Manufacturing and industrial equipment have become very smart and rely on various advanced sensors and communication systems which can make the overall machine function very smart and reliable. These machines require very little operator intervention and can operate for the most part independently. The consideration is that as this is a very sophisticated system, it is also vulnerable to many external problems and factors.
EMI interference is one problem that can cause several issues with modern industrial equipment. Proper protective measures need to be taken in the form of EMI shielding to ensure that they remain safe from the various problems that leaking EMI radiation can cause.
General communication issues because of EM Interference
The first problem that can occur because of electromagnetic interference is a general communication failure between the various systems and subsystems. Almost all modern industrial equipment is a complex system of systems that need to communicate with each other continuously to work together properly. Different communication protocols for data exchange are employed for this. EMI interference will disrupt signals between controllers, sensors, and actuators.
This miscommunication can result in loss of control over machinery. At a higher level, this problem can get worse when industrial networks are exposed to errant electromagnetic interference. This interference can corrupt data transmission, leading to data loss, delays, or errors in the exchange of information between networked devices.
Control System Issues Because of EM Interference
Modern industrial equipment is controlled by various Control Systems. These systems must be protected by reliable EMI shielding. In industrial robots, electromagnetic interference can cause erratic behavior, unintended movements, or failure to execute programmed commands. This is a safety risk for operators and other equipment. Further, many control systems rely a lot on programmable logic controllers for industrial automation to control machinery and processes.
These are vulnerable to EM and RF noise if they are not shielded properly or are only connected with regular cable runs. Leaking EM can cause errors in logic control, failure to execute programs or unexpected shutdowns. Another key aspect of industrial automation is sensor fusion. Sensors play a crucial role in industrial machinery for monitoring variables such as temperature, pressure, and position. EMI can interfere with sensor readings, leading to inaccuracies and potentially causing the machinery to operate under unsafe conditions.
Safety and Compliance Issues Because of EM Interference
Operator safety is one key aspect in the design of modern industrial equipment. These machines need to be compliant with several regulatory and safety requirements. Common safety systems can include emergency stop controls and interlocking mechanisms. EMI interference can compromise the reliability of these safety systems, potentially leading to the failure of critical safety features. Over and above this, industries as a whole also need to comply with various regulatory standards and requirements related to electromagnetic compatibility. Interference issues may lead to non-compliance with these standards, resulting in legal and regulatory challenges for industrial operators.
Mitigation Factors and Steps for the above Mentioned Issues
Various measures can be taken to offset the problems and issues which can arise due to EM noise. The most common approach is to provide an ample amount of EMI shielding. Enclosures and shields made of conductive materials can be employed to protect electronic components from external EMI. Another measure is the installation of EMI filters and ferrite cores on power lines and signal cables that can reduce high-frequency electromagnetic noise.
A nice approach is to use optical fiber cables wherever possible. Since OF cables are just not impacted by EM interference it’s a good choice if you have the budget for it. All in all, the best approach is to choose components designed to be resistant to EMI from the ground up.
Hy I'M Vivek kamani In Blogger
