EMC Glossary*

Anechoic Chamber
The insulated space in which EMC testing is conducted. Anechoic means "without echo." The room is anechoic because it is insulated against electromagnetic interference from sources outside the room.

Class A & B
A method of classifying intentional and unintentional radiators and receivers. Products are usually classified as:

• Class A - non domestic and not connected to domestic facilities (for example, industrial equipment); or
• Class B - domestic low-voltage (for example, household appliances).

Competent Body
A European-based certification or testing organization that is competent under the EMC directive to assess manufacturers' Technical Construction Files; review test reports; and issue Certificates of Compliance. A manufacturer may need a Competent Body (CB) to verify technical data when the EMC directive does not permit self-declaration. This might happen, for example, when there is no relevant harmonized standard for a product or when only part of a standard applies. Some products fall under the authority of a Notified Body rather than a CB.

Conducted Emissions
The radio frequency energy that is transmitted from an electrical device through the power cord and back into the electrical system.

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Electromagnetic Compatibility
An electrical system or product's ability to operate:

• without causing electromagnetic interference (EMI) that would interfere with other equipment, and
• without being affected by EMI from other equipment or the environment

Electromagnetic Interference
Radio frequency energy that interferes with the operation of a device. This radio frequency energy may be produced by the device itself or by other devices nearby.

EMI
Electromagnetic interference.

Emission Testing
A test to measure the electromagnetic interference (EMI) caused by an electrical device.

Immunity Testing
A test to measure the vulnerability of a product to electromagnetic interference from other sources.

Intentional Radiator
A device that intentionally generates and emits radio frequency energy by radiation or induction. Examples include cell phones and citizens band (CB) radios.

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Non-intentional Radiator
A device that is not intended to emit radio frequency energy by radiation or induction, but that nevertheless generates radio frequency energy for use within itself or that sends radio frequency signals to equipment via connecting wires. Examples include personal computers, AM/FM radios, televisions, and most other household electrical equipment.

Notified Body (NB)
Usually a government agency in a member state of the European Union that carries out conformity assessment procedures for some classes of medical devices, telecommunications terminal equipment, and radio systems. Only an NB may issue a European Community Type Examination Certificate, which confirms that a product has been evaluated against the applicable standards and that the manufacturer's quality system has been audited. In some cases the NB may require a Competent Body to do testing.

Susceptibility
The vulnerability of a product to electromagnetic interference from other sources.

*This glossary is a general summary of information. It is not intended to be technically complete or exact or to provide engineering advice. Contact CSA International at 1-800-463-6727 to obtain the exact information and guidance applicable to your needs.

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