Grounded theory and EMC immunity test on the use of Grounded Theory based upon collected test data and design guidelines for achievement of good EMC performance.

This paper describes an experimental approach for determining the more important EMC immunity test stressors for EMC HALT (Highly Accelerated Limit Test) immunity test on a given test object. The more relevant stressors are chosen based upon a large number of collected EMC test data, EMC design rules and design statements that are selected through a Grounded Theory research process. “Grounded” in this context has nothing to do with electrical grounding. The concept of using a Grounded Theory approach for the construction of a decision tool for EMC HALT analysis has been tested by the EMC research team of the present company. The process of retrieving the input data statements from conference papers, literature and test data has been executed, and the subsequent process of sorting and merging these statements under suitable sub-categories and Main Categories has been completed. The statements have been sorted and merged into the defined Main Categories and sub-categories through application of the joint experience and knowledge of the EMC research team members. A premature decision tool in the form of a rule check spreadsheet has been developed and briefly tested. It is concluded that the tool provides reasonable but also foreseeable guidance on decision of optimal EMC test parameters for EMC HALT analysis on a specific test object.