If you’re manufacturing an electronic device and plan to market it to the public, you will need to complete electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing before selling your device.
Electromagnetic compatibility testing measures your device’s ability to function optimally within its electromagnetic environment. This type of testing is required for almost all electrical devices and is often a necessary step in receiving legal market access.
As specialists in EMC testing and compliance, we offer a range of testing services to help you bring your device to market and comply with laws such as FCC Part 15 and EU directives.
If you would like help with EMC testing and compliance, you can contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287 to talk to our engineers, or to request a free quote for your device.
You can also continue reading below to learn more about what EMC testing is, why it’s vital for electronic devices, and common testing methods used to verify that your device complies with electromagnetic compatibility standards.
What is Electromagnetic Compatibility Testing?
Electromagnetic compatibility testing, or EMC testing, is a key process that ensures electronic devices can operate properly within their intended electromagnetic environment.
EMC testing assesses whether a device can function without interfering with other devices, as well as how effectively a device can function without being affected by interference caused by other devices within its environment.
Learn more about electromagnetic compatibility and electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Common Electromagnetic Compatibility Tests
Radiated Emissions Testing
Radiated emissions testing measures the electromagnetic energy that’s emitted from a device into its shared environment. Radiated emissions travel via air and can cause interference that may affect other electronic devices.
This type of EMC testing is performed by placing your device inside an anechoic chamber that absorbs reflections of electromagnetic waves. Your device’s radiated emissions are measured using specialized antennas and receivers.
Learn more about radiated emissions testing.
Conducted Emissions Testing
Conducted emissions testing evaluates electromagnetic noise conducted along power and/or signal lines from your device. This noise can affect other devices that operate using the same power and/or signal lines.
This type of EMC testing is performed using line impedance stabilization networks (LISNs) to measure the noise levels on your device’s power lines.
Learn more about conducted emissions testing.
Radiated Immunity Testing
Radiated immunity testing evaluates your electronic device’s ability to operate normally when exposed to electromagnetic fields, such as fields that may be produced by consumer devices, industrial equipment and other radio transmitters.
During testing, your device is exposed to electromagnetic fields or varying strengths, while its performance is monitored for malfunctions and/or degradation.
Learn more about radiated immunity testing.
Magnetic Field Immunity Testing
Magnetic field immunity testing assesses your device’s ability to operate normally when it is exposed to external magnetic fields. This type of testing is important for devices that may be used in areas with strong magnetic fields, such as industrial sites or near power lines.
This type of testing involves subjecting your device to magnetic fields of different strengths, while checking its functionality to verify it can operate unaffected.
Surge Immunity Testing
Surge immunity testing measures how well your device can withstand voltage surges, such as those caused by switching operations on the power network or natural weather events such as lightning strikes.
This type of testing is important for protecting electronic devices from damage or malfunctions due to spikes in voltage. Your device is exposed to simulated surge events while its operations are observed and evaluated.
Electrical Fast Transient (EFT) Immunity Testing
Electrical fast transient immunity testing (EFT immunity testing or burst testing), evaluates your device’s ability to tolerate fast transient disturbances. These disturbances can potentially cause malfunctions, data loss and damage to electronic devices.
This type of testing involves exposing your device to bursts of fast transients and monitoring its performance to verify it can function normally.
Flicker Testing
Flicker testing measures any fluctuations in voltage that your device might cause on the power supply network. These fluctuations can lead to flickering in light systems, and may affect other connected equipment.
This type of testing is important for devices with compressors, motors and other components that draw varying amounts of power. Testing involves measuring variations in voltage to check that they remain within acceptable limits.
Harmonic Testing
Harmonic testing checks whether your device generates harmonics that may distort the power supply waveform. Harmonics are unwanted, higher-frequency components of electrical current that can impact the quality of the power supply and affect connected devices.
This type of testing involves connecting your device to a power analyzer that measures its levels of harmonic distortion.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Testing
Electrostatic discharge testing, or ESD testing, involves testing your electronic device’s ability to withstand electrostatic discharges, which occur when a charged object comes into contact with the device.
These discharges can cause malfunctions, data loss and damage to devices. Testing involves simulating ESD events by discharging static electricity into the device at various points, while verifying that it continues to operate correctly.
Learn more about electrostatic discharge testing.
Contact Us About EMC Testing & Compliance
As an ANSI-accredited testing lab and FCC-recognized Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB), we specialize in EMC testing for devices of all types. Our team can complete testing for your device and assist you in gaining FCC, CE and other certification marks.
To request a quote for testing and certifying your device, or to ask us your questions about the testing and compliance process, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.
