Electromagnetic Compatibility Society of Australia

The Electromagnetic Compatibility Society of Australia (EMCSA) is a technical society within the Electrical College of Engineers Australia.

Our activities include:

  • Providing a forum for exchange of information about electromagnetic compatibility.
  • Participating in Standards Australia Technical Committee TE-003 for electromagnetic compatibility.
  • Publishing a newsletter and co-ordinating technical presentations about electromagnetic compatibility.
  • Liaison with the  Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) EMC Society.
What is electromagnetic compatibility?

The official definition of electromagnetic compatibility is the ability of equipment to function satisfactorily in its electromagnetic environment without introducing intolerable disturbances to anything in that environment. This definition also includes the physical properties of the equipment in use. When a piece of electronic equipment can perform its intended function without causing an interference issue, we say that electromagnetic compatibility has been achieved. 

An example of an electromagnetic interference is the buzzing that is sometimes heard on a landline phone when a mobile phone is close by. The buzzing arises because the mobile phone is transmitting a powerful pulsed signal to the phone tower. Those signals are picked up by the wires in the landline phone. The electromagnetic field induces RF currents on the wires.

This unwanted current makes its way to the phone’s speaker and a buzzing sound happens even before the mobile phone actually rings. This is because of transmissions that occur when the call is being set up.

Elements of electromagnetic compatibility

Electromagnetic engineering is important for all sizes of equipment, from very small chip-level through to large systems such as in aircraft, ships and buildings. Situations covered by electromagnetic engineering include:

  • interference from electronics disrupting radio systems
  • interference from radio transmitters disrupting or damaging electronics
  • lightning strikes
  • electrostatic discharge
  • power network spikes due to switching or failures
  • hazards of radio frequency energy to humans (HERP or RADHAZ)
  • hazards of radio frequency energy to fuel (HERF)
  • hazards of radio frequency energy to ordnance (HERO).
Membership

Membership to EMCSA is open to persons or corporations with an interest in electromagnetic compatibility.

To contact EMCSA or to learn more about electromagnetic compatibility complete the contact form and someone will be in touch.

To join the EMCSA, login or create an account in the EA member portal. Once you’re logged in, click on the products and services tab then click Join on the Technical Society Membership tile and follow the prompts.

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