Government and commercial organizations that design and manufacture state-of-the-art electronic systems are well acquainted with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) difficulties. Circuits and systems are requiring wider bandwidths, must operate at lower power levels, and are more compact. These trends render them susceptible to interference from numerous sources. Designing and implementing electronic systems that function correctly in a complex electrical environment, as well as meeting government emissions regulations, requires engineers that have a sound knowledge of electromagnetic field concepts. This project introduces laboratory exercises based on industrial EMC applications into three undergraduate electromagnetics courses. Experiments illustrate such common problems as crosstalk, electrostatic discharge., circuit radiation, and RF susceptibility. These experiments reinforce fundamental principles and topics covered in the undergraduate electromagnetics courses, including electric and magnetic fields, inductance, capacitance, wave propagation, transmission lines, and radiation. The laboratory exercises are designed to: 1) stimulate creativity and motivate students at the introductory level to learn electromagnetic field fundamentals, while providing them with invaluable practical experience in EMC applications; 2) allow students in a junior/senior level EMC elective course to pursue in-depth lecture and laboratory EMC studies; and 3) provide facilities for students to pursue independent senior design and honors student projects in electromagnetic compatibility. The experience gained in applying electromagnetic field concepts to EMC are essential to the practicing engineer for meeting the design challenges associated with faster electronic technologies and strict government regulations on emission of electromagnetic energy.
