EMC TESTING TECHNIQUES

All electrical & electronic devices generate some form of unwanted

interference/radiation, which is unavoidable. With such devices becoming
increasingly used in very close proximity to each other, they should function
normally without interfering or being interfered with through other devices.
This important property of electrical & electronics devices is called
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC). However, to ensure proper functional
operation, they should emit a limited amount and they should also be immune
to a certain level of electromagnetic radiation (radiated and conducted).
It is usually discussed in two aspects: Emissions (EMI) and Immunity
(EMS). Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and radio frequency (RF)
testing is used to analyze the ability of the devices to operate as predicted
when in proximity to other electronic devices. Our laboratories and experts
around the world have entrusted us as a reliable EMC testing and
certification provider and we have earned the respect as well as the trust of
industry leaders and international regulatory bodies.
NEED FOR EMC TESTING

1. EMC testing helps minimize the possibility that radiated or conducted

emissions produced by your device will interfere with other electronics
products in its vicinity.
2. EMC testing helps to ensure that any emission from the device is below
the relevant limits defined for that type of device.
3. A third-party EMC test lab can conduct conformity assessments and help
to strengthen your competitive position in the market.

RADIATED EMISSIONS (EMI) TESTS

Radiated emissions testing measures the electromagnetic field strength of the
emissions unintentionally produced by the electrical product. These emissions
are inherent to the currents and switching voltages within any digital circuit.

To perform the EMI tests, the following equipment is often needed:

 EMI receiver, preselector and QP adapter

 Turntable
 RB coaxial cable
 Attenuator
 High pass filter
 Broadband linearly polarised antenna
 Open area test site and full anechoic chamber
The test procedure includes several steps, as follows:

 Performing a preliminary measurement inside an anechoic chamber to

characterise the product sample
 Performing test and limits comparison in an open area test site with the
sample placed on a remotely controlled turntable
 Loading the specification limits and applicable correction factors to the
EMI receiver
 Maximising the readings by adjusting the turntable azimuth between 0–
360 °, the antenna height between 1– 4 meters, and antenna polarisation
 Evaluating the emissions from the product using appropriate methods
 Emission level = Reading Value + Ant. Factor + Cable Loss
 Recording the output of the preliminary measurement
 Recording the emissions levels on the frequency range in tables and
spectral plots using the preliminary measurement information.

Before submitting a sample to a test lab for this type of EMC testing,
manufacturers must ensure proper product design. A minor issue, such as noise
on the cabling, will fail the radiated emissions test.  

CONDUCTED EMISSION TESTS

Conducted emissions testing measures the portion of electromagnetic energy
created by a product and conducted onto the power supply cord. The test aims
to verify that these emissions comply with specified limits in relevant EMC
standards, usually from 150 kHz to 30 MHz.

To perform the conducted emissions tests, the following equipment is often

needed:

 EMI receiver
 AMN (artificial mains network) for the sample and any additional-
peripheral equipment
 Termination
 Ground plane
 Current probe
 Coaxial cable
 Isolation transformer
 Filter.

The test procedure includes several steps, as follows:

 Emission level = Reading value + Correction factor

 Correction Factor = Cable loss + Insertion loss of LISN
  Margin value = Emission level – Limit
 Investigating the frequency spectrum from 0.15 MHz to 30 MHz
 Connecting all interface ports to the appropriate peripheral units via
specific cables and recording any relevant information (e.g. cables’ data)
 Recording the emissions levels in the frequency range of 150 kHz– 30
MHz in tables and spectral plots.

Failing the conducted emissions testing is not uncommon for products with a
pre-certified external AC-DC power adapter. Power supplies are often
supposedly compliant, but when re-tested, they become non-compliant because
of hardware changes since the initial compliance testing or flaws with the
original testing.  

FLICKER TESTS
Flicker testing is another form of emissions testing. It helps determine if the
product sample produces fluctuating load in the branch circuit causing RMS
voltage fluctuations with flickers. To perform this type of EMC testing, the
following equipment is often needed:

 Power source
 Flicker meter
 Impedance network
 Voltage fluctuation meter.

The test procedure includes as follows:

 Determining acceptable values and relative voltage change characteristics

 Measuring the RMS voltage fluctuations on the ac mains caused by the
sample
 Evaluating the flicker severity using appropriate methods and recording
the output
 Measuring the relative voltage changes and determining if the total
accuracy is better than ±8%.

RADIATED RF ELECTROMAGNETIC IMMUNITY TESTS

The radiated RF electromagnetic immunity test measures the performance of the
product’s immunity to radiated RF electromagnetic field disturbances for
simulating the interference of transmitted electromagnetic waves. This test
required the following equipment:

 Signal generator
 RF power amplifier
 Function generator
  Biconical antenna and log-periodic antenna
 Millivoltmeter
 Isotropic “E” field probe
 Dual directional coupler
 Power amplifier
 Field sensor
 Anechoic chamber or semi-anechoic chamber
 Absorbers
 RF coaxial cable
 CCD and a monitor for CCD.

During the test, the product sample is subjected to a field of 3V/m, and
amplitude modulated 80% by a 1-kHz sinusoidal signal. And the radiated field
is applied in vertical and horizontal polarisation using appropriate antennas. The
test is performed in an anechoic or semi-anechoic chamber.

ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE IMMUNITY TESTS

This form of EMC testing evaluates the performance of the immunity to
electrostatic discharges at the enclosure, accessible ports and other similar areas
of the product sample. The following equipment must be provided to perform
electrostatic discharge immunity testing:

 ESD simulator
 Oscilloscope
 Horizontal coupling plane
 Vertical coupling plane
 Discharge electrode
 Discharge return cable
 Bleeder resistors
 Insulating support.

The test procedure includes three main steps. First, applying potentials of ±2
kV, ±4 kV, ±8 kV, and ±15 kV (or others specified in the relevant EMC
Standards) near each applicable test point (air discharges are applied to
insulating surfaces). Secondly, applying potentials of ±2 kV, ±4 kV, ±6 kV, and
±8 kV (or others specified in the relevant standards) to each applicable test point
(contact discharges are applied to conductive surfaces and coupling planes).
Lastly, performing indirect discharge using the direct contact ESD test tip. In
this regard, potentials of ±2 kV, ±4 kV, ±6 kV, and ±8 kV (or other specified in
safety standards) are applied to the centre of the vertical edge of the coupling
plane at a distance of 0.1m from the outer casing of the product sample to each
applicable test point.
SURGE IMMUNITY TEST
Surge immunity testing evaluates the performance of the equipment’s immunity
to surge disturbances. Three pieces of equipment are needed to perform this test
– surge wave generator, coupling/decoupling network and reference ground
plane.  

The test procedure includes several steps:

 Applying test voltages in a synchronised way to the voltage phase at zero-

crossing and peak value of the A.C. voltage wave (both, positive and
negative).
 Applying the surge to the equipment’s power supply terminals via the
capacitive coupling decoupling network.
 Testing at least five positive and five negative discharges at selected
points of the power supply (0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° of the sine wave).

MAGNETIC FIELD IMMUNITY TEST

This form of EMC testing measures the performance of the immunity of an
electrical product to magnetic field disturbances. The test requires the use of the
following equipment:

 Test generator
 Magnetic field probe and tester
 Decoupling network
 Square coil or another inductive coil
 Back filter.

During the test, the equipment is subjected to a continuous magnetic field by use
of an induction coil. Afterwards, the induction coil is rotated by 90° to expose
the product to the test field with different orientations. Three orthogonal planes
are tested. Lastly, the dwell time at each frequency is measured and should be at
least equal to the time the product needs to respond.
EMC EMISSION STANDARDS

 CISPR 11  -  RF radiated, conducted (ISM)

 CISPR 32  -  RF radiated, conducted (Multimedia)
 IEC 61000-3-2  -  Harmonic currents
 IEC 61000-3-3  -  Flicker
 IEC 61000-6-3  -  Residential limits
 IEC 61000-6-4  -  Industrial limits
 FCC Part 15  -  RF Radiated, conducted (RF devices)
 FCC Part 18  -  RF Radiated, conducted (ISM)
 FCC Vs. CIPSR - Concepts and limits compared

CISPR 11

The IEC/CISPR 11, EN 55011 (Industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio-
frequency equipment – Electromagnetic disturbance characteristics – Limits and
methods of measurement) is about: Conducted and radiated emissions of signals
in the frequency range of 9kHz to 400GHz.

Applicability.
Equipment covered by other CISPR product and product family emission
standards are excluded from the scope of CISPR 11. CISPR 11 applies to
industrial, scientific and medical electrical equipment operating in the frequency
range 0Hz to 400GHz and to domestic and similar appliances designed to
generate and/or use locally radio-frequency energy. CISPR 11 standard covers
emission requirements related to radio-frequency (RF) disturbances in the
frequency range of 9kHz to 400GHz. Measurements need only be performed in
frequency ranges where limits are specified.
CISPR 11 and CISPR 14: Induction cooking is the scope of CISPR 14-1 and
CISPR 14-2 [May-2019]. Microwave ovens are primarily the scope of CISPR
11 and CISPR 14-2 (however, be aware of multi-function equipment which may
also be the scope of CISPR 14-1, e.g. for click measurement).
For ISM Radio-Frequency (RF) applications in the meaning of the definition
found in the United Nations specialized agency for information and
communication technologies (ITU) Radio Regulations, CISPR 11 covers
emission requirements related to radio-frequency disturbances in the frequency
range of 9kHz to 18GHz. Requirements for ISM RF lighting equipment and
Ultra Violet (UV) radiators operating at frequencies within the ISM frequency
bands defined by the ITU Radio Regulations are contained in CISPR 11.
In the following, the term ISM band often appears (also in the FCC Part
18 section). In order to clarify things, here are some facts:

 The industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio bands are reserved
internationally for the use of radio frequency (RF) energy for industrial,
scientific and medical purposes other than telecommunications.
 ISM bands are defined by the ITU Radio Regulations in footnotes 5.138,
5.150, and 5.280 of the Radio Regulations.
 Not all ISM frequency bands are harmonized worldwide. Some apply
only to certain regions.

CISPR 32

The IEC/CISPR 32, EN 55032 (Electromagnetic compatibility of multimedia

equipment - Emission requirements) is about: Conducted and radiated emissions
of signals in the frequency range of 9kHz to 400GHz. CISPR 32 replaced
CISPR 13 and the popular CISPR 22 in March 2017.

Applicability.

CISPR 32 applies to multimedia equipment (MME) and having a rated

RMS AC or DC supply voltage not exceeding 600 V. Equipment within the
scope of CISPR 13 or CISPR 22 is within the scope of CISPR 32. MME
intended primarily for professional use is within the scope of CISPR 32. The
radiated emission requirements in CISPR 32 are not intended to be applicable to
the intentional transmissions from a radio transmitter as defined by the ITU, nor
to any spurious emissions related to these intentional transmissions. Equipment,
for which emission requirements in the frequency range covered by CISPR 32
are explicitly formulated in other CISPR publications (except CISPR 13 and
CISPR 22), are excluded from the scope of this publication. CISPR 32 does not
contain requirements for in-situ assessment (in other words: the tests have to be
done in an EMC test laboratory). The objectives of CISPR 32 publication are:

1. To establish requirements which provide an adequate level of protection

of the radio spectrum, allowing radio services to operate as intended in
the frequency range 9kHz to 400GHz.
2. To specify procedures to ensure the reproducibility of measurement and
the repeatability of results.
The CISPR 32 is often referenced by other product and product family
standards, outside of the scope defined above.

Classification.
There are two classes of Information Technology Equipment (ITE) defined in
CISPR 32:

 Class A (higher emission limits, industrial): Devices must have emissions

which are below the limits of Class A, but the emissions exceed the
limits of Class B.

Class A devices shall have a warning notice in their manual (e.g.

"Warning! This is a Class A device. This device may cause radio
interference in residential areas; in this case, the operator may be
required to take appropriate measures".).

 Class B (lower emission limits, commercial): Devices must have

emissions which are below the limits of Class B. This is applicable for
devices which are used in a residual and domestic environment. In other
words: commercial devices. E.g.:
o No permanent location (e.g. battery powered devices)
o Telecommunication terminal equipment
o Personal computers

IEC 61000-3-2
The IEC 61000-3-2 (Limits for harmonic current emissions - equipment
input current ≤16A per phase) is a Basic Standard which deals with the
limitation of harmonic currents injected into the public mains supply system. It
specifies limits of harmonic components of the input current which can be
produced by equipment tested under specified conditions. The objective of IEC
61000-3-2 is to set limits for harmonic emissions of equipment within its scope,
so that, with due allowance for the emissions from other equipment, compliance
with the limits ensures that harmonic disturbance levels do not exceed the
compatibility levels defined in IEC 61000-2-2.

Professional equipment that does not comply with the requirements of IEC
61000-3-2 can be permitted to be connected to certain types of low voltage
supplies, if the instruction manual contains a requirement to ask the supply
utility for permission to connect. Recommendations concerning this aspect are
contained in IEC 61000-3-12.
The following graphic shows an example current curve of a lightning equipment
with dimming control. The curve current shows a phase shift and harmonic
distortions.

Applicability
IEC 61000-3-2 applies to:

 Apparatus intended to be connected to public low-voltage distribution

systems (50Hz or 60Hz, 220/380V, 230/400V and 240/415V). For
systems with nominal voltages less than but not equal to 220 V (line-to-
neutral), the limits have not yet been considered [2019].
 Apparatus having a rated input current up to and including 16 A per
phase.
 Arc welding equipment which is not professional equipment, with a rated
input current up to and including 16A per phase. Arc welding equipment
intended for professional use, as specified in IEC 60974-1, is excluded
from IEC 61000-3-2 and can be subject to installation restrictions as
indicated in IEC 61000-3-12.

IEC 61000-3-2:

The IEC 61000-3-2 (Limits for harmonic current emissions - equipment

input current ≤16A per phase) is a Basic Standard which deals with the
limitation of harmonic currents injected into the public mains supply system. It
specifies limits of harmonic components of the input current which can be
produced by equipment tested under specified conditions. The objective of IEC
61000-3-2 is to set limits for harmonic emissions of equipment within its scope,
so that, with due allowance for the emissions from other equipment, compliance
with the limits ensures that harmonic disturbance levels do not exceed the
compatibility levels defined in IEC 61000-2-2.
Professional equipment that does not comply with the requirements of IEC
61000-3-2 can be permitted to be connected to certain types of low voltage
supplies, if the instruction manual contains a requirement to ask the supply
utility for permission to connect. Recommendations concerning this aspect are
contained in IEC 61000-3-12.
The following graphic shows an example current curve of a lightning equipment
with dimming control. The curve current shows a phase shift and harmonic
distortions.

Applicability
IEC 61000-3-2 applies to:

 Apparatus intended to be connected to public low-voltage distribution

systems (50Hz or 60Hz, 220/380V, 230/400V and 240/415V). For
systems with nominal voltages less than but not equal to 220 V (line-to-
neutral), the limits have not yet been considered [2019].
 Apparatus having a rated input current up to and including 16 A per
phase.
 Arc welding equipment which is not professional equipment, with a rated
input current up to and including 16A per phase. Arc welding equipment
intended for professional use, as specified in IEC 60974-1, is excluded
from IEC 61000-3-2 and can be subject to installation restrictions as
indicated in IEC 61000-3-12.

CLASSIFICATION
There are four classes of equipment defined:

 Class A: Equipment not specified as belonging to Class B, C or D shall

be considered Class A equipment. Some examples of Class A
equipment:
o Balanced three-phase equipment.
o Household appliances, excluding those specified as Class B, C or
D.
o Vacuum cleaners.
o High-pressure cleaners.
o Tools, excluding portable tools.
o Independent phase control dimmers.
o Audio equipment.
o Professional luminaires for stage lighting and studios.

 Class B: Portable tools and arc welding equipment which is not

professional equipment.

 Class C: Lighting equipment.

 Class D: Equipment, having a specified power consumption of less than

or equal to 600 W, of the following types:
o Personal computers and personal computer monitors.
o Television receivers.
o Refrigerators and freezers having one or more variable-speed
drives to control compressor motor(s).
 EMC - EARTHING PRINCIPLES AND STRUCTURES

Earthing networks are designed to fulfil a number of functions. They can

be independent or operate together to provide one or more of the following:

 Safety of persons with respect to electrical hazards

 Protection of equipment with respect to electrical hazards
 A reference value for reliable, high-quality signals
 Satisfactory EMC performance

The system earthing arrangement is generally designed and installed in

view of obtaining a low impedance capable of diverting fault currents and HF
currents away from electronic devices and systems. There are different types of
system earthing arrangements and some require that specific conditions be met.
These conditions are not always met in typical installations. The
recommendations presented in this section are intended for such installations.
For professional and industrial installations, a common bonding network
(CBN) may be useful to ensure better EMC performance with respect to the
following points:

 Digitalsystems and new technologies

 Compliance with the EMC essential requirements of Directive
2004/108/EC(emission and immunity)
 The wide number of electrical applications
 A high level of system safety and security, as well as reliability and/or
availability
For residential premises, however, where the use of electrical devices is
limited, an isolated bonding network (IBN) or, even better, a mesh IBN may be
a solution.
It is now recognised that independent, dedicated earth electrodes, each
serving a separate earthing network, are a solution that is not acceptable in
terms of EMC, but also represent a serious safety hazard. In certain countries,
the national building codes forbid such systems.
 Use of a separate “clean” earthing network for electronics and a “dirty”
earthing network for energy is not recommended in view of obtaining correct
EMC, even when a single electrode is used. In the event of a lightning strike, a
fault current or HF disturbances as well as transient currents will flow in the
installation. Consequently, transient voltages will be created and result in
failures or damage to the installation. If installation and maintenance are carried
out properly, this approach may be dependable (at power frequencies), but it is
generally not suitable for EMC purposes and is not recommended for general
use.

Fig. 1 – Independent earth electrodes, a solution generally not acceptable for

safety and EMC reasons

Fig. 2 – Installation with a single earth electrode

The recommended configuration for the earthing network and electrodes is two
or three dimensional. This approach is advised for general use, both in terms of
safety and EMC. This recommendation does not exclude other special
configurations that, when correctly maintained, are also suitable.
Fig. 3 – Installation with multiple earth electrodes
In a typical installation for a multi-level building, each level should have its
own earthing network (generally a mesh) and all the networks must be both
interconnected and connected to the earth electrode. At least two connections
are required (built in redundancy) to ensure that, if one conductor breaks, no
section of the earthing network is isolated.
Practically speaking, more than two connections are made to obtain better
symmetry in current flow, thus reducing differences in voltage and the overall
impedance between the various levels in the building.
The many parallel paths have different resonance frequencies. If one path has a
high impedance, it is most probably shunted by another path with a different
resonance frequency. On the whole, over a wide frequency spectrum (dozens of
Hz and MHz), a large number of paths results in a low-impedance system.
Each room in the building should have earthing-network conductors for
equipotential bonding of devices and systems, cableways, trunking systems and
structures. This system can be reinforced by connecting metal pipes, gutters,
supports, frames, etc.
In certain special cases, such as control rooms or computers installed on false
floors, ground reference plane or earthing strips in areas for electronic systems
can be used to improve earthing of sensitive devices and protection
interconnection cables.
Fig. 4 – Each level has a mesh and the meshes are interconnected at several
points between levels. Certain ground-floor meshes are reinforced to meet the
needs of certain areas