Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is a major concern in medical electronics, considering that functional anomalies may be life threatening. In addition, design constraints, notably leakage current limitations, make the EMC design of medical electronic devices more difficult than their nonmedical counterparts.
 
With many devices, particularly small ones, the design approach is straightforward, using basic EMC design practices including shielding and filtering. But with more complex equipment, it may not be possible to protect the entire system, for one reason or another. For example, operator access may be needed during operation. Diagnostic equipment, injection systems, interventional lasers, and other devices may incorporate electric motors, lasers, high-power lamps, and power hardware for their functions.
 
Achieving EMC with complex systems may be not be easy, but following some basic guidelines at the front end of the design cycle eliminates many problems and minimizes the effect of those inevitable gremlins that show up downstream. [Read the rest of this article.]