Electromagnetic susceptibility refers to how easily a material or device is affected by external electromagnetic fields. In other words, it describes how prone a component or system is to interference from electromagnetic radiation, such as radio waves, microwaves, or other electromagnetic waves.
When a device or material has high electromagnetic susceptibility, it means that it can easily absorb or respond to electromagnetic fields, which can lead to performance issues or malfunction. Conversely, low susceptibility means the material or device is less affected by electromagnetic interference (EMI).
This concept is important in electronics and electrical engineering because it helps engineers design systems and devices that are either resistant to or immune from unwanted electromagnetic influences. It ensures that electronic devices work as intended without being disturbed by external electromagnetic sources like radio signals, power lines, or nearby electronic devices.
In simpler terms, electromagnetic susceptibility is like how sensitive a device is to the "electromagnetic noise" in its environment.