Electromagnetic Compatibility Uncertainty, Risk, and Margin Management

A global methodology of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) physics and risk analysis is presented in this paper. In order to manage the uncertainties of complex systems, the nine steps of the methodology based on statistics are described. A simple but representative EMC failure mode illustrates the methodology: the failure due to interference resulting from a lightning impact to the terminal equipment of a coaxial wire. Better cost/reliability ratios on the system constraints are achieved by controlling specifications by safety targets. In an industrial context, the main challenge of controlling margins during the development of complex systems is explained and achieved from predesign to advanced design.