Integrated Circuit EMC Design Questions

1. How do integrated circuits affect EMC at the system level?

Integrated circuits (ICs) often play an important role in the electromagnetic compatibility of an electronic system. Generally, ICs are the ultimate source of signals and noise that produce interference. They convert the D.C. power supplied to them into the high-frequency currents and voltages that are responsible for unintentional emissions or coupling.

The ultimate victims of electromagnetic interference are also, very often, integrated circuits. Of all the components in a typical electronic system, integrated circuits tend to be the most susceptible to damage caused by over-voltage or over-current conditions. Even if they are not damaged, noise coupled to the input or power pins of ICs may cause them to malfunction.