EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
Why in news?
In early February 2026, India's National Testing House (NTH) signed an MoU with STQC-ERTL (North) to enable EMI and EMC testing for drones and subsystems. This partnership aligns with Drone Rules 2021 and CSUAS 2022 standards
About
EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) testing are mandatory for drones to ensure they don’t disrupt other electronics and can operate safely in environments with strong electromagnetic fields. In India, the National Test House (NTH) and STQC–ERTL (North) have recently partnered to strengthen drone EMI/EMC certification, aligning with global CE/FCC standards and the Drone Rules 2021.
Importance for Drones
- EMI Testing: Measures how much electromagnetic noise a drone emits, which could interfere with GPS, communication systems, or nearby electronics.
- EMC Testing: Ensures drones can function properly even when exposed to external electromagnetic disturbances (e.g., radar, telecom signals).
- Safety & Reliability: Prevents flight malfunctions, loss of communication, or navigation errors.
- Regulatory Compliance: Required for CE marking (Europe), FCC certification (USA), and Drone Rules compliance in India.
Testing Standards & Regulations
- International:
- CE (Europe) – EMC Directive 2014/30/EU.
- FCC (USA) – Part 15 regulations for radio frequency emissions.
- Military Standards – MIL-STD-461 for defense drones.
- India:
- Drone Rules 2021 mandate EMI/EMC compliance.
- NTH–STQC Collaboration (2026) expands indigenous drone testing facilities in Delhi under MeitY.
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