There has been an increase in radio frequency and electromagnetic interference produced by electronic devices and their components, as well as interconnecting cables. Many electronic gadgets these days receive and transmit signals. These processes generate electromagnetic signals that can interfere with the operation of some electronic devices. The interference can also cause a malfunction in commonly used electronic devices like medical equipment, computers, TVs and radios.

EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) testing is done to detect the sources of these electromagnetic signals to minimise the potential of interference with other electronic equipment in the vicinity. EMC testing also measures the susceptibility of electronic devices to electromagnetic signals emitted by nearby devices.

EMC Test Equipment

EMC Test Equipment includes the tools and devices used in the assessment of electromagnetic interference and the susceptibility of electronic devices to this interference. EMC testing involves measuring both electromagnetic emissions and susceptibility. This is done by silencing the origins of interference, making the potential victim devices less vulnerable, and/or making the coupling path between the victim and source less efficient.

What Equipment Do You Need to Do EMC Testing?

To do EMC testing, it is best to hire professionals to do the tests for you. There is a wide variety of EMC testing equipment, so therefore it’s crucial to know what equipment is the most appropriate for the device being tested. For instance, a computer would need a different type of test equipment compared to a phone.

EMC tests are typically carried out in a screen room and most of the test equipment is made up of spectrum analysers, receivers and generators. Setting up your own lab can be costly and is not always that effective, and that’s why most people prefer to work with a professional lab instead.

What Does EMC Test Equipment Do?

The main function of EMC test equipment is to allow the user to perform determine EMC, or Electromagnetic Compatibility testing. The results of EMC tests will indicate the level of emission from, or immunity to other electromagnetic interference from other electronic equipment, thus determining if they are compatible or not in the environment in which they will be used.

For example, using certain wireless devices at a medical facility may cause disruptions in the operation of vital medical equipment, leading to serious implications.

Important Things About EMC Test Equipment

Types of Equipment

As already mentioned, there is a wide range of EMC Testing Equipment available for different EMC measurement procedures for electronic devices in different environments. These devices allow the measurement of various different EMC phenomena as the devices can vary with their plugs, resistors, generator capacities, simulators and voltage sources. 

Different types of equipment undergoing EMC testing may also require changes to the EMC test equipment selected based on the amount of power needed by the device being tested. This can include what load condition and in what mode or setting the equipment is to be configured. The most appropriate test equipment is used such as the following:

  1. Absorbers

Absorbers are the most crucial type of equipment used in EMC testing. Regardless of the device being tested and in what context, absorbers are absolutely crucial in determining the electromagnetic compatibility of an electronic device. Absorbers convert incoming electromagnetic signals into heat. Without this crucial conversion of energy, there could be a serious risk of electromagnetic radiation in the locations where these tests are conducted.

  1. Antennas

Antennas help in managing the levels of radiation. There are many types of antennas used in EMC testing, and the type you choose should be influenced by the size of the equipment you are testing and the amount of radiation you expect it to produce. This is very important to the safety of the process. Precise calculations need to be made in order to maintain low levels of radiation in the testing lab.

Summary

These are some of the things you need to know when selecting the right EMC test equipment for your product or device testing. It’s not advisable to pick a specific piece of equipment because it’s more affordable as it might not provide the required absorption of power. For accurate and reliable EMC testing, it is essential to consult a professional EMC test lab.

Compliance Engineering offers accredited testing services for a broad range of products in particular compliance with EMC and EMI regulations in Australia. We provide the highest standard of environmental testing that measures the performance of specific products under particular environmental conditions.

Please call us today at Compliance Engineering on + 61 3 9763 3079 or request a quote.