The electrification of our everyday life is progressing rapidly – at an unstoppable pace so it seems. This development can have an unwelcoming effect on sensitive electronic systems as the applicable standards for effective shielding against electromagnetic radiation lag behind technical advancements. All the more reason to identify and correctly assess potential risks in good time.
Risks when operating electronic equipment
A host of electronic systems used for diagnostic purposes, monitoring and treatment, surveillance and production in areas such as hospitals or laboratories, military facilities or in industry. Internal or external influences generated by electromagnetic fields can result in significant disturbances and have fatal consequences.
Risks during data processing
Unexpected problems in electronic data processing or time-consuming disruptions of the computer network are phenomena which regrettably are fairly common. To an increasing extent they are due to electromagnetic interference.
Risks for data security
Data security has to be a prime consideration wherever sensitive data are processed. Entire IT systems can be disrupted from outside with relatively little effort. Suitable measures should also be taken to prevent unauthorised access to sensitive data. Using appropriate means, data on computer screens, graphics and video cards can be accessed even without cable connection from as far away as about 100 metres.
The electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of an electronic system is assured if:
- the electromagnetic radiation generated does not interfere with its own system
- the electromagnetic radiation generated does not interfere with other electronic systems
- the system is immune to interference from other electronic systems
