If you’re an electronic device manufacturer, you’re likely familiar with the need to carry out tests for your device before bringing it onto the market. One critical type of testing is electromagnetic compatibility testing, or EMC testing. 

Conducted immunity testing is a type of EMC test that involves measuring your device’s ability to withstand electromagnetic noise from signal or power lines. 

In the United States, the FCC mandates that devices demonstrate a certain level of conducted immunity as part of the FCC Part 15 rules. Similar regulations in other markets, such as the EU EMC Directive, also require devices to pass conducted immunity testing.

As accredited specialists in electrical device testing, we can complete conducted immunity tests for your device and help you achieve compliance with FCC Part 15 and other regulations.

To request a quote for your device, or to ask our engineers a question about the compliance and testing process, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.

What is Conducted Immunity?

Conducted immunity is the ability of an electronic device to continue operating as normal when it’s exposed to electromagnetic disturbances, such as electrical noise and interference, from its signal or power lines.

Devices that lack conducted immunity may fail to function properly, provide inaccurate readings, or malfunction when exposed to interference. 

Conducted immunity is important, because electronic devices are constantly exposed to some degree of noise and interference. For example, a device that lacks immunity may stop working when it’s close to a microwave or cell tower, or if it shares a power supply with another device. 

Testing for conducted immunity ensures that such scenarios don’t pose any risk to your device, and that end users can use your device without these risks.

How Does Conducted Immunity Testing Work?

Conducted immunity testing involves setting up your device in a safe, controlled environment, then exposing it to disturbances that emulate the electromagnetic disturbances that occur in a real-life environment. 

The main steps involved in conducted immunity testing include:

• Setting up the device. Your device will be set up in a controlled environment, such as on a test bench or inside a shielded room. This environment prevents electromagnetic fields from outside the testing area from influencing the test results.
• Applying disturbances. Your device is subjected to disturbances through its cables, including its power supply and/or signal lines. These include voltage dips, conducted radiofrequency disturbances, electrical surges and other disturbances.
• Monitoring device performance. While the disturbances are applied, your device is monitored to assess its performance. Testers will assess your device’s ability to keep operating and look for malfunctions.
• Post-testing analysis. Following testing, data is analyzed to assess your electronic device’s immunity level. If your device fails to meet the relevant standard, it will need additional testing and may require design changes to improve immunity. 

Conducted Immunity Testing & EMC Compliance

Electromagnetic compatibility compliance is mandatory for most electrical devices that go onto the market. EMC involves two key components. The first, emissions, refers to electromagnetic noise that’s generated by a device.

The second, immunity, refers to how resistant a device is to electromagnetic disturbances from other devices. Conducted immunity testing forms a sizable part of the immunity aspect of EMC testing. 

Several international regulations govern these standards:

FCC Part 15

In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission sets standards for conducted immunity as part of the FCC Part 15 rules. These rules regulate the emission of RF energy by electronic devices.

While Part 15 mostly focuses on emissions, it also influences immunity standards for electrical devices. Compliance with FCC Part 15 is mandatory if you intend to market your product in the United States. 

EU EMC Directive

The European Union’s Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC Directive) sets minimum performance standards for the emissions and immunity of electronic devices marketed within EU and EEA member states.

To market your produce in the EU, you’ll need to ensure it meets the specified immunity levels to avoid causing or being affected by electromagnetic interference.

RED Directive

The Radio Equipment Directive, or RED, applies to all equipment that uses the radio frequency spectrum. It’s a European Union regulation that covers both emissions from radio devices and immunity to electromagnetic disturbances. 

If your electrical device uses the radio frequency spectrum, compliance with RED is mandatory if you plan to market it within the European Union. 

Other Regulations

• International standards. International electrical standards organizations, such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), also produce standards for immunity and electromagnetic compatibility.
• Industry-specific regulations. Depending on the specific product type, there may be conducted immunity and other EMC regulations within a certain industry. 

Contact Us About Conducted Immunity Testing

If you’re an electronics manufacturer, it’s critically important that your device adheres to EMC regulations, including standards for conducted immunity.

Achieving compliance with regulations such as FCC Part 15, the EU EMC Directive and others allows you to access the world’s most important markets, all while ensuring your device meets the highest standards for electromagnetic compatibility, reliability and quality. 

As an accredited testing lab, we’ve helped hundreds of manufacturers complete lab testing for their devices and achieve compliance. 

To request a quote for your device or ask our engineering team any questions about the testing and compliance process, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.