Class A and Class B Emission

When designers create devices for EMI shielding and RFI shielding, they often think about different types of emissions and their classifications. There are many different types of emissions, and each has to be shielded in a specific fashion.  Two of the most prominent classifications are Class A and Class B emissions.

Class A emissions refer to equipment that is used in any industrial environment, whereas Class B refers to equipment that is used in the residential sector. For example, a television emission would be categorized as Class B.

Class A devices are primarily used in an industrial application, which in not intended for use in residential setting. Since the product is not sold to the average consumer, RFI shielding and EMI shielding restrictions are significantly less.

EMI shielding

Class B devices are intended for use in the average home and require verification, certification and self-declaration of appropriate shielding. This classification is for devices that are not permanently connected to a computing device. The FCC, or Federal Communication Commission is responsible for determining what falls under Class A or Class B regulations, as well as what the regulations are. Learning about different class distinctions will help you build better electronic devices.

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