Which type of interference is specifically caused by nearby electromagnetic sources?

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) refers to disruptions in electrical signals that are caused by electromagnetic radiation emitted from nearby electronic devices or sources. This interference can affect the performance of various electronic equipment by introducing noise into the circuits or signals, leading to degraded signal quality or complete signal loss.

In many cases, EMI originates from common sources such as motors, fluorescent lights, or other electronic components operating in close proximity, highlighting the sensitivity of electronic devices to external electromagnetic fields. This is particularly critical in environments where precise electronic communication is necessary, such as in telecommunications or medical devices.

Additional context about the other options can clarify their distinctions: Bandwidth refers to the range of frequencies that a transmission medium can carry, while Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) is a subset of EMI specifically related to radio frequency signals. Signal attenuation involves the reduction of signal strength over distance or due to obstacles, which is not directly related to interference caused by nearby sources.