Get to Know the IC Designer

Much insight can be gained into many EMC problems if the operation of the integrated circuits involved is understood and appreciated. Knowing, for example, which internal function is supplied by which V_dd and V_ss pins on a microcontroller is a powerful advantage to both understanding what is going on, and fixing it. The integrated circuit may have undocumented test modes that may be employed. If nothing else, the integrated circuit designer should be made aware that the chip is causing an EMC problem, so that future designs (possibly including a redesign of the chip now having the problem) may be improved. If at all possible, get to know the IC designer and design group.