Check Designs for EMI Early

The new controller looked ready to go
But I said, “Well, I just don’t know.
Have you tested for EMI?
‘Cause If you haven’t, it just might not fly."

So we pulled out a makeshift antenna,
Hooked it up to a spectrum analyzer,
What we saw gave us the creeps.
Emissions galore, just look at those peaks!

We knew right then we had work to do.
Add some ferrites and shields with glue.
We added "band-aids" to get it out the door
But we knew what was in store.

You got to
Check designs for EMI early,
Starting with your power cord.
Check designs for EMI early,
Or you’ll lay out a new PC board.

If emissions are getting you down,
Just remember to probe around.

Measure current in the cable;
Look for emissions if you are able.
Place a clamp around each wire;
Make sure those peaks go no higher.

Look for harmonics from your clocks.
Don’t let ESD give you a shock.
Measure high, measure low.
Frequencies, the peaks got to go.

Go into the lab, and look for emissions,
Get that antenna into position.
Measure high, measure low.
Frequencies, the peaks got to go.

If emissions are getting you down,
Just remember to probe around.

So check designs for EMI early,
Starting at your power cord.
Check designs for EMI early,
Or you’ll lay out a new PC board.