Santa Cruz, Palo Alto, Calif..— Two recent innovations from the Golden State may help users in the electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing and compliance fields.

First, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently picked EMI probes from Credence Technologies Inc. for use by its field inspectors to ensure compliance with FCC radio frequency (RF) emission regulations. The Scan EM-Q Probe Kit Model CTK017 and Scan EM-QC Probe Kit Model CTK019 are also available to electronics professionals to help make sure their production units are in compliance.

The kits are self-contained field strength indicators originally designed in cooperation with the FCC to help enforce its p.15 RF rules. The probes detect undesirable levels of electromagnetic radiation and within seconds allow users to evaluate a product's compliance with FCC p.15 and CE (European) radio frequency emission limitations. The kits contain two probes: one for radiated and one for conducted emissions. Scan EMQC provides RF and dc output to a spectrum analyzer, oscilloscope, or multimeter.

Second, Hewlett-Packard Co. recently introduced software designed to accelerate the entire testing process to meet commercial radiated EMI regulations. HP 58576B software has several features to assist electromagnetic compatibility engineers and technicians test radiated emissions from commercial products.

From device prescans to final emission test result processing, the Microsoft Windows 3.1, 95, and NT-compatible software automatically performs a series of predefined measurements, data comparisons, file transfers, and reporting sequences. A report generation interface allows users to define custom compliance reports for submittal to regulatory agencies or archives. The software also includes test configurations and libraries for worldwide commercial EMI regulations, as well as sample test configurations for chambers and open-area test sites.

For more information, visit www.controleng.com/info.