Electromagnetic interference

<p>Electromagnetic interference (EMI), also called radio-frequency interference (RFI) when in the <a href="/facts/Radio_frequency/aWku7h4R">radio frequency</a> spectrum, is a disturbance generated by an external source that affects an electrical circuit by <a href="/facts/Electromagnetic_induction/T36JjtgY">electromagnetic induction</a>, <a href="/facts/Electrostatic_coupling/oYYIMHqg">electrostatic coupling</a>, or conduction. The disturbance may degrade the performance of the circuit or even stop it from functioning. In the case of a data path, these effects can range from an increase in error rate to a total loss of the data. Both human-made and natural sources generate changing electrical currents and voltages that can cause EMI: <a href="/facts/Ignition_system/7Rqqltpr">ignition systems</a>, <a href="/facts/Cellular_network/8zA0jQJ9">cellular network</a> of mobile phones, <a href="/facts/Lightning/dLTuxz8n">lightning</a>, <a href="/facts/Solar_flare/6kCvPKxD">solar flares</a>, and <a href="/facts/Aurora/6agpj9Qs">auroras</a> (northern/southern lights). EMI frequently affects <a href="/facts/AM_radio/oS0rn1lg">AM radios</a>. It can also affect <a href="/facts/Mobile_phone/H3EcqD9h">mobile phones</a>, <a href="/facts/FM_radio/TpKl3FJv">FM radios</a>, and <a href="/facts/Television/X4YG5nT1">televisions</a>, as well as observations for <a href="/facts/Radio_astronomy/TdjF4LgL">radio astronomy</a> and <a href="/facts/Atmospheric_science/HKjTA3F4">atmospheric science</a>.
</p><p>EMI can be used intentionally for <a href="/facts/Radio_jamming/j4xyPQsQ">radio jamming</a>, as in <a href="/facts/Electronic_warfare/c6XGz9y0">electronic warfare</a>.
</p>

Electromagnetic interference open-in-new

Electromagnetic interference