National Electromagnetic Radiation Field (EMF), Interference (EMI), and Compatibility (EMC) Consulting Services
Surveys, Inspections, Investigations, Assessments, Deep Measure Analysis and Diagnostics, Predictive Simulations and Advanced Design Modeling, EMF-EMI Mitigation and EMC Pre-Compliance Consulting Services
EMI-EMC-EMF Engineering for Compliance, Health, Safety, and Design Integrity
EMC-EMI-RFI Product, Equipment, and Facility Testing Services
Elexana is a top-tier world leader in solving electromagnetic field radiation (EMF), interference (EMI), and compatibility (EMC) concerns which affect electronic equipment, robotics and logistics systems, communication systems, scientific research, industrial machines and processes, medical stationary, implanted, and wearable devices, and most importantly, people.
ISO 17025-certified, calibrated equipment
Mobile EMI-EMC Pre-Compliance Lab
We can travel to your location or site where the equipment malfunctions and provide EMI-EMC Consulting Services. This includes Testing, Troubleshooting, Debugging, Filter Design, EMI Site Investigations, EMI Inspections, and Client-Focused Solutions.
Office Lab Pre-Compliance Testing
We can also help you pass EMC Compliance tests from our office lab. Visit us or ship your product to us. - That’s right, pre-compliance, because we view having a compliance lab as a conflict of interest. We serve you, not ourselves.
Jim was so great and helpful in finding the source of my EMI/RFI, helping with solutions, and also reducing the noise floor on the recordings drastically. An expert at what he does and a pleasure to be around. Highly recommend!!” - Michael Baretz, Music Producer, Manhattan, New York
”Every now and then you come across someone who is on top of their game and it is also a pleasure to be in their company. Jim is that guy and as a result, we have stayed in touch personally and I will definitely bring him to all of my future projects.” - Shawn McKeon, Site-Safety Manager for Dunn Safety Co., Brooklyn, NY
EMF-EMI-EMC-RFI Consulting Services
Equipment Interference Issues and Concerns: On-site EMI troubleshooting, diagnostics, and attenuation for laboratory and medical equipment, metal detectors, surveillance equipment, autonomous vehicle, trading platforms, broadcast, video, and music recording
Industrial EMI diagnostics and analysis for AIC - Artificial Intelligence Compatibility™
Research laboratory EMI diagnostics and analysis for SEM/TEM on-site electromagnetic compliance to specifications
Medical laboratory EMI diagnostics and analysis for MRI, NMR, EKG, and EEG equipment on-site compliance
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) attenuation for peak electronic, computer performance, and information technology equipment
RFI, E-Field, B-Field, GIC, H-Field, and AC magnetic shielding design
Architectural and engineering EMI/RFI consultations
EMC/EMI Pre-Compliance testing at your facility
Long-term data logging and RF masking
There are Four Types of Electromagnetic Coupling
1. Conductive Coupling occurs when the coupling path between the source and the receptor forms direct electrical contact with a conducting body.
An example of Conductive Coupling occurs when a municipal water service pipe has a reverse neutral stray current, and the lightning protection system ground wire connected to it conducts this neutral current back onto the neutral bus of an electrical panel. Line EMI or signal-to-noise can occur from the same or opposite directions.
We call this common impedance when the signal-to-noise ratio appears in phase in the same direction on both conductors.
We call this differential impedance when the signal-to-noise ratio appears out of phase, in the opposite direction on both conductors.
2. Inductive Coupling occurs when a strong electromotive force intersects an electrical conductor within a magnetic field, causing the original magnetic field to become distorted. James Clerk Maxwell, who preceded Albert Einstein, mathematically described this process as "Faraday's Law of Induction." An example of inductive coupling is when an underground power line runs close enough to a water pipe that the pipe acquires leakage current.
3. Capacitive Coupling occurs when two fluctuating electrical fields co-exist between two adjacent conductors, thereby inducing a change in voltage on the receiving conductor receptor. Capacitive Coupling is among the most intriguing and challenging for the new student. We see this occurring when we turn off the branch circuit in a room and register that the electric field has become stronger. This happens because the electrician had strung wires in parallel from different branch circuits.
4. Radiative Coupling occurs when the distance exceeds one wavelength between the source point and the receptor. The source point emits or radiates an electromotive force across space that a conductor receives. An example is a cell transmitter sending signals that inadvertently couple onto your equipment’s wiring. This is termed “unintentional coupling.”
Photo: RFI software.
Here, you will find information to help understand the difference between the types of EMI Consulting Services and what to look for in a company offering EMI Testing Solutions.
EMI Survey
Definition: An electromagnetic interference EMI survey is a scientific assessment of the unintended conductive and radiative emissions that may interfere with the functioning of electronic equipment or systems.
Purpose:
Check background EMI/EMF levels.
Verify compliance with environmental standards.
Identify hotspots or areas at risk of interference.
It is often done proactively as part of site qualification, especially in sensitive environments like hospitals, labs, or data centers.
Scope:
Wide area or whole system.
Focused on characterizing the environment, not necessarily finding the cause of a specific problem.
May involve long-term monitoring or periodic checks.
Key Features of an EMI Survey
1. Detailed Measurement of Electromagnetic Fields.
Uses calibrated instruments (spectrum analyzers, EMI receivers, near-field probes, antennas, field strength meters) to quantify electromagnetic emissions across defined frequency ranges.
Captures both radiated and conducted emissions.
2. Baseline EMI Environment Assessment.
Maps out the existing electromagnetic environment in a site (facility, lab, data center, hospital, etc.).
Identifies background EMI sources (external: like nearby radio transmitters; internal: like industrial machinery or IT equipment).
3. Compliance Verification.
Compares measured emissions and susceptibility levels to relevant EMC standards (FCC Part 15, IEC 61000, MIL-STD-461, CISPR standards, etc.).
Ensures systems are within acceptable EMI limits.
4. Identification of Potential Risks.
Highlight equipment or locations vulnerable to EMI problems.
Identifies EMI “hot spots” where emissions may exceed thresholds or pose interference risks.
5. Comprehensive Site or System Coverage.
Includes multiple locations across a site (rooms, floors, equipment racks, shielded enclosures).
Often includes airborne (radiated) and line-bound (conducted) interference checks.
6. Use of Specialized Measurement Techniques.
Near-field vs. far-field probing.
Broadband vs. narrowband scans.
Time-domain or frequency-domain analysis.
7. Reporting and Documentation.
Provides detailed measurement data, spectral plots, field maps, and tables.
Includes a written summary of findings, risk assessment, and recommendations for mitigation (if needed).
8. Support for Further Investigation or Design Improvement.
Acts as the foundation for:
EMC design improvements.
Shielding or filtering upgrades.
Root-cause investigations are conducted if specific EMI problems are uncovered.
Where Are EMI Surveys Used?
Hospitals (to protect sensitive medical devices).
Data centers (to ensure reliable IT performance).
Manufacturing facilities (to safeguard automated systems and robotics).
Research labs (where precision measurements are EMI-sensitive).
Military or aerospace sites (where strict EMC standards apply).
Office or residential towers (especially near strong RF emitters).
EMI Investigations
Definition: An EMI investigation is a targeted diagnostic process triggered by a specific problem or suspected interference. It aims to identify, isolate, and resolve the root cause.
Purpose:
Understand why a device or system is malfunctioning or failing EMC tests.
Trace the specific interference source (which could be internal or external).
Recommend solutions (shielding, grounding, filtering, redesign, etc.).
Scope:
Narrowed to the system or components involved in the failure.
Involves deeper, often more technical, analysis (including circuit-level reviews or near-field probing).
EMI Investigation: Required Skills & Knowledge
Deep Technical Knowledge of EMC Principles
Understanding of coupling mechanisms (conducted, radiated, common-mode, differential-mode)
Familiarity with shielding, filtering, and grounding techniques
Advanced Measurement & Diagnostic Tools
Skilled use of near-field probes, current clamps, LISNs (line impedance stabilization networks), oscilloscopes, time-domain tools
Ability to interpret detailed measurement data, not just record it
Circuit-Level & System-Level Understanding
Ability to trace interference paths through PCBs, wiring, enclosures
Knowledge of how system design choices affect EMI performance
Knowledge of Compliance & Regulatory Requirements
Familiarity with specific test standards (FCC Part 15, CISPR 22, MIL-STD-461, RTCA/DO-160, etc.)
Understanding pre-compliance vs. full compliance testing requirements
Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
Ability to hypothesize, isolate, and test root causes
Experience applying design fixes or mitigation solutions
Hands-On Engineering Skills
Sometimes requires circuit rework, adding ferrites, redesigning layouts, or modifying enclosures.
Main Steps Involved in an EMI Investigation
Define the Problem Clearly
Identify and document:
The observed issue (e.g., system malfunction, data loss, communication failure, equipment reset).
When and where it occurs (specific times, locations, conditions).
The systems or devices are affected.
Any history of the problem or previous attempts to solve it.
Review Background Information
Gather:
System designs, schematics, and prior EMI/EMC reports.
Equipment manuals and susceptibility specs.
Environmental conditions (e.g., nearby transmitters, power disturbances, machinery).
Develop an Investigation Plan
Define:
What measurements are needed (radiated, conducted, near-field, time-domain).
The tools and instruments should be used (spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, TDRs, probes).
The test points and environmental factors to assess.
Conduct Targeted Measurements
Perform on-site tests to:
Identify EMI sources (external or internal).
Map interference paths (how it couples into sensitive systems).
Measure EMI levels vs. system susceptibility thresholds.
Use advanced techniques:
Near-field scanning, source localization.
Time-domain analysis of transient events.
Monitoring under different operating conditions.
Perform Root-Cause Analysis
Trace the exact mechanism causing the problem:
Is it radiated or conducted?
Common-mode or differential-mode coupling?
Ground loops, shielding failure, cable crosstalk, or parasitic coupling?
Correlate findings with system behavior.
Recommend Mitigations
Propose practical solutions, such as:
Shielding improvements.
Filter or ferrite installations.
Grounding or bonding adjustments.
Cable rerouting or equipment relocation.
Design modifications (if needed).
Validate Fixes (Optional but Ideal)
After applying fixes, re-measure and confirm that the interference problem is resolved.
Document the Investigation
Provide a detailed report with:
Description of the problem.
Measurement data and analysis.
Root-cause findings.
Recommended solutions and their technical basis.
Confirmation of resolution (if tested).
Where Are EMI Investigations Used?
Hospitals: When life-critical medical devices malfunction.
Data centers: When servers crash or communication links drop.
Industrial sites: When control systems or sensors behave unpredictably.
Military/aerospace: When mission-critical or safety-critical systems face unexplained disturbances.
Research labs: When precision instruments show unexplained noise or instability.
What’s Special About EMI Investigations?
Highly targeted — focus on solving an active or suspected interference problem.
More advanced tools and techniques — beyond general surveys or inspections.
It requires deep expertise and is often handled by senior EMI/EMC engineers or specialists.
Outcome-driven — the goal is not just to measure, but to explain, solve, and verify.
EMI Inspections
Main Steps Involved in an EMI Inspection
Define Inspection Purpose and Scope
Clarify why the inspection is being done:
Pre-installation or pre-commissioning check.
Routine compliance or maintenance check.
Visual assessment for potential EMI risks.
Define which systems, equipment, or areas will be inspected.
Review Design and Documentation
Examine:
Grounding and bonding schematics.
Cable routing and shielding layouts.
Equipment placement relative to known EMI sources.
Check that installed systems match design specifications and applicable EMC/EMI standards.
Perform Visual and Physical Inspection
Inspect:
Physical integrity of shielding, gaskets, and enclosures.
Proper grounding and bonding connections.
Cable management — are signal and power lines properly separated? Are shield terminations correctly done?
Placement of sensitive equipment relative to known EMI emitters.
Conduct Spot Checks (If Needed)
Use portable meters or handheld EMI detectors to:
Check for obvious hot spots.
Verify grounding continuity.
Confirm shield effectiveness (simple checks, not full lab-grade measurements).
Assess Compliance and Best Practices
Evaluate:
Whether installations follow EMC design best practices.
Whether systems comply with applicable EMI standards or client-specific requirements.
Identify potential risks or vulnerabilities, even if no current EMI issue is reported.
Document Findings
Provide a report with:
Summary of visual and physical findings.
List of compliance issues or areas needing improvement.
Photos or diagrams showing key points.
Recommended corrective actions or improvements.
Recommend Next Steps (If Needed)
If problems or risks are found:
Recommend further testing (full EMI survey or investigation).
Suggest practical fixes (e.g., improving grounding, adding ferrites, improving cable shielding).
EMI Inspections Apply to:
New or renovated installations (before going live).
Hospitals, labs, data centers — ensuring environments are properly prepared for sensitive equipment.
Industrial or commercial sites — periodic compliance checks or maintenance audits.
Construction or renovation projects — ensuring EMI-sensitive design elements are implemented properly.
What’s Not Typically Included?
Full spectral or quantitative EMI measurements (requires an EMI survey).
Deep root-cause troubleshooting or engineering fixes (belongs to an EMI investigation).
Regulatory certification or test lab work.
Here’s a clear summary of what is involved with an EMI investigation, which is the most advanced and targeted EMI service compared to surveys or inspections:
Main Steps Involved in an EMI Investigation
Define the Problem Clearly
Identify and document:
The observed issue (e.g., system malfunction, data loss, communication failure, equipment reset).
When and where it occurs (specific times, locations, conditions).
What systems or devices are affected.
Any history of the problem or previous attempts to solve it.
Review Background Information
Gather:
System designs, schematics, and prior EMI/EMC reports.
Equipment manuals and susceptibility specs.
Environmental conditions (e.g., nearby transmitters, power disturbances, machinery).
Develop an Investigation Plan
Define:
What measurements are needed (radiated, conducted, near-field, time-domain).
Tools and instruments to use (spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, TDRs, probes).
Identify test point locations and environmental factors to assess.
Conduct Targeted Measurements
Perform on-site tests to:
Identify EMI sources (external or internal).
Map interference paths (how it couples into sensitive systems).
Measure EMI levels vs. system susceptibility thresholds.
Use advanced techniques:
Near-field scanning, source localization.
Time-domain analysis of transient events.
Monitoring under different operating conditions.
Perform Root-Cause Analysis
Trace the exact mechanism causing the problem:
Is it radiated or conducted?
Common-mode or differential-mode coupling?
Ground loops, shielding failure, cable crosstalk, or parasitic coupling?
Correlate findings with system behavior.
Recommend Mitigations
Propose practical solutions, such as:
Shielding improvements.
Filter or ferrite installations.
Grounding or bonding adjustments.
Cable rerouting or equipment relocation.
Design modifications (if needed).
Validate Fixes (Optional but Ideal)
After applying fixes, re-measure and confirm that the interference problem is resolved.
Document the Investigation
Provide a detailed report with:
Description of the problem.
Measurement data and analysis.
Root-cause findings.
Recommended solutions and their technical basis.
Confirmation of resolution (if tested).
Where Are EMI Investigations Used?
Hospitals: When life-critical medical devices malfunction.
Data centers: When servers crash or communication links drop.
Industrial sites: When control systems or sensors behave unpredictably.
Military/aerospace: When mission-critical or safety-critical systems face unexplained disturbances.
Research labs: When precision instruments show unexplained noise or instability.
What’s Special About EMI Investigations?
Highly targeted — focus on solving an active or suspected interference problem.
More advanced tools and techniques — beyond general surveys or inspections.
It requires deep expertise and is often handled by senior EMI/EMC engineers or specialists.
Outcome-driven — the goal is not just to measure, but to explain, solve, and verify.
©2025 All rights reserved.