I. Impulse to the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Innovation
The MAIN technical-scientific objectives of the IEEE EMC Society (EMC-S) are summarized by the following statement: “The IEEE EMC Society strives for the enhancement of electromagnetic compatibility through the generation of engineering standards, measurement techniques and test procedures, measuring instruments, equipment and systems characteristics, improved techniques and components, education in EMC and studies of the origins of interferences.” Such aspects highlight the characteristics of the highly interdisciplinary nature of EMC, which is a science on the boundary with other fields. Such scientific investigation is stimulating because it can count on a wide range of methodologies, and it can become a synthesis of qualifying experiences. Nevertheless, this same interdisciplinary characteristic can also represent a negative aspect, such as when the topics considered are of prevalent interest to sectors other than EMC or lack original EMC content. So, the science of EMC should renew itself continuously by following and anticipating the most advanced developments of technology and industrial systems. Such need has been expressed clearly by President Andy Drodz in the 2006 Winter Issue of IEEE EMC-S Newsletter: “… I do subscribe to the notion that we need to adapt and remain relevant to new, emerging technologies. I have asked our Vice Presidents of Technical Services and Standards, John Norgard and Don Heirman, respectively, to look ahead to technologies that are up and coming and to help align us with respect to these new technology fronts. Efforts have already begun to assess our relevance to nanotechnology, intelligent transportation systems, multisensor systems, policy/software defined radios, broadband over power lines, new spectrum management, and dynamic spectrum access paradigms…” During the last few years the international EMC community has focused on some hot-topics relating to high-speed technology, wireless systems, broadband power line communication, and intentional electromagnetic interferences. A new broad sector of emerging technologies is opening for EMC science, which concerns the electromagnetic compatibility of micro- and nanocomponents and systems, and of the biomolecular world. Such topics are the object of strong scientific and industrial interests, and they are receiving growing financial support worldwide.