EMC in the new millennium

EMC is an important part of the ever-changing world in which we now find ourselves. Society is increasingly dependent on radio, telecommunications and electronic products, but their use is only possible if the necessary EMC criteria are met. However the criteria of the 20th century will not necessarily be those required for the 21st century. EMC is no longer a backwater of engineering where we can afford to leave the problems to the `experts'; it is an area where every engineer needs to become involved. Undoubtedly EMC has made significant strides forward during the 1990s, but further progress is necessary if we are to ensure that we continue to enjoy a relatively interference-free environment in the years to come. This paper looks at the six major challenges that need to be tackled if we are to be successful in controlling EMC in this new millennium.