Electromagnetic compatibility of medical devices

Course objectives

Knowledge and understanding: • understanding of the basic concepts of electromagnetic compatibility, both in the ITC and in the specific context of medical equipment; • knowledge of the main regulations on electromagnetic compatibility. Applying knowledge and understanding: • acquisition of methodological tools and essential skills to recognize and detect electromagnetic interference; • acquisition of the basic tools for the design of compatible devices. Communication: • interacting with non-engineering personnel using biomedical devices. Lifelong learning skill: • following developments on electromagnetic compatibility regulations; • addressing problems of electromagnetic compatibility deriving from the development of new telecommunication technologies and new biomedical instruments.

Channel 1
ALESSANDRA PAFFI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Introduction: General concepts and terminology. Elements of electromagnetism: Transmission lines, plane wave, elementary sources, near and far fields, field sensors. Mechanisms of electromagnetic interference: Conducted and radiated emission and susceptibility, capacitive and inductive coupling, common mode and differential mode. Characterization of noise sources: broadband and narrowband signals, impulse noise, noise on power supply network. General criteria for design, prevention and repression: Connections to ground, filtering, common mode rejection, shielding. Measurement of conducted and radiated interference. Standards and certification procedure under the European Directive on electromagnetic compatibility. Examples of EMC problems in medical equipment.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge and skills on the fundamental concepts of electromagnetic fields and electrical engineering are essential to understand the contents of the course.
Books
Clayton R. Paul, "Introduction to electromagnetic compatibility", second edition, Wiley-Interscience. Handouts and study materials uploaded to Sapienza e-learning.
Teaching mode
Lectures, seminars, and tutorials in mixed mode or in remote mode on the zoom platform, following the directives coming from the University in different time periods.
Frequency
Attendance is not mandatory but strongly recommended.
Exam mode
The exam will consist of two oral questions covering the entire syllabus, designed to assess the student's understanding of the concepts, their ability to apply them to concrete EMC problems, and their ability to present and integrate the concepts learned.
Bibliography
Electromagnetic Compatibility for Medical Equipment William D. Kimmel, Daryl D. Gerke IEEE Press & Interpharm Press.
Lesson mode
Brainstorming, lectures, small-group laboratory activities using software and measurement equipment, seminars, and guided tours of ENEA and the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) will develop skills and abilities in EMC problem solving, cooperative learning, and a critical and multidisciplinary approach.
  • Lesson code1035472
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseBiomedical Engineering
  • CurriculumTecnologie ospedaliere
  • Year1st year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDING-INF/02
  • CFU6