Why does my company need EMC services? EMC or electromagnetic compatibility is a test required by different governments around the world. Testing of products with electrical and electronic circuitry. It is performed to determine and regulate the product’s radiated and conducted emissions. And assess the ability of the product to withstand outside EMI and transient phenomena. The aim of the test is to ensure that the emissions are within the acceptable range or spectrum of compatibility. So as not to adversely affect the performance of similar products. And at the same time for the product not to be affected by the emissions from similar products.
The test standards leading to certification are labelled differently according to product type and product origin:
• RCM mark (C-Tick) for Australia and New Zealand
• CE mark for Europe
• FCC for North America
• ISED (IC) for Canada
What are the EMC Tests required
The tests are conducted in authorized laboratories with dedicated test setups. Compliance testing is made up of two parts. The emission test and the immunity or susceptibility test. Different standards based on locations may need only one part, for example, RCM emissions only, or for CE both parts. More recently, a pre-compliance test was introduced. Helping manufacturers in facilitating the process of certification. By having a pre-test in their plant where the products are in the final stages of manufacture.
Types of common EMC Emissions Testing
Essentially, the tests are centred on measuring the electromagnetic emission levels. Aiming for the emissions to fall within the approved spectrum. In this way, the product becomes compatible with other products. There are various techniques being employed to measure this radiation level and type. Some of these types are:
Radiated emissions and radiated disturbances
These are measured electromagnetic energy. Generated through fields that propagate radio frequencies around an enclosure. The fields are recorded in volts per meter or A/m or dBuA.
Conducted emissions and conducted disturbances
The tests check if such emissions generated by the product may cause interference in a network. The network may be AC mains distribution, a widely dispersed wired network or similar.
AC mains port harmonics and flicker
This measures the harmonic current of the main supply. This testing is usually mandated for AC mains products in Europe, commonly referred to as simply “Harmonics’. AC voltage changes, voltage fluctuations and flicker testing is a test to ensure that the main power supply does not fluctuate too much. Performed while a machine is operating through various cycles or modes of operation. This testing is usually mandated for AC mains products in Europe, commonly referred to as simply “Flicker’.
Types of common EMC Immunity and susceptibility testing
This testing is the simulation for the suitability of an electronic device to operate within tolerance. A specified acceptable tolerance of performance, derived from the standard or manufacturer. Whilst subjected to various types of simulated real-world phenomena. These may be different types of immunity phenomena.
Continuous phenomena or transient phenomena
Radiated and conducted immunity and susceptibility tests Considered as a continuous phenomena application of the interfering test signal. These EMC immunity tests are performed by injecting test signals onto the products ports, cables or enclosure. And observing the effect of the product on its normal behaviour or operation.
Transient voltages
Considered as a transient phenomena application of the interfering test signals. These EMC immunity tests are performed by injecting test signals. Such as electrical fast transients (EFT), Electrostatic Discharges (ESD) and surges. These transient phenomena are applied to either the products cable ports and the product’s enclosure. Either directly or indirectly. Observation during testing is performed. But usually, the criteria for complying with the minimum acceptable performance is based on the ability of the product to recover. Typically after the completion of testing without user interventions. AC mains voltage dips and interrupts This is a test simulation of the mains electricity supply during blackout and brownout. And the effect it produces in the correct behaviour of the product.
Variable EMC Tests: EMC Bayswater
EMC tests vary according to the type of products being tested. Also, the standards being sought; manufacturers have to define their specific test needs. For example, there are products that require a test of their radiofrequency. Ensuring these radiations are within the compatibility range for similar products to efficiently operate. This is why at EMC Bayswater, we offer our spacious testing laboratories to accommodate all EMC testing requirements. Including product certification, compliance, and approval. In their actual run, EMC services include, aside from EMC Testing:
- Radio and Wireless Testing
- Automotive Testing
- Military Testing
- Railway Testing
- Medical Testing
- Pre-compliance Testing
- Shielding effectiveness
- Lamp Circuit Power (LCP)
- Report Reviews
- Site surveys
- Calibration Services
- Consulting/training
EMC Bayswater’s EMC Services
EMC Bayswater is the preferred company when it comes to EMC services for testing and approvals. We are specialists in Australia, Europe, North America, and Canada. Aside from the aforementioned services, we also provide:
• RF interference (RFI)
• Shielding effectiveness and RF radiation hazard (Radhaz EMR) testing services
• RF equipment calibration
• RFID testing
• Antenna performance and profiling services
• EMC testing training courses.
We can arrange other regulatory approvals and EMC services as part of the service through our partner labs. Our team of highly experienced and qualified engineers are here to assist you. We can help you with your EMC certification, EMC consulting, and EMC standards query quickly and efficiently. For all your EMC testing needs, whether pre-compliance or formal compliance testing, trust EMC Bayswater.
