Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

Ensuring EMC Compliance for The Satoshi Terminal


Overview

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) compliance ensures that The Satoshi Terminal operates effectively in its intended electromagnetic environment without causing or being affected by electromagnetic interference (EMI). This guide provides a detailed approach to achieving EMC compliance, covering standards, testing procedures, mitigation strategies, and documentation requirements.


Purpose of EMC Compliance

EMC compliance is essential to:

  • Ensure that the terminal does not interfere with other electronic devices.

  • Prevent operational disruptions caused by external electromagnetic sources.

  • Adhere to global regulatory requirements, enabling legal distribution and usage.

  • Enhance user safety and confidence in product reliability.


EMC Standards and Directives

The Satoshi Terminal is designed to comply with the following key EMC standards and directives:

  1. European Union (EU):

    • Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC Directive): Specifies the essential requirements for limiting electromagnetic emissions and ensuring immunity to electromagnetic disturbances.

    • EN 55032: Electromagnetic emissions for multimedia equipment.

    • EN 55035: Immunity requirements for multimedia equipment.

  2. United States (FCC):

    • CFR Title 47 Part 15: Governs radio frequency emissions for digital and electronic devices.

  3. International Standards:

    • CISPR 32: Standards for radiated and conducted emissions from information technology equipment.

    • IEC 61000-4: Immunity testing standards, including electrostatic discharge (ESD) and electrical fast transients (EFT).


EMC Testing Process

The Satoshi Terminal undergoes rigorous EMC testing to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The testing process includes the following steps:

1. Pre-Compliance Testing

Conducted during the design phase to identify potential EMI sources and vulnerabilities.

  • Radiated Emissions: Measures electromagnetic energy emitted from the terminal.

  • Conducted Emissions: Evaluates unwanted signals transmitted via power or data cables.

2. Compliance Testing

Performed in a certified EMC laboratory to validate adherence to standards.

  • Immunity Testing:

    • Electrostatic Discharge (ESD): Simulates human contact with the device to test resilience to static discharge.

    • Radiated Immunity: Evaluates device performance under external electromagnetic fields.

    • Electrical Fast Transients (EFT): Assesses immunity to voltage spikes on power lines.

  • Emissions Testing:

    • Measures radiated and conducted emissions within specified frequency ranges.

3. Certification and Reporting

The testing lab issues a detailed test report, including:

  • Measurement data.

  • Compliance status for each standard.

  • Recommendations for improvement, if necessary.


Mitigation Strategies for EMC Compliance

To achieve EMC compliance, The Satoshi Terminal employs advanced design techniques and mitigation strategies:

1. Shielding

  • Enclosure Shielding: The terminal’s casing is designed with conductive materials to block electromagnetic fields.

  • Cable Shielding: All external cables are equipped with shielding to reduce emissions and susceptibility.

2. Filtering

  • Power Line Filters: Installed to suppress conducted emissions and prevent high-frequency noise from affecting power lines.

  • Signal Line Filters: Used to reduce EMI on data transmission lines.

3. Grounding

  • Implements robust grounding systems to prevent EMI propagation through electrical pathways.

4. PCB Design Optimization

  • Layered PCB Layouts: Reduces crosstalk and improves signal integrity.

  • Decoupling Capacitors: Placed near IC power pins to stabilize voltage and suppress noise.

5. Software Optimization

  • Implements algorithms to reduce high-frequency switching noise generated by the firmware.


Documentation for EMC Compliance

Proper documentation is essential for EMC compliance. The following records are maintained:

  • Technical Files: Includes schematics, PCB layouts, and product design details.

  • Test Reports: Issued by certified labs, detailing the compliance status of the terminal.

  • Compliance Declaration:

    • States adherence to applicable EMC standards.

    • Signed by an authorized representative.

Sample Compliance Declaration:

Electromagnetic Compatibility Declaration We, Satoshi Systems Ltd., declare that The Satoshi Terminal complies with the following EMC standards:

  • EN 55032:2015

  • EN 55035:2017

  • FCC CFR Title 47 Part 15


Regulatory Testing Environment

EMC testing is conducted in a controlled environment to ensure accuracy and repeatability:

  • Anechoic Chambers: Used for radiated emissions and immunity testing. These chambers are designed to absorb reflections and external interference.

  • Shielded Rooms: For conducted emissions testing, ensuring isolation from ambient noise.


Common EMC Challenges and Solutions

Challenge

Cause

Solution

Excessive radiated emissions

Poor shielding or PCB design flaws

Improve enclosure shielding; optimize PCB layout.

High conducted emissions

Power supply noise

Install power line filters and optimize grounding.

ESD-related performance issues

Insufficient immunity to static discharge

Add ESD protection diodes near sensitive circuits.

Failure under radiated immunity

Weak internal grounding or insufficient shielding

Enhance grounding and improve shield integrity.


Periodic Reassessment

EMC compliance is an ongoing process. The Satoshi Terminal undergoes periodic reassessment to:

  • Validate compliance with updated standards.

  • Address changes in product design or functionality.

  • Identify emerging risks in new operating environments.


Best Practices for EMC Compliance

  • Integrate EMC considerations early in the product design phase.

  • Use pre-compliance testing tools to identify potential issues.

  • Maintain detailed records of all design changes and their impact on EMC performance.

  • Stay updated on regulatory changes to ensure ongoing compliance.


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