EMC Bayswater's EMC Test lab and facilities

Photo: EMC Bayswater – Indoor Open Area Test Site (iOATS) chamber – Radiated emissions & Radiated Disturbances

Why is an indoor Open Area Test Site (iOATS) facility better than a shielded enclosure and an OATS test site

About the EMC Bayswater Indoor Open Area Test Site iOATS

Our indoor Open Area Test Site or commonly known as the iOATS. Was specifically designed and installed at our facility to cater for the demand of indoor testing of radiated emissions. Our Radiated Emissions test site provides a compliant valid testing environment. Which includes the test site been fully compliant with ANSI 63.4: 2009 and C63.4: 2014 required for FCC and ISED testing.

Radiated emissions testing efficiency

Testing in a compliant iOATS facility has many advantages over performing emissions in a two-stage process. Which normally involves performing pre-scans in a non-compliant chamber or screened room. Then performing the final measurements out on an outside test site. These advantages include a real representation of the emissions over the frequency range. Due to the low reflection of RF on the chamber walls. Screened rooms or chambers without adequate RF absorbing material such as ferrite tiles and RAM (RF Absorber Material). Or physically unsuitable due to the dimensions of the chamber can create misleading results. These misleading results can be caused by constructive and destructive nodes. At varying frequencies depending upon the reflections and size of the chamber. And the relative position of the antenna. EUT and the conductive surfaces such as the chamber walls. This effect is typically worst at the lower end of the frequency range 30MHz to 300MHz.

An ambient emission free environment for Radiated Emissions

With no ambient emissions from outside influences such as TV, FM radio, transmitters. Whilst maintaining an equivalent open area test site characteristics. Measurements over the frequency range can be accomplished in less time. Although the hourly rate to use our iOATS facility is slightly more than using a non-compliant iOATS test site. In most instances, the total cost to perform the testing is cheaper as less time is required.

Radiated emissions single setup – Cheaper Radiated Emissions testing

Another advantage of using an iOATS test site where all the measurements can be performed in a single process. Is only having to set the Equipment Under Test (EUT) and the associated support equipment up once. This is also a significant time saving and obviously another significant cost saving. Not to mention the time delay caused by moving sites or having to drive, commute or send the product to a different location. Or possibly a different laboratory that could be interstate.

Calibration of the Radiated Emissions test site

Calibration of an OATS site is usually performed at a single position. Whilst the calibration of an iOATS site several positions are required. This defines the boundaries of the Normalised Site Attenuation (NSA) volume. This NSA volume defines the maximum dimensions that a product can be measured whilst ensuring the test site is still compliant. On an OATS site, the dimensions or volume of the product under test is not considered. Our iOATS is ANSI C63.4-2014 calibrated from 30MHz to 1GHz with a test volume diameter of 3m. Our iOATS is also calibrated for Site Voltage Standing-Wave Ratio (SVSWR). With the preferred dimensions over the entire required frequency range of 1GHz to 18GHz as per CISPR 16-1-4 (CISPR 16-1-4), Edition 3.1 (2010 + A1: 2012).

Climatic control for repeat-ability and comfort

  One obvious advantage not mentioned so far is the actual climatic conditions during the testing process itself. Rain, snow, high humidity or extreme variations in the weather may affect the radiated emissions results. These variations can cause an increase or decrease in the measured values. And may make compliance uncertain for borderline compliant products. Thus the compliance status if the testing was to be repeated could be in jeopardy. Radiated Emissions re-testing does occur when there is an issue. Usually a dispute concerning the compliance or market surveillance. It can occur at any stage over the life cycle of the product.

Conclusion

We recommend using a fully compliant suitable chamber for your product testing. If we cannot perform the testing in accordance with the standard you need we will upfront and clearly inform you of this. EMC Bayswater has a commitment to performing testing efficiently and correctly. Whilst providing great customer service.

EMC Bayswater indoor Open Area Test Site (iOATS) facility specifications

Our iOATS facility incorporates some very impressive features. And has been characterised by extremely good results, here are some of the features:

• Complies with CISPR 11, CISPR 12 (ALSE 3m testing), CISPR 13, CISPR 14-1, CISPR 15, CISPR 16, CISPR 22
• NATA accredited to CISPR 11, CISPR 12, CISPR 13, CISPR 14.1, CISPR 15, CISPR 22, CISPR 32 (3m measurements)
• Calibrated NSA 30MHz to 1GHz test volume of 3m
• Accommodates most small to medium-sized products. As per CISPR 11, small equipment. Is either positioned on a tabletop or standing on the floor. Which, including its cables fit in a cylindrical test volume of 1,2 m in diameter and 1,5 m above the ground plane.
• Complies with CISPR 25 for automotive component EMC testing
• Compliant with FCC Part 15 and ANSI C63.5. Meets the NSA requirements for a semi-anechoic chamber. Accredited and recognised by the FCC and Industry Canada.
• Compliant with ANSI C63.4-2009 and the latest ANSI C34.4-2014. Meets the NSA and antenna requirements for a semi-anechoic chamber up to 18GHz
• Conveniently located in Bayswater in Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs (close to East Link tollway)
• 100% ambient free, extremely efficient testing and fast turnaround time
• Large double entry doors (3.5m X 3.5m)
• Length 10.7m, width 7.2m and height 6.0m
• Can accommodate large EUTs such as Industrial Machines (conditional testing)
• Filtered mains power (single and three phase 50Hz 32A per phase, 115VAC 60Hz)
• Accommodation of ancillary equipment in external shielded annex chamber
• LAN and WLAN access for exercising Equipment Under Test (EUT)
• Many ports available for external ancillary equipment via chamber penetration connectors, wave-guides and filters
• Automated fibre-optically controlled mast and turntable
• Measurements were taken with modern 40GHz (Rohde & Schwarz) CISPR compliant EMI Receiver
• Independently verified to CISPR and FCC requirements
• Can accommodate 3m and 5m EMC measurements
• Vehicle testing capability – Full vehicle exhaust extraction system

Our EMC testing laboratory is located conveniently located in Croydon South in Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs. It is easy to access and close to East Link tollway. In addition to our iOATS test site, our EMC testing laboratory also has various other semi-anechoic chambers and shielded rooms. These EMC test sites include dedicated test setups. Designed to ensure efficient testing and ease of setup. The chambers are typically used for either conducted emissions or immunity testing. Which include testing to many CE product standards and include tests such as;

• Electrostatic Discharge testing typically referencing the basic standard EN 61000-4-2
• Radiated immunity typically referencing the basic standard EN 61000-4-3
• Electrical fast transient testing (EFT) typically referencing the basic standard EN 61000-4-4
• Surge testing typically referencing the basic standard EN 61000-4-5
• Conducted immunity testing typically referencing the basic standard EN 61000-4-6
• Magnetic immunity testing typically referencing the basic standard EN 61000-4-8
• Voltage dips and interrupts testing typically referencing the basic standard EN 61000-4-11

Here are some of the details of just a few of our semi-anechoic chambers and Shielded enclosures in our EMC testing laboratory:

Chamber 3 – Shielded enclosure – Radiated RF immunity, disturbance power and Pre-compliance chamber

• Almost a fully anechoic chamber this semi-anechoic chamber has large double entry doors. 2.6 m X 2.6m opening to accommodate large units
•  CISPR 25: 2016 compliant Radiated emissions test site. Used for automotive ESA component EMC testing.
• Modern automated commercial EMC testing software. With the ability to interact with monitoring equipment (GPIB, serial port etc required)
• Ability to perform threshold determination. And repeat single frequencies to determine the level or severity of any failures observed
• Can accommodate large products. Such as Industrial Machines (conditional testing) with a length of 9.8m a width of 5.0m and a height of 4.0m.
• Ambient emission free.  With extremely good RF characteristics. Including great radiated field uniformity from 80MHz to 6GHz
• Filtered mains power (single and three phase 50Hz 32A per phase, 115VAC 60Hz)
• Many ports available for external ancillary equipment. Via chamber penetration connectors, wave-guides and filters
• Fibre-optic connected isotropic field probes to monitor the electric field during testing
• Dedicated RF amplifier shielded enclosure to reduce stray RF and noise
• Video camera system and LCD monitors. Used to observe correct operation during product testing
• Motorized disturbance power clamp measurement. Used for performing testing to EN 55014 / CISPR 14 and EN 55013 / CISPR 13 testing

Chamber 4 Shielded enclosure – Electrostatic Discharge, Surges, Electrical Fast Transients (EFT), Voltage Dips and Voltage interruptions

• Dedicated testing setups for testing with fully calibrated test equipment
• Automated Surge, EFT and Voltage dips and interruptions. Capable of performing a suite of tests in accordance with a product family such as EN 55024.
• Filtered mains power (single and three phase 50Hz 32A per phase, 115VAC 60Hz)
• Additional air conditioning and environmental control including humidity control

Chamber 5 Shielded enclosure – Conducted RF immunity and magnetic immunity

• Dedicated testing setups for testing with fully calibrated test equipment
• Modern automated commercial EMC testing software. With the ability to interact with monitoring equipment (GPIB, serial port etc required)
• Ability to perform threshold determination and repeat single frequencies. To determine the level and severity of any failures observed
• Filtered mains power (single and three phase 50Hz 32A per phase, 115VAC 60Hz)

EMC test facility hire at EMC Bayswater

All EMC and RF test facilities or the entire for EMC test facility hire can be arranged, on an hourly or a discounted daily basis for EMC pre-compliance testing. Professional staff can be on hand to assist with the test facility and equipment setup as required.

Our shielded enclosures and specialised equipment are available for you to perform, EMC pre-compliance testing before your device is ready for formal testing, thereby minimising customer costs in cases where product emissions levels are likely to be above the limits.

Besides our test chambers, we also have fantastic onsite facilities. If modifying your product is required to achieve compliance with the required product or generic standards. The facility has a dedicated electrical workbench. With an electronics magnification illuminated lamp. Various power and size soldering irons, electronic solder station for removing solder. Also some electrical and electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, chokes. Onsite electrical modifications generally can be undertaken on site either by yourself or by one of the team.

The facility also has a dedicated mechanical workbench. Which includes a drill press, electric hand tools such as drills, sanders, jigsaw, grinders, polishing tools. With manual hand tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, pliers available. This mechanical bench is great for when enclosure modifications are required. Usually to achieve better shielding or improve bonding. In order to improve the shielding of you products enclosure or Faraday cage. Or to change cable assemblies and achieve better grounding etc.

Our team are hands-on engineers. And should be able to help with how to modify your unit. Using the tools at hand along with years of experience in performing modifications to achieve compliance.

We can provide formal NATA accredited EMC testing. EMC pre-compliance testing services for product development. Non-formal compliance testing or custom testing. Please see our pre-compliance EMC testing information. Or alternatively, contact us today to find out more about our EMC test facility hire options.