An independent agency of the United States government, created by Congressional statute (see 47 U.S.C. § 151 and 47 U.S.C. § 154), and with the majority of its commissioners appointed by the current President. The FCC works towards six goals in the areas of broadband, competition, the spectrum, the media, public safety and homeland security." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/federal-communications-commission/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">FCC, CISPRComité International Spécial des Perturbations Radioélectriques (CISPR; English: Special international committee on radio interference) was founded to set standards for controlling electromagnetic interference in electrical and electronic devices, and is a part of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/cispr/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">CISPR, and MIL-STD-461 built-in limits, which are selectable. Users may also add custom limits for standards not listed. The guide also prompts users for test location and product information, which will be added to the built-in report generator.

One really handy feature is the fast sweep (2-3 seconds for a 30 to 1000 Megahertz [MHz]Unit of alternating current (AC) or electromagnetic (EM) wave frequency equal to one million hertz (1,000,000 Hz)." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/megahertz/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">MHz sweep) in the default peak detection mode. Each emission is measured, ranked, and numbered in order of amplitude and color-coded if it’s over the limit (Radio Equipment Directive [RED]The Radio Equipment Directive (RED) (2014/53/EU) ensures a Single Market for radio equipment by setting essential requirements for safety and health, electromagnetic compatibility, and the efficient use of the radio spectrum. It applies to all products using the radio frequency spectrum and has been applicable since June 13, 2016. A 1-year transitional period between this Directive and the now-repealed Radio and Telecommunication Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) Directive (1999/5/EC) ended on June 12, 2017." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/radio-equipment-directive/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">red) between the limit and the 6-dB margin (orange) and below the 6-dB margin (no color highlight). Figure 2 shows various peaks labeled with numbers and shows the amplitude ranking (default) or by frequency. You can see immediately which harmonics are dominant.

Each peak may then be individually selected, and a quasi-peak measurement may be made and recorded in the table. Peak measurements are denoted with triangles and quasi-peak with squares superimposed on the plot and recorded in separate columns in the peak table. Once your measurements are completed, you can generate a report that includes the test location, test operator, equipment used, the plots, and a table of measurements.

One last feature I’ll describe for pre-compliance testing is the handling of ambient signals. When performing a pre-compliance test outside of a shielded chamber, you’ll tend to pick up both ambient transmissions and product emissions. You first use EMCVu to measure the ambient signals with the product under test off. Then perform a second sweep with the product on and the software will subtract out most of the ambient transmissions, allowing you to focus on the actual product emissions. I say “most” because, with two-way radio communications or for mobile phones, the signals come and go, so the first sweep may not catch everything. It’s still a very useful feature.

There are many more troubleshooting-related measurements that can be performed, but I won’t go into that for the purposes of this article. A software license is required.

Price: $4,100 (node-locked), $5,330 (floating).

Signal Hound is best known for their line of USB-powered real-time spectrum analyzers and Radio Frequency [RF]Rate of oscillation in the range of about 3 kHz to 300 GHz, which corresponds to the frequency of radio waves, and the alternating currents which carry radio signals." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/radio-frequency/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">RF generators. I’ve had a chance to use their middle-end analyzer, model BB60D, for a while now, which tunes from 9 Kilohertz [kHz]Unit of alternating current (AC) or electromagnetic (EM) wave frequency equal to one thousand hertz (1,000 Hz)." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/kilohertz/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">kHz to 6 GHz. This is an upgrade from the BB60C and includes a more robust front-end fending off Electrostatic Discharge [ESD]Sudden flow of electricity between two electrically charged objects caused by contact, an electrical short, or dielectric breakdown." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/electrostatic-discharge/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">ESD damage, 10 dB better dynamic range, and passive pre-selection filters (from 130 Megahertz [MHz]Unit of alternating current (AC) or electromagnetic (EM) wave frequency equal to one million hertz (1,000,000 Hz)." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/megahertz/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">MHz to 6 GHz), which greatly reduce internally-generated spurs.

Signal Hound has also developed a troubleshooting and pre-compliance software called Spike. Spike is free and is constantly being upgraded with new functionality. It has all the usual troubleshooting features but also includes means to enter measurement gains and losses in tabular format. It also includes the ability to load in custom limits and frequency ranges and these can be saved and recalled. It also includes a report generator feature.

Figure 3 shows a typical screen for a CISPR 11<span style="color: #000000;">CISPR 11:2009+A1:2010 applies to industrial, scientific and medical electrical equipment operating in the frequency range 0 Hz to 400 GHz and to domestic and similar appliances designed to generate and/or use locally radio-frequency energy. CISPR 11:2009 covers emission requirements related to radio-frequency (RF) disturbances in the frequency range of 9 kHz to 400 GHz.</span>" href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/cispr-11/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">CISPR 11 Class AAmplifier where the output transistors conduct (i.e. do not fully turn off) irrespective of the output signal waveform. This type of amplifier is typically associated with high linearity but low efficiency." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/class-a/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">Class A emission plot. The harmonic frequencies and amplitudes are also shown in tabular format below the plot. Detected harmonics are numbered and ordered by frequency (default) or by amplitude and displayed in the plot and in a spur table, which can be downloaded. There is an option to display only the failing harmonics in the table.

There is also a “meter” feature like most of today’s benchtop spectrum analyzers. By selecting a particular harmonic, you can see an immediate measurement of peak, quasi-peak, and average measurements in the three vertical meter bars. The quasi-peak measurement uses a custom digital FilterAn algorithm or device for removing part(s) of a signal." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/filter/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">filter that matches the time constants required by CISPRComité International Spécial des Perturbations Radioélectriques (CISPR; English: Special international committee on radio interference) was founded to set standards for controlling electromagnetic interference in electrical and electronic devices, and is a part of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/cispr/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">CISPR and American National Standards Institute [ANSI]A private non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/american-national-standards-institute/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">ANSI standards.

No software license is required. To download, see Reference 2.

Price: Free (with unlimited updates).

The Tekbox Electromagnetic Compatibility [EMC]The branch of electrical sciences which studies the unintentional generation, propagation and reception of electromagnetic energy with reference to the unwanted effects (electromagnetic interference, or EMI) that such energy may induce." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/electromagnetic-compatibility/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">EMC compliance software EMCview for PCs is primarily designed for pre-compliance testing of radiated and Conducted EmissionsRadio frequency current that flows on one or more conductors connected to an electric circuit, or alternatively, radio frequency voltage between conductors connected to an electric circuit." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/conducted-emissions/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">conducted emissions. However, it may also be used for automated testing using the complement of Tekbox LISNs, Radio Frequency [RF]Rate of oscillation in the range of about 3 kHz to 300 GHz, which corresponds to the frequency of radio waves, and the alternating currents which carry radio signals." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/radio-frequency/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">RF current probes, measurement antennas, and Transverse Electromagnetic Cell [TEM]A chamber that maintains its characteristic impedance throughout its volume. Cable assemblies, connectors, and electronic devices may be placed inside the cell for testing purposes such as for measuring radiated emissions." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/transverse-electromagnetic-cell/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">TEM Cells. Built-in GainThe ratio between the magnitude of output and input signals." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/gain/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">gain and loss correction are included for cables, amplifiers, attenuators, LISNs, Transverse Electromagnetic Cell [TEM]A chamber that maintains its characteristic impedance throughout its volume. Cable assemblies, connectors, and electronic devices may be placed inside the cell for testing purposes such as for measuring radiated emissions." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/transverse-electromagnetic-cell/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">TEM cells, antennas, Radio Frequency [RF]Rate of oscillation in the range of about 3 kHz to 300 GHz, which corresponds to the frequency of radio waves, and the alternating currents which carry radio signals." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/radio-frequency/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">RF current probes, filters, and any other component in the signal chain.

All the most common emission-related standards and a few automotive manufacturer standards are preconfigured in corresponding project files. The project files take care of all necessary settings to conduct standard compliant measurements. Custom projects may be developed using the built-in editor or any simple text editor.

Besides a fast peak scan, the graph supports two complete measurement runs such as average plus quasi-peak or peak plus quasi-peak. In addition, a fast quasi-peak scan of critical harmonics may be made. Quasi-peaked emissions will be labeled with an “X” in the plot. Graphs can be saved and overlaid with newer measurements to track and document design modifications. A unique “magnifier” feature is included for those cases where several peaks may be closely grouped together. A report generator feature is included.

A bonus is that ImmunityA measure of the ability of electronic products to tolerate the influence of electrical energy (radiated or conducted) from other electronic products and electromagnetic phenomena." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/immunity/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">immunity testing is supported with dedicated menus, controlling the spectrum analyzer’s tracking generator. This would be valuable in replicating a limited Radiated ImmunityAbility to withstand electromagnetic energy that arrives via free-space propagation." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/radiated-immunity/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">radiated immunity test using a Transverse Electromagnetic Cell [TEM]A chamber that maintains its characteristic impedance throughout its volume. Cable assemblies, connectors, and electronic devices may be placed inside the cell for testing purposes such as for measuring radiated emissions." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/transverse-electromagnetic-cell/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">TEM cell or configuring a scalar network analyzer measurement to characterize filters, preamplifiers, and cables.

An enhanced version of the software, EMCview PRO, offers real-time measurement support for spectrum analyzers with real-time capability. Users with a standard EMCview license have the option to upgrade to EMCview PRO. Real-time analysis would be most useful for general troubleshooting BroadbandWide bandwidth characteristics of a transmission medium and its ability to transport multiple signals and traffic types simultaneously." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/broadband/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">broadband Electromagnetic Interference [EMI]Disturbance that affects an electrical circuit due to either electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic radiation emitted from an external source." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/electromagnetic-interference/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">EMI or capturing intermittent harmonic spikes.

While Tek’s EMCVu and Signal Hound’s Spike are designed to work only with their own products, EMCview currently supports the following spectrum analyzers:

In every case, the spectrum analyzer should be equipped with the Electromagnetic Interference [EMI]Disturbance that affects an electrical circuit due to either electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic radiation emitted from an external source." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/electromagnetic-interference/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">EMI option.

NOTE: While EMCview is a free download, the software is limited to an upper frequency of 10 Megahertz [MHz]Unit of alternating current (AC) or electromagnetic (EM) wave frequency equal to one million hertz (1,000,000 Hz)." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/megahertz/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">MHz without a license to try it out. Tekbox offers two license options:

To download the unlicensed version for tryout (10 Megahertz [MHz]Unit of alternating current (AC) or electromagnetic (EM) wave frequency equal to one million hertz (1,000,000 Hz)." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/megahertz/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">MHz upper limit), see Reference 3. For U.S. customers, EMCview may be purchased from Saelig Electronics (Reference 4).

Price: Base version $449, PRO version $699 (with unlimited updates).

You’ll find using automated software for Radiated EmissionsThe unintentional release of electromagnetic energy from an electronic device or apparatus." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/radiated-emissions/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">radiated emissions in-house pre-compliance testing makes both troubleshooting and mitigation so much faster. All three companies reviewed also have much more information and application notes available for download. Be sure to check out the references for more.

While a bit pricy, most of my experience has been with Tek’s EMCVu, and I like the sweep speed, fast labeling and sorting of harmonic peaks, automated ambient cancellation, and report generator. I’ve used this for dozens of client projects. The measurement setup screens are quite helpful, especially for users new to pre-compliance software.

Trying out the latest version with my new Windows 11 PC revealed a couple of minor bugs, and I suspect they’ve been corrected by now. Overall, I thought the control layout was pretty user-friendly with major measurement functions arranged along the top as buttons.

I decided to try out Signal Hound’s Spike software for my presentations last May 2024 in Chicago, Detroit, and England. I really like the small size and performance of their BB60D analyzer. I did note a bug in the peak table of the straight analyzer function in that when measuring in dBµV, the peak table presents the peaks in dBmA unit that defines a signal level by comparing it to a reference level. The reference level of 0dBm is defined as 1mW. The signal level in dBm is 10 times the log of the signal's power over that of the 0dBm reference." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/dbm/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">dBm instead. When using the pre-compliance function, this was not an issue. I also wish the analyzer could be set to a log-frequency scale rather than linear, as this would make troubleshooting quicker. The setup control layout was pretty clean and table functions are arranged down below the table.

Tekbox’s EMCview was a little harder for me to understand at first due in part to the multitude of control functions. There are multiple configuration selections and checkboxes required to set up a measurement from scratch. One thing that greatly helped was the dozens of preconfigured standards and limits I was able to select. They even include some automotive standards. I found that starting out with a pre-defined test setup and then customizing it to your needs was the best option.

Correction data for Antenna FactorThe ratio of the incident electromagnetic field strength to the voltage V (units: V or µV) on the line connection of an antenna." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/antenna-factor/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">antenna factor and preamp/cable gains/losses can be imported as text files. A bonus is that there are features for radiated and conducted ImmunityA measure of the ability of electronic products to tolerate the influence of electrical energy (radiated or conducted) from other electronic products and electromagnetic phenomena." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/immunity/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">immunity tests and that the software is preconfigured for using various Tekbox products.

All the software packages required a certain learning curve in that various common setup controls are all in different locations. For example, to use the meter bars in Spike requires you to “turn on” that feature after clicking on a desired harmonic.

All three packages mentioned here are also able to utilize the real-time capture modes for analyzers that have that feature (EMCview requires the PRO version). This is more important for troubleshooting BroadbandWide bandwidth characteristics of a transmission medium and its ability to transport multiple signals and traffic types simultaneously." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/broadband/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">broadband Electromagnetic Interference [EMI]Disturbance that affects an electrical circuit due to either electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic radiation emitted from an external source." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/electromagnetic-interference/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">EMI or fast intermittent harmonics. Both EMCVu and Spike will also demodulate several types of digital ModulationThe process of varying one or more properties of a periodic waveform, called the carrier signal, with a modulating signal which typically contains information to be transmitted." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/modulation/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">modulation.

I have not had a chance to review pre-compliance (or compliance) software from Keysight or Rohde & Schwarz, but I’d expect the features would be similar to those mentioned here with similar pricing and licensing to Tek’s EMCVu. If you use one of their excellent analyzers, I’d recommend sticking with their offerings. There are similar software pre-compliance offerings from Siglent and Rigol that I may review in the future.

This wraps up the four-part series on performing in-house Radiated EmissionsThe unintentional release of electromagnetic energy from an electronic device or apparatus." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/radiated-emissions/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">radiated emissions pre-compliance testing. I hope you enjoyed learning how easy it is to perform. You should find that confirming pass/fail and local resources to help troubleshoot and mitigate Electromagnetic Interference [EMI]Disturbance that affects an electrical circuit due to either electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic radiation emitted from an external source." href="https://incompliancemag.com/terms/electromagnetic-interference/" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">EMI in-house is a huge cost- and time-saving benefit. Next month, I’ll do another design review of an embedded processor board, demonstrating my step-by-step process.

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