ACTIVITIES
RFI Assessment for Environmental Impact
Under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), certain projects require comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). Of increasing importance in this is a Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) evaluation. As a company specialising in all aspects of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), MESA offers both high-level and in-depth RFI assessments.
In-Situ EMI Characterisation
Clients are expressing an increasing interest in in-situ system characterisation. MESA is able to use both conventional and equivalent methodologies to relate EMI to published standards. The advantage is that large systems do not need to be transported to qualified facilities.
Developments within the Astronomy Geographic Advantage Area
The Astronomy Geographic Advantage (AGA) Act of 2007, in support of the many internationally-acclaimed radio astronomy projects in this region, regulates allowable levels of RFI emissions within defined areas. MESA assists, not only with the impact assessment of new developments, but also with the design and implementation of the required compliance measures. The team is experienced in interacting with the Astronomy Management Authority (AMA) and obtaining the required certifications.
Pre-Compliance Testing
EMC compliance testing is expensive - particularly in South Africa, where certified testing laboratories are few and far between. To support local industry, MESA offers not only affordable pre-compliance EMC testing, but also advice in the mitigation of potential EMC-related issues. This helps our clients to confidently submit their devices for formal EMC certification.
State-of-the-Art Shielding Effectiveness Testing of Chambers, Rooms, and Buildings
MESA has long recognised the weaknesses of traditional MIL-STD-285 and IEEE-299 shielding effectiveness tests. These rudimentary standard-based approaches fail to consider critical topics such as near-field antenna behaviour, electromagnetic modes within chambers, and source-loading effects. To address these (and other) shortcomings, MESA has developed new shielding effectivess methodologies which better consider the actual physics involved - the outcome is truer shielding effectiveness results at any scale.
EMC and RFI Support for the SKA Project
MESA has been supporting the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO, previously SKA-SA) and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project since 2006. We have assisted with a wide variety of associated issues that range from applying the correct principles during hardware design to on-site characterisation and monitoring of interference related issues. Our long list of contributions toward the project include: RFI characterisation of both devices and the site; design and qualification of large-scale semi and fully-shielded structures; RFI-quiet renewable and fossil-fuel based power generation, distribution, and transmission systems; as well as earthing, interfaces, and cable layouts for lightning protection. The biggest risk to this project is RFI - and MESA is proud to continue to play a pivotal role in mitigating this risk, as it has done for almost two decades.
Short Courses (Online or In-Person)
MESA has offered many formal courses at an introductory and advanced level on topics related to EMC and metrology, with some specialist and tailored courses including reverberation chambers, network analysis and aspects related to high voltage engineering and power distribution.
With increasing hybrid work practices, the more traditional 2 - 3 day courses have evolved into 1-day and online course offerings.
MESA also produces a technical note series as part of our commitment to knowledge sharing. See Research, Publications and Technical Notes
MESA enjoys electromagnetic challenges - whether related to EMC/RFI problems or not. We enjoy assisting with the electromagnetic aspects of new product developments involving modern wireless technologies, such as Near Field Communication (NFC), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), wireless charging, satellites etc.
If you are interested in any of these areas, do contact us at info@mesasolutions.co.za