Editing Electromagnetic compatibility (section)

=== Coupling mechanisms ===
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[[file:EMI coupling modes.svg|thumb|The four EMI coupling modes]]

When a source emits interference, it follows a route to the victim known as the coupling path. There are four basic coupling mechanisms: [[Electrical conductor|conductive]], [[Capacitor|capacitive]], [[Electromagnetic induction|magnetic]] or inductive, and [[Electromagnetic radiation|radiative]]. Any coupling path can be broken down into one or more of these coupling mechanisms working together.

[[Conductive coupling]] occurs when the coupling path between the source and victim is formed by direct electrical contact with a conducting body.

[[Capacitive coupling]] occurs when a varying [[Electric field|electrical field]] exists between two adjacent conductors, inducing a change in [[voltage]] on the receiving conductor.

[[Inductive coupling]] or magnetic coupling occurs when a varying [[magnetic field]] exists between two parallel conductors, inducing a change in [[voltage]] along the receiving conductor.

Radiative coupling or electromagnetic coupling occurs when source and victim are separated by a large distance. Source and victim act as radio antennas: the source emits or radiates an [[electromagnetic wave]] which propagates across the space in between and is picked up or received by the victim.