Abu Dhabi-based Advanced Technology Research Council’s (ATRC) applied research pillar Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has stated that its Directed Energy Research Centre (DERC) has launched Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) laboratories, the first of its kind facility in the Arab world.
According to the center, “The facility is composed of three laboratories – an EMC semi-anechoic chamber, a pulsed power laboratory, and a low-noise emanation laboratory.”
The DERC facility allows key technologies to be tested for electromagnetic compatibility and interference by simulating man-made and natural electromagnetic hazards in pulsed power and semi-anechoic chambers. The direct connection between the two chambers allows for a wide range of experiments involving hundreds of kV nanosecond pulses and multi-megawatt microwave systems.
“The laboratories have been designed to host different categories of equipment such as connected objects of the Internet of Things, drones and autonomous cars, telecommunications equipment, medical devices, automotive equipment, IT equipment and is fully automated for tests and measurements. A unique low-noise emanation lab has been built on DERC specifications that allow for the study of very low noises emitted by electronic systems,” as per the statement.
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) enables different electronic devices close to operating without mutual interference, known as Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). The operation of electronic circuits can be compromised because they can radiate or cause unwanted interference.
Faisal Al Bannai Secretary-General ATRC
“The launch of these labs, which are the first and the largest in the Arab world, is aligned with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s (MoIAT) ’Operation 300bn’ which aims to advance the industrial sector, a mandate which we fully support at ATRC as the organization defining Abu Dhabi’s and the UAE’s research strategy across academia and industry. ATRC is investing in cutting-edge laboratories that will support in-country R&D and local industry, and encourage innovation in line with international standards. By opening these unique laboratories, non-existent before in the Arab region, we want to support innovators from prototype to a qualified system.”
Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, Chief Researcher at DERC said, “At DERC we support research on a wide range of topics in EMC and EMI on behalf of governments and enterprises to help create and maintain advanced electronic systems. We are excited to announce the launch of the EMC labs in Abu Dhabi. They will help in pre-qualification of electronics against Electromagnetic Compatibility and Interference Standards as well as hardening of critical infrastructures to operate safely in harsh environments.”
“There is growing awareness that high standards of electromagnetic compatibility must be maintained. So electromagnetic compatibility must be achieved right from the start, which underscores the importance of the launch of our labs,” Dr. Kasmi added.
