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Physical / electrical concepts

FCC / CE

Regulatory bodies (US / Europe) that certify a product's EMI emissions before sale.

How it looks

Drawing
AN EMISSIONS TEST, SCHEMATIC VIEWproductantennaa shielded room: only the product's own noise is measured
A product's radiated noise is measured in a shielded room against legal limits.

How it works

  1. Every electronic product leaks some radio noise (EMI).
  2. Before it can be sold, a lab measures that noise in a shielded room: the USA requires FCC rules, Europe the CE marking.
  3. Too much noise at any frequency fails the test. Good ground planes, short return paths and shielding are cheaper than failing.

Where it fits

These rules concern finished products, not bare boards. Related: EMI and ESD (CE also covers immunity to sparks).

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