What effect does electromagnetic interference (EMI) primarily have on data systems and equipment?

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) disrupts normal operation by introducing unwanted signals or noise that can affect the performance of data systems and equipment. When EMI occurs, it can cause distortion in the data being transmitted, leading to errors, data loss, and unpredictable behavior in electronic devices. This disruption tends to occur in environments where various electronic devices operate simultaneously, as they can emit electromagnetic fields that interfere with each other.

The presence of EMI can impact everything from simple communication lines to complex computing systems, translating to a decreased reliability of system operations and potentially costly downtime for repairs or troubleshooting. Therefore, recognizing the effects of EMI is crucial for designing systems that are resilient to such interferences, ensuring that operations can proceed smoothly without significant interruptions.