NIST Publishes Electromagnetic Interference Dataset from TIG Arc Welding

The NIST Industrial Wireless System team has published a new dataset titled "Electromagnetic Interference Measurements from Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Arc Welding." This dataset contains comprehensive electromagnetic interference (EMI) measurements from TIG welding processes conducted in the NIST fabrication shop. The measurements were obtained using a typical arc welding power source and recorded at three distinct frequencies: 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.3 GHz. These three bands are currently the primary RF bands utilized by industrial wireless networks; higher frequency bands are being considered for future uses.  The data collection was performed with a bandwidth of 160 MHz and a sample rate of 625 MHz, providing high-resolution insights into the EMI characteristics during the welding operations. This dataset may be useful for understanding the EMI behavior in TIG welding and can be instrumental in developing interference mitigation strategies, aiding in RF band selection and frequency planning, and improving welding technology and regulations. A NIST report, Industrial Wireless non-Communications Aggressor Reproduction: A Playback Approach for TIG Welding Measurements, is also available, and includes helpful guidance on reproducing the TIG welding interference signal for wireless performance assessment.