GROUNDED: EMC/EMI & PCB Design Nuggets

This is the number one mistake I see when reviewing electronic products that fail EMI tests.

The stack-up is designed for a minimum layer count to reduce cost but without considering EMI performance.

Then, the money saved by choosing a cheaper stack-up is reinvested to figure out how to:

🔹Perform more EMC tests due to product failure

🔹Understand why customers are upset and returning the products

🔹Spend engineering time finding the root cause of the issue

🔹Hire an external EMI consultant to finally fix the problem

And these are just a few examples.

When calculating project costs, don't assume your PCB will only need two layers. This is rarely the case nowadays.

It’s better to overestimate at first and cut later than to underestimate and add layers afterward.

EMI control is a step done at the beginning—not at the end—of product development.

Don’t rely on band-aid techniques to pass EMC tests. Plan ahead.

— Dario

By the way, I’m looking to help three companies in the US, EU, CH, CA, or AU with their EMC/EMI challenges.

If that’s you, apply for a FREE 30-minute EMI Strategy Session.

Limited-time offer.

Click here to apply: → fresuelectronics.com