# EMI Pitfalls, Tips and Careers with Joost Brilman

- Show: [OnTrack](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack)
- Published: 2024-07-25
- Length: 40m
- Episode: 273
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2024-07-25-emi-pitfalls-tips-and-careers-with-joost-brilman
- Listen: https://podcast.altium.com/e/emi-pitfalls-tips-and-careers-with-joost-brilman/

## Summary

Joost Brilman, an EMC consultant and creator of the EMI Buster newsletter, explains why pre-certified modules often fail in final systems due to lack of emission margin and discusses how mechanical factors like aluminum oxide layers and screw connections cause unexpected EMI issues. He details his work with specialized clients, such as electric bus manufacturers dealing with non-standardized charging interference, and outlines the transition from power electronics design to EMC consulting. Brilman emphasizes that EMC is fundamentally about containing electromagnetic fields through proper mechanical grounding and shielding, rather than just digital compliance testing.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2024-07-25-emi-pitfalls-tips-and-careers-with-joost-brilman#t=0) Introduction: The Pre-Certified Module Trap
- [1:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2024-07-25-emi-pitfalls-tips-and-careers-with-joost-brilman#t=103) Joost Brilman's Background: From Power Electronics to EMC
- [7:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2024-07-25-emi-pitfalls-tips-and-careers-with-joost-brilman#t=448) The Role of an EMC Consultant: Prevention vs. Debugging
- [12:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2024-07-25-emi-pitfalls-tips-and-careers-with-joost-brilman#t=721) Case Study: Electric Bus Charging Interference
- [18:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2024-07-25-emi-pitfalls-tips-and-careers-with-joost-brilman#t=1129) Common EMI Failures: Ferrites, Grounds, and Mechanical Interfaces
- [24:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2024-07-25-emi-pitfalls-tips-and-careers-with-joost-brilman#t=1450) The Danger of Pre-Certified Modules and Lack of Margin
- [29:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2024-07-25-emi-pitfalls-tips-and-careers-with-joost-brilman#t=1755) Shielding Cables and Motor Capacitance Issues
- [33:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2024-07-25-emi-pitfalls-tips-and-careers-with-joost-brilman#t=1999) Aluminum Oxide Layers and Mechanical Connectivity
- [36:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2024-07-25-emi-pitfalls-tips-and-careers-with-joost-brilman#t=2196) Career Advice for Aspiring EMC Engineers

## Topics

- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Certification & compliance](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/certification-and-compliance)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- EMI Buster (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Photon Rich, Cash Poor](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-10-14-photon-rich-cash-poor) (The Amp Hour)
- [An Interview with Kieran O'Leary](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-07-29-an-interview-with-kieran-oleary) (The Amp Hour)
- [480: Surprises Early In The Game](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-06-27-480-surprises-early-in-the-game) (Embedded.fm)
- [The Return to the Chamber of Mysteries](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-08-25-the-return-to-the-chamber-of-mysteries) (Oxide and Friends)
- [Oxide and the Chamber of Mysteries](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2023-02-07-oxide-and-the-chamber-of-mysteries) (Oxide and Friends)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2024-07-25-emi-pitfalls-tips-and-careers-with-joost-brilman. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to OnTrack.