Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is the branch of electrical sciences which studies the unintentional generation, propagation and reception of electromagnetical energy with reference to the unwanted effects that such an energy may induce. In particular, the aim of EMC is the correct operation, in the same environment, of different equipment which involve electromagnetic phenomena in their operation.

In order to achieve such an objective, EMC pursues different issues: emission issues, in particular, are related to the reduction of unintentional generation of electromagnetical energy and to the countermeasures which should be taken in order to avoid the propagation of such an energy towards the external environment, susceptibility or immunity issues, instead, refer to the correct operation of electrical equipment in the presence of electromagnetic disturbances.

When the propagation of electromagnetic disturbances in guiding structures (i.e. wires, cables, printed circuit board (PCB) traces) is taken into account, conducted emission and susceptibility issues are considered, whereas, when the open-space propagation of electromagnetic disturbances is taken into account, radiated emission and suscebtibility issues are considered.