3 Categories of Influences

Applications deal with different types of influences. In addition, each application generates at least the same number of influences for others. Knowing the different types of influences helps to avoid them. Be sure to apply practices to limit the influences. This reduces the risk of malfunctions and ensures a certifiable application.

There are many ways a disturbance can influence an application. Disturbances can lead to side effects that are not critical for the application, but it is also possible that the situation becomes more critical in case the wanted function is not given. For example, an aperture cannot be disabled. The goal of compliance testing and certification is to ensure that every application in the field does not influence other applications.

Disturbances or influences can be divided in two categories: conducted, and radiated. In addition, it can be distinguished between if the application generates disturbances (Emission) or if the application must handle disturbances (Immunity). These are described in detail in the following sections.