Electromagnetic Energy: Energy composed of electric and magnetic fields that travels at the speed of light in free space. Natural sources are the sun, stars, lightning, and tornadoes. Artificial sources include lasers, electronic circuits, radio & power transmission lines.
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): Any electronic signal present other than the desired signal (Noise). EMI is everywhere and it affects our equipment, business atmospheres, and even our health. As power densities and communication speeds increase in new systems, EMI is created in normally compatible situations.
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): Electronic equipment functioning properly in intended environments. Compatible devices are not affected by external electromagnetic noise sources and are not sources of EMI to the surrounding environment.
A telephone that produces sounds such as radio stations or static is NOT compatible. A radio tower is an intentional radiator that may cause effects on other equipment such as telephones. Further, unintentional radiators can cause EMI. For example, EMI can be created and experienced by personal computers, modems, monitors, disk drives and printers.
For more regulatory information on intentional and unintentional radiators for sale in the US contact GME, or visit the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) website.
For more technical information on electromagnetic engineering contact GME, or visit the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) website.