EMC Regulations and the Integration with Industrial Ethernet Equipment
Building a complete video surveillance system often requires numerous network devices and complex cabling networks. This complexity can lead to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and negatively impact system performance. Therefore, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of electronic equipment is crucial, especially in environments with high-voltage currents, such as power plants, factories, transportation systems, and infrastructure projects.
What is EMC?
EMC stands for electromagnetic compatibility, meaning the electromagnetic energy generated by equipment neither interferes with other devices nor is affected by external electromagnetic sources. EMC consists of two key aspects:
- Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): Limits the electromagnetic emissions from equipment to avoid disturbing the environment.
- Electromagnetic Susceptibility (EMS): Ensures equipment can operate normally in environments with external electromagnetic interference.
High EMC standards are key indicators of quality and reliability for network products. Both component selection and PCB design play essential roles in achieving EMC. For example, in substations, high-voltage converters, circuit breakers, and relays can generate strong electromagnetic fields that may damage nearby equipment if EMC is not carefully designed.
In transportation systems, trains and subways operate on electric power. Electromagnetic interference comes from multiple sources: outside the cabin, onboard electronics, main and backup substations along the tracks. Onboard units must resist EMI from external equipment and withstand the train's own electromagnetic radiation. Therefore, testing communication equipment in such complex environments is critical.
5 Key Considerations for Designing EMC-Ready Products
1. Selection of Components
In high-EMI environments like substations and railways, heat and electromagnetic interference are major causes of communication product failures. EtherWAN selects active and passive components with high MTBF and wide temperature endurance to ensure reliable operation in high-temperature and high-EMI conditions.
2. Professional Circuit Design
For special EMS environments, such as power plants and railways, PCBA and circuit designs focus on surge current resistance. Expertise in safe spacing and robust circuit design is essential for reliability.
3. Test Levels and Strict Manufacturing Standards
EtherWAN tests both industrial-grade and commercial-grade products in environmental simulation labs, including temperature and EMC tests. Products also undergo long burn-in testing to ensure reliable operation under high workload conditions.
4. Third-Party Test Certifications
EtherWAN products comply with multiple global standards:
- EN61000-6-2 / EN61000-6-4: Immunity requirements for industrial equipment
- EN55022 / EN55024: European standards for radio disturbance in IT equipment
- IEC61850-3 / IEEE1613: Standards for power substations
- EN50121-4: Railway electromagnetic compatibility
- EN50155: Electronic equipment for rolling stock
- NEMA TS2: Traffic control equipment environmental requirements
5. Flexible Product Selection and Excellent After-Sales Service
EtherWAN Ethernet switches offer flexible port combinations, transmission speeds, and interfaces to meet diverse requirements. Products come with a 5-year warranty, pre-sale technical consulting, and dedicated after-sales service.
