What is EMC Testing?
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing is a process that involves testing electronic devices in a laboratory environment to verify that they can operate without causing, or being affected by, electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Electromagnetic interference can seriously affect the functioning of electronic devices. Imagine if your smartphone started developing glitches, or its screen stopped working properly, because of electromagnetic emissions caused by a nearby device.
A home or business location may contain tens or thousands of different electronic devices, each of which emits a small amount of electromagnetic radiation. EMC testing ensures these devices can function correctly, without causing performance or safety issues for one-another.
EMC testing is performed in a testing lab equipped with an anechoic chamber. This chamber is a special environment that’s shielded from outside interference and designed using materials to absorb electromagnetic energy, allowing for highly accurate testing of your device.
Inside this environment, testing equipment can be used to measure an electronic device’s radio frequency (RF) emissions, as well as its immunity to emissions from other devices.
Many countries and markets have regulations that require devices to pass EMC testing to enter onto the market.
In the United States, FCC Part 15 sets electromagnetic compatibility requirements for electronic products. Similar regulations, such as the EMC Directive and Radio Equipment Directive, apply to devices marketed in the European Union.
List of EMC Testing Methods
Several different testing methods are used to measure a device’s electromagnetic compatibility and verify compliance with EMC regulations like FCC Part 15.
These include radiated emissions testing, conducted emissions testing, immunity testing, surge testing, and harmonics and flicker testing.
Radiated Emissions Testing
Radiated emissions testing measures electromagnetic radiation emitted from your device into its surrounding environment. These emissions are released into the air from your electronic device, and can cause electromagnetic interference when they come into contact with other devices.
Because radiate emissions can affect the performance of nearby devices, verifying that radiated emissions from your device are within FCC Part 15 limits is a key part of EMC testing.
During radiated emissions testing, your device is placed inside an anechoic chamber and tested across a range of frequencies with antennas and spectrum analyzers. These testing results are compared against regulatory standards to determine if your device is compliant.
Learn more about radiated emissions testing.
Conducted Emissions Testing
Conducted emissions testing measures electromagnetic interference emitted from your device through its power cords or signal lines. This type of interference can travel via electrical wiring and affect other devices connected to the same network or power source.
Testing conducted emissions involves connecting your device to a Line Impedance Stabilization Network (LISN) to measure its generated interference. This interference is compared against a range of regulatory limits, including standards that apply to your electronic device.
Learn more about conducted emissions testing.
Immunity Testing
Immunity testing involves assessing your electronic device’s ability to withstand electromagnetic interference from other sources. This type of testing verifies that your device can operate within a shared environment, such as a home living room, office space or industrial setting.
Several EMC testing methods are used to measure electromagnetic immunity:
- Radiated immunity testing. Radiated immunity testing measures your device’s ability to operate when exposed to radiated emissions.
- Conducted immunity testing. Conducted immunity testing measures your electronic device’s ability to resist electromagnetic interference transferred via its power or signal lines.
- Electrostatic discharge (ESD) testing. Electrostatic discharge testing simulates the effects of static electricity discharge, which can occur when a person touches a device.
Learn more about electromagnetic immunity testing.
Surge Testing
Surge testing involves evaluating your device’s ability to withstand sudden voltage spikes, such as those caused by power surges or lightning strikes. These spikes can damage components in electronic devices, potentially leading to device failure and/or fire risks.
Testing your device’s ability to withstand power surges involves subjecting your device to spikes in voltage in a controlled environment.
Harmonics and Flicker Testing
Harmonics and flicker testing involves assessing how your device may impact the power supply network. Harmonics are distortions in the electrical waveform that can affect electrical wiring or equipment, while flicker refers to changes in light intensity caused by voltage fluctuations.
This type of testing involves measuring and analyzing your device’s power consumption, and its impact on voltage stability.
Contact Us About EMC Testing & Compliance
As an ANSI-accredited testing lab and FCC-recognized Telecommunications Certification Body, we specialize in testing electronic devices and completing the FCC certification, CE certification and other regulatory compliance processes.
Our team can help you to learn more about all relevant regulatory compliance requirements for your device and assist you to gain the necessary compliance marks to sell your device in your target markets.
To request a quote for your device or ask our engineering team your questions, reach out to us online or call us at 866-540-5287.
