International Amateur Radio Union
Region 1
Working for the future of amateur radio
EMC Working Group
The EMC Working Group is a working group of IARU Region 1 set up to:
- exchange information related to all aspects of electromagnetic compatibility,
- provide advice on EMC to IARU Member Societies,
- prepare papers on EMC presenting the interests of radio amateurs with respect to EMC
- influence EMC related legislation and standards for the benefit of radio amateurs
The EMC-WG Chairman Coordinates the work of the EMC WG
The work of the EMC-WG is carried out mainly by correspondence.
All Member Societies of IARU Region1 may nominate a member of the EMC WG.
Over recent years, the focus of the EMC WG has been on Powerline Communications (PLC). PLC is a technology which can provide broadband Internet connectivity using the mains power wiring supplied to houses. Whilst attractive in that it uses existing infrastructure, PLC has a number of drawbacks as far as users of the radio spectrum are concerned:
- PLC systems radiate broadband emissions across the HF spectrum 24/7, which can cause severe interference to conventional radio services
- PLC systems can be highly susceptible to high power radio transmitters in the vicinity of the PLC installation
Members of the IARU EMC WG have been very active for some years representing the interests of the Amateur Radio Service in a number of forums considering the standards that should apply to PLC systems. These forums have included the CEPT SE35 project team and the ETSI/CENELEC Joint Working Group. IARU continues to argue for sensible emission limits for PLC systems, so that Amateur Radio Services may continue to operate as intended.
For more information on PLC systems, what PLC emissions sound like, and recent developments on PLC emissions and interference, see the page of useful links
IARU postition papers on PLC can be seen on the EMC papers and links page
IMPORTANT: It is essential that cases of interference to the Amateur Radio Service are highlighted. If you are aware of any such cases, please alert Hilary Claytonsmith, G4JKS, of the Region 1 EMC WG.