EMC noise in instrumentation amplifier. 1

[lavoie23]

Hello,

First thread on this forum! Thank you for giving me you're opinion about a question that I have.

I am using a data acquisition system (ADInstruments Powerlab 16/30) to record muscular activity from electrodes. So far, everything is working properly.

I recently got an approval to move my setup into a new lab. However, it's situated right next to the main electrical room of the hospital I am working for.

My question is: Do I have to worry about the EMC noise? Is there a danger for my data's integrity?

Thank you very much!
Jonathan

 

[IRstuff]

Do I have to worry about the EMC noise? Is there a danger for my data's integrity?


Yes, always.

Maybe, depending on how well you shielded everything, and depending on what the environment in the new lab looks like. Until you do something, it's unknown territory. There may be other things completely unrelated to your concerns that will actually bite you.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[lavoie23]

Hello,

Thank you for your quick answer.

Other than check if everything is properly shielded, is there anything I can do before to make the big move? Is there anything in particular I have to look at? (in the electrical room for example)

Jonathan

 

[rbulsara]

If you are concerned, you may want to look at the surroundings (within few feet of the new equipment location) for presence of possible EMI sources such as transformers, large electrical conduits/cable, HID light fixture etc. Especially look above the ceiling or behind walls, etc.

You could also take some electromagnetic field measurements.

Rafiq Bulsara

http://www.srengineersct.com

 

[Skogsgurra]

If there are frequency inverters, I would be very careful. Even if you filter their mains connections and motor cables. And use all precautions. You will have lots of interference from them. I have seen ultrasound devices producing "snowy" pictures when inverter driven fans were started in a room down the corridor. I imagine that your signals from muscular activity are a lot weaker and also less shielded from the environment than the signals internal to a piezoelectric transducer (used for ultrasound examination) are. I would not move my equipment permanently before I had made a few test runs in the new location.

One thing you could do is to have measurements of conducted and emitted EMI carried out. If the levels are above accepted in your country, then demand that something is done about it.

Gunnar Englund

http://www.gke.org

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100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...

 

[IRstuff]

You can certainly rent an RF sniffer, and try to compare the RF environment.

You should also compare the mains and grounding in the new lab, relative to the old lab.

TTFN

FAQ731-376