Why 90% of Electronics Fail EMC Tests and How to Fix It

In this episode of the Altium OnTrack podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with Karen Burnham, chief engineer and founder of EMC United, to explore why electromagnetic compatibility remains one of the most challenging aspects of product development. Karen shares her journey from physics to NASA Johnson Space Center and eventually into EMC consulting, offering invaluable insights into why so many engineers struggle with compliance testing and what they can do about it.

 

Whether you're a new designer facing your first EMC test or a seasoned engineer looking to refine your approach, this conversation covers critical topics including common misconceptions about ground plane splits, the dangers of blindly following data sheet recommendations, requirements management pitfalls, and cost-effective pre-compliance strategies. Karen also discusses the evolving role of simulation and AI in EMC design review, upcoming changes to CISPR standards, and her practical seminars designed to help engineers avoid costly failures.

 

👉 Resources from this Episode: 

- Struggling with EMC compliance? Altium Develop gives you access to expert-led courses on design for EMC, helping you avoid costly test failures before your first prototype: https://www.altium.com/develop?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=ontrack-podcast&utm_content=karen-burnham

- Connect with Karen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-burnham-42104425

- Check out Todd Hubing's Interview: https://youtu.be/7PJGPDiA31Q

- Check Out EMC United: https://www.emcunited.com/

 

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About Altium LLC

 

Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California, is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products.

 

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