The discipline of controlling emissions of, and immunity to, electromagnetic disturbances is known as electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Inadequate EMC can result in errors and the incorrect operation of electronic devices, and safety systems, which could lead to increased health and safety risks.

With multiplying sources of electromagnetic radiation, equipment must be designed to operate in so-called ‘noisy’ environments as well as prevent disturbance in other devices.

Electromagnetic compatibility testing is, therefore, very important for manufacturers, and electromagnetic compatibility standards provide vital guidelines for these processes.

What is the Importance of Electromagnetic Compatibility Testing?

Electromagnetic compatibility testing is there to ensure that your electrical device does not emit a huge amount of electromagnetic interference and that your device continues to constantly function as intended by the manufacturer.

Due to the dangers of radiation emitted, regulatory bodies around the globe have placed restrictions on the levels of emissions that electrical products can produce. Therefore, manufacturers have to do due diligence to follow key electromagnetic compatibility standards in safeguarding the safety of customers.

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The Essentials of Electromagnetic Compatibility Testing

EMC testing includes checks for emissions and susceptibility testing. Most standards refer to tests conducted in open-area test sites (OATS). These sites are useful for the emissions testing of large equipment systems. Testing a physical prototype is usually carried out indoors, in a specialized EMC test chamber. It’s also possible to use digital simulations to test models.

The test equipment, environment, and any software used must be suitable, properly calibrated, and maintained. Usually, a schedule of EMC testing is produced in advance, with the results documented in a subsequent report.

Emissions are typically measured for radiated field strength, with antennas used to detect emissions from all directions. A spectrum analyzer is often used to measure cross-frequency emission levels. An oscilloscope may be used to visualize and characterize pulse emission waveforms.

For radiated field susceptibility testing, a high-powered radio frequency (RF) signal is directed at the device under test (DUT). Conducted voltage and current susceptibility testing, however, may require the use of a high-powered signal generator and a current clamp to inject the signal.

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Electromagnetic Compatibility Testing Standards

The EMC and safety divisions within an organization tend to use different skills and methods, and often operate independently. Important issues of EMC-related functional safety may be overlooked and not be correctly addressed.

Manufacturing standards can help manufacturers ensure that their products will operate safely and effectively in the real world. The best approach is to consider potential electromagnetic interference (EMI) from the very beginning of the design process, as unforeseen problems can be difficult and expensive to resolve once manufacturing is underway. Electromagnetic compatibility standards can help electrical manufacturers introduce the right testing procedures to ensure their products operate safely and effectively, maintaining full EMC.

The BS EN 61000 series of standards provides a comprehensive set of guidelines and specifications for manufacturers around EMC. The first standard in the family BS EN 61000-1-2 establishes a methodology for functional EMC safety in electrical and electronic systems.

The series continues with over 50 standards for different applications and scenarios. For example, BS EN 61000-6-3 provides generic emissions standards limits for the protection of radio services in residential, commercial, and light-industrial environments, while BS EN 61000-6-4 deals with industrial settings.

BS EN 61000-3-3 is concerned with limiting voltage fluctuations and flicker impressed on any public low-voltage systems, while BS EN 61000-4-11 deals with immunity tests for voltage dips, variation, and short interruptions.

Other electromagnetic compatibility standards in the BS EN 61000 series help electrical manufacturers test in relation to surge, fast transient, electrostatic discharge, and burst immunity, different environmental requirements, and conducted disturbances.

BS EN 55011 relates to industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) electrical equipment, specifying limits and methods of measurement of radiofrequency disturbance characteristics. When protecting sound and television broadcast receivers, and associated multimedia equipment, manufacturers can consult BS EN 55035 for immunity characteristics, limits, and methods of measurement.

BS EN 55014-1 and BS EN 55015 specify requirements for manufacturers when testing household appliances, tools, and lighting equipment to help ensure these items don’t cause interference to radio reception.

Manufacturers also have a responsibility to consider the harmonic currents introduced into any low-voltage mains electricity supply systems by the equipment they design and manufacture. BS EN IEC 61000-3-2 specifies limits for harmonic components of input current which can be produced by equipment tested under specified conditions.

Ensure you are safeguarding the safety of your customers and adopting electromagnetic compatibility testing best practices by adding these standards to your collection today.