Laboratory for EMC tests of emitted interference and immunity to interference

EMC Testing

Testing electromagnetic compatibility - according to international requirements in our EMC test laboratories

In an EMC test, primarily the so-called interference immunity and the interference emission of devices are checked. Because international legislators as well as manufacturers and distributors themselves specify the most varied limit values for the immunity to interference and emitted interference of technical devices, EMC tests are indispensable for their market launch.

DAkkS
DAkkS
A2LA
A2LA
Recognized by the ZLG – The Central Authority of the Federal States for Health Protection with regard to Medicinal Products and Medical Devices
ZLG
KBA
KBA
All accreditations
All accreditations

Our EMC laboratories

Our EMC laboratories are equipped with high quality measurement equipment to perform different types of customized EMC tests
and to define specific EMC performance test procedures according to customer requirements.

We verify whether the specified EMC limits are met in our accredited laboratories in Essen (NRW) and the USA (Milpitas, Silicon Valley).
We have a large number of measurement capacities at our disposal in order to be able to implement your projects flexibly and promptly:

  • five 3 m measurement halls (Semi-Anechoic Chamber)
  • one 5 m measurement hall (Semi-Anechoic Chamber), e.g. for the measurement of vehicles
  • one 3 m measuring hall (Fully Anechoic Chamber)
  • one Open Area Test Site / OATS (10 m)

In order to offer our customers the highest possible capacity, flexible shielded measurement booths are also available.

Our EMC laboratories also has various additional facilities to test a wide range of different products with a wide range of characteristics:

  • Water supply
  • Exhaust extraction system
  • video surveillance
Impressions from our EMC laboratories

EMC service provider in Germany and the USA

We perform EMC testing based on various internationally harmonized EMC standards.
Our test reports are recognized by official bodies and regulatory authorities around the world.

EMC testing for products with radio technologies

In addition to regulatory radio tests for products with wireless technologies, EMC tests are also required for such products
so that they meet international standards and can be distributed in their target markets.

Here, a wide variety of specifications and limit values of the different regulatory approval regimes apply. We perform a variety of accredited EMC tests for products with wireless technologies and thus provide all services for market approval for devices with wireless technologies from a single source. This includes, among others, tests according to:

Radio Equipment Directive (RED) FCC ISED
ETSI EN 301 489-1 FCC Rule Part 15B RSS-GEN & ICES-003
ETSI EN 301 489-2
ETSI EN 301 489-3
ETSI EN 301 489-7
ETSI EN 301 489-9
ETSI EN 301 489-17
ETSI EN 301 489-19
ETSI EN 301 489-24
ETSI EN 301 489-25
ETSI EN 301 489-27
ETSI EN 301 489-33
ETSI EN 301 489-50
ETSI EN 301 489-51
ETSI EN 301 489-52

EMC tests for electrical devices

In the Electromagnetic Compatibility Act (EMVG), the legislator has made compliance with basic EMC requirements mandatory on the basis of EU Directive 2014/30/EU. For manufacturers, successful EMC testing in accordance with this directive also represents a key quality feature of their products, as it prevents product or system failures due to electromagnetic interference (EMI).

We test electrical equipment on the basis of our accreditations according to a variety of EMC standards. These include:

  • EMC testing of household appliances: The product standards EN 55014-1/-2 and EN 60730 form the basis for EMC testing of electrical household appliances (including toasters, hair dryers, food processors, microwaves, power tools, vacuum cleaners, heating ovens, slot machines, toy trains, air conditioners, etc.).
  • EMC testing of lighting equipment: In recent years, we have acquired special expertise in EMC testing of lighting equipment. For example, halogen spotlights, LED lighting, light chains, energy-saving lamps or neon lighting are tested in our EMC laboratories in accordance with EN 55015 or EN 61547.
  • EMC testing of professional audio and video equipment: Testing the electromagnetic compatibility of cameras, microphones, audio and video monitors, mixing consoles, video walls, etc. is sometimes of great importance for the risk-free operation of recording studios, large video walls for advertising. Therefore, these products are tested in our laboratories according to EN 55103-1/-2.
  • EMC tests of equipment and components of alarm systems such as smoke detectors, alarm systems, light curtains or detectors are defined in EN 50130-4.
  • EMC tests of measuring and laboratory equipment, which includes, for example, centrifuges, sensors, scales, robots, measuring transducers or similar instruments, are tested in our EMC laboratories in accordance with EN 61326-1.

Automotive EMC

Car is driving into measurement laboratory

Electromagnetic compatibility testing in the automotive environment is also essential. Our diverse service portfolio for the automotive industry also includes EMC testing.

For example, our laboratory in Essen is designated as an EMC (and eCall) technical service and holds an E1 recognition from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority for EMC testing services in accordance with the UN-R 10 05 and 06 series of amendments (Annexes 7-10 and 17-22).

In addition, EMC tests according to various direct specifications of the automobile manufacturers round off our services. These include:

  • TL81000 (VW)
  • MBN 10284 (Mercedes Benz)
  • GS95002 (BMW)

EMC Testing for medical technology

Medical is holding a Tablet-Computer which shows X-ray images

Testing of electromagnetic compatibility is important and mandatory, especially for electrical equipment used in medicine. The specifications of electromagnetic disturbances are strict, especially in the medical environment, and the results of the EMC tests must provide a reliable basis for the elimination of the disturbances.

Our EMC laboratory is accredited by the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) with the involvement of the Central Office of the Federal States for Health Protection with regard to Medicinal Products and Medical Devices (ZLG) to perform EMC tests for technical medical devices. Thus, we offer EMC test services for electrical medical devices according to the Medical Device Directive (93/42/EEC / 2007/42/EC) and Directive IEC 60601-1-2, 4th edition.

Due to our accreditation we can issue test reports to you with DAkkS and ZLG logo – for a high traceability at the certification bodies.

EMC testing of equipment in the field of railroad technology

Laboratory for EMC tests of emitted interference and noise resistance

Testing of electromagnetic compatibility of ticket vending machines, track and interlocking electronics, alarm systems, vehicle control electronics or sensors is conducted in our EMC laboratories according to the product standards of the EN 50121-x and EN 50155 series.

EMC for mechanical and industrial engineering

Directive 2006/42/EC (Machinery Directive) regulates a uniform level of protection for accident prevention for machines and partly completed machines when they are placed on the market. This also includes EMC tests, which we can perform either in our EMC test halls or in the form of on-site tests:

Hall with engineers, turbines and complex stainless steel machine components
  • On-site testing usually involves electrical real estate (so-called “fixed installations”). The authorities limit their inspections to the interference emission part and usually only take action in the event of complaints (interference with (broadcast) radio reception).
  • In the case of fixed installations, the interference immunity part of the test is an essential quality criterion for the proper functioning of the installation (e.g. production line).
  • Accordingly, an on-site test is usually carried out during operation of the plant due to the presence of radio interference (emission) or due to functional interference (immunity).
  • Since the system operator is responsible for the fixed system, he often also requires the system builder to provide corresponding evidence before commissioning.
  • In some cases, on-site testing requires a great deal of flexibility, since local conditions vary greatly.
  • According to the EMC directive/law, fixed installations do not require a formal conformity assessment in order to meet necessary standards. However, a technical documentation is required from the plant operator. This is where we come in and prepare the possible evidence for the operator to ensure EMC.

Customized EMC testing

In addition to the regulatory EMC tests that are often required for approval of your products, we also offer customized EMC testing. This allows us to define and perform tailored EMC performance test procedures according to customer requirements. The customized EMC testing services include:

  • EMC testing during development
  • Modification testing
  • Quality assurance testing (mass production testing)
  • EMC evaluation
  • Quality assurance assessment
  • On-site measurements
  • Test plan generation / test plan strategy
  • EMC consulting services to clarify national, European and international laws, regulations and guidelines

Electromagnetic environmental compatibility (EMCE)

Technical equipment for conducting EMC tests

Electromagnetic environmental compatibility (also called electromagnetic compatibility to the environment, EMCE) refers to the compatibility of the immissions of electromagnetic fields (EMF) to the environment, especially to humans. It defines limit values to ensure safety and prevent possible damage to health.

In our tests we cover frequency ranges between 0 Hz and 6 GHz – in individual cases also higher frequencies – for EMCE measurements of electric fields. For magnetic fields, frequencies up to 250 MHz are recorded and evaluated.

Thus we test, for example:

  • Power generation plants
  • Energy transfer (overhead lines, also HVDC)
  • electrical machines and devices
  • Intentional radiocommunication equipment (radios, mobile radio base stations, radar stations, etc.)
  • Other field-emitting devices and installations

Accreditations in detail

DAkkS

German Accreditation Body (DAkkS)

Our laboratories in Essen are accredited by the DAkkS in accordance with DIN ISO 17025:2018 to perform a wide range of EMC testing.

Detailed information on the scope of accreditation for our EMC laboratories in Germany can be found on our accreditation overview.

Recognized by the ZLG – The Central Authority of the Federal States for Health Protection with regard to Medicinal Products and Medical Devices

Central Authority of the Länder for Health Protection with regard to Medicinal Products and Medical Devices

Our laboratory in Essen is accredited by the DAkkS with the involvement of the ZLG to perform EMC tests for technical medical devices.

We are therefore authorised to carry out EMC testing on medical devices in accordance with the Medical Devices Directive (93/42/EEC / 2007/42/EC) and EN 60601-1-2:2015 and, as an accredited laboratory, to issue test reports with the DAkkS and ZLG labels.

KBA

Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA)

Our know-how and competence in the field of automotive EMC is reflected in the designation of cetecom advanced as a technical service (E1), among others for EMC. In our laboratories in Essen we perform test services for electromagnetic compatibility according to UN-R 10 series of amendments 05 and 06 (annexes 7-10 and 17-22).

A2LA

A2LA

Our laboratory in the USA holds the DIN EN ISO 17025 accreditation of the A2LA for EMC services and can therefore also offer accredited test services in the field of EMC.

Expert knowledge EMC Testing

What is (electromagnetic) immunity?

In high-frequency technology, it refers to the ability of a system to operate perfectly against an external source of interference up to a predefined level or setpoint. In the EMC measurement, a higher interference quantity is usually selected than that which occurs in practice – for later interference-free operation.

What does (electromagnetic) emitted interference or interference emission mean?

It is the technical term for the undesirable property of an electrical or electronic device to operate as a source of electromagnetic interference and thus to interfere with other devices. A distinction is made between conducted interference emission (also radio interference voltage) and field-bound interference emission (or radio interference radiation).

In test environments, tolerable emitted interference is defined by means of limit values – also in EMC testing.
If these are exceeded, measures for radio interference suppression are required. This is the case for most devices.

When is EMC testing required?

EMC testing is essential to ensure the interference-free, safe and reliable operation of a product and to comply with legal regulations.

Which products are subjected to EMC testing?

All technical devices from the areas:

  • industrial engineering
  • Consumer electronics
  • Automotive Engineering
  • Aerospace
  • Military Technology
  • Medical Technology
  • Information Technology

Are you interested in more details on this topic or are you looking for answers to urgent questions? Please contact us. Benefit from our expert support for all challenges regarding the market approval of your products.

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