Using the EMCAB to Your Advantage

Electromagnetic Compatibility Advisory Board (EMCAB) identified. Electromagnetic Compatibility Program Plan (EMCPP) identified. Authorization for EMCAB and responsibilities toward EMC discipline through EMCAB charter. Establishing control of the EMCAB through the co-chairmen. EMCAB members identified. Coordinated exchange of technical EMI/EMC problem resolution. Duties and responsibilities pf EMCAB coordinator and members. Technical advisors and guest speakers Identified. Conducting an EMCAB. The Electromagnetic Compatibility Advisory Board (EMCAB) is a powerful tool for the EMC/TEMPEST engineer and it's value should not be underestimated or overlooked. Used properly, it can shorten your work load, open an avenue of information to you and give you access to a wealth of technical expertise not normally available to you as an individual. The EMCAB is an organized body within a government program dedicated to formulate controls and resolve problems of an electromagnetic nature in an orderly and timely fashion. It is the interface between the administrative and technical sides of a program where recommendations are made and action is initiated toward the resolution of electromagnetic anomalies. There are military specifications directing the establishment and formatting of the electromagnetic controls within a military program. Among these military specifica­ tions of note are MIL-E-6051D, ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, SYSTEMS, and MIL-HDBK237, ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR PLATFORMS, SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT. Taking a note from MIL-HDBK-237 we see that "An EMC advisory board, hereafter called the EMCAB, can be established by the program manager as a major resource for review, advice and technical consultation on all EM (electromagnetic) aspects of the program. Experience has shown that a board should be established for all new platforms, platform modernizations and major complex systems." This authorizes the establishment of the EMCAB in accordance with the provisions of MIL-HDBK237 while MIL-E-6051D states that the EMCAB will provide means of expediting solution of problems, and establish high level channels of coordination. The details of operation and proposed charter for the board shall be included in the system electromagnetic compatibility plan. The military specification goes on further to say that members of the board will typically be the integration contractor, other invited subcontractors, and the government project offices that are involved. In addition, the board shall ensure that each participating associate, or subcontractor, and vendor establishes an individual effort in conso­ nance with the overall program EMC objectives; (a) Effective methods of monitoring EMC efforts and progress are established and followed, (b) Periodic EMC program design reviews are scheduled, and (c) All deficiencies noted are properly corrected. Recognizing the fact thaty these military specifications encourage and advise you to establish an EMCAB early on in a military program, you formulate the EMCAB charter. The EMCAB's responsibilities should be deter­ mined and defined when the board's charter is established. The responsibilities of the EMCAB can include, but are not limited to the following provisions: o Assist in generating the Electromagnetic Compatibility Program Plan (EMCPP). o Assist in identifying and resolving potential operational EM problems that may be identified during the design, development, or procurement. o Participate in the scheduled design reviews during the development phase. o Serve as a formal adjutant to the procuring activity's configuration control process concerning EMC matters. o Review predicted and reported EM problems to determine their applicability as potential problems in the specific procurement. o Direct required tasks and analyses and report findings via appropriate channels for action. These are some of the major responsibilities of the EMCAB but experience will show that each program is unique unto itself and the prime contractor EMC engineer must begin setting up his EMCPP and EMCAB charter outline during the proposal phase as soon as it becomes evident what kind of program he is dealing with. When the contract is let, he begins to learn who his subcontractors are going to be. Let's set an example and say that a large aerospace company has just landed a fair size government contract to build "PROJECT SRAM". This project contains a number of different systems, each comprised of numerous segments. Having landed the contract as prime contractor and also having been designated as integrating contractor, the aerospace company starts rounding up their subcontractors. Once this is accomplished, the prime contractor EMC engineer continues work on the outline for his EMCPP and his EMCAB charter, expanding each in greater detail. We all know that EMC control must be estab­ lishes up front as early in the program as possible. EMC factors are considered during theconceptual phase that will have significant impact throughout the life cycle of the program. Using military standards, MIL-E-6051D and MIL-HDBK237, the prime contractor EMC engineer begins to develop his EMCPP. The EMCPP sets the standards CH2294-7/86/000-0435 $01.00© 1986 IEEE 435