EMC tests and electromagnetic compatibility certification
Electromagnetic compatibility tests (EMC tests) are used to verify that the equipment is immune to external disturbances and does not produce signals that disturb other equipment.
Sicom Testing combines the necessary skills and specific technology to evaluate a wide variety of electrical, electronic and radio equipment.
Electromagnetic compatibility
Electromagnetic compatibility is a discipline of electrical and electronic engineering and is intended to ensure that multiple pieces of equipment, operating close to or interconnected with each other, continue to function correctly without disturbing each other.
To ensure compatibility between two devices, two must be respected fundamental requirements:
- the equipment must not emit too much noise,
- the equipment must not be too sensitive to disturbances.
Electromagnetic compatibility, in addition to disturbances coming from electrical and electronic equipment, takes into consideration two other important sources of disturbances:
- voltage pulses generated by meteorological phenomena and lightning,
- electrostatic discharges originating mainly from human contact with the equipment.
In general the transmission of electromagnetic fields follows two possible routes:
- the route taken,
- the irradiated path.
The disturbance is transmitted in a radiated manner when it propagates in free space, while it is transmitted in a conducted manner when it runs along the interconnection cables of the equipment.
Although the principles are relatively simple, the verification techniques differ depending on the product to be tested and, in different cases, specific test environments and specific instrumentation are required.
Directive 2004/108/EC establishes the electromagnetic compatibility requirements.
EMC certification certifies "the suitability of an equipment to function satisfactorily even in the presence of electromagnetic fields and without producing unacceptable electromagnetic disturbances in other nearby equipment".