top of page

Test Standards

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standards establish the guidelines, rules, and procedures for ensuring that electrical and electronic devices operate harmoniously without causing or being affected by electromagnetic interference (EMI). These standards cover emission limits, immunity levels, test methods, and compliance requirements.

 

EMC Compliance for Market Entry

To be marketed in a specific region, a device must meet two primary EMC requirements:

  1. Electromagnetic Emissions: The product's EMI emissions during operation must not exceed the limits defined in relevant standards.

  2. Immunity to Interference: The device must demonstrate sufficient resistance to external EMI as per the applicable standards.

This compliance is confirmed through EMC testing, which assesses both emissions and immunity. Products that pass these tests are deemed EMC-compliant and are eligible for market sale.

 

EMC testing includes:

  • Emission Testing: Measures the EMI emitted by a product during operation.

  • Immunity Testing: Evaluates the product's resilience to external electromagnetic disturbances.

Testing typically occurs in controlled laboratory environments using specialized equipment and follows detailed procedures outlined in the relevant standards.

​

Why EMC Standards Matter

  • Interference Mitigation: Prevents devices from interfering with each other, ensuring optimal performance. For example, without EMC standards, a smartphone could disrupt an aircraft’s navigation system.

  • Safety Assurance: Protects critical systems, such as medical devices and automotive electronics, from electromagnetic disturbances.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Meeting EMC standards is often a legal requirement for market access and helps manufacturers avoid penalties.

  • Consumer Confidence: EMC-compliant products are perceived as reliable and safe, enhancing brand reputation.

 

Organizations Developing EMC Standards

EMC standards are created by both international and national regulatory bodies, including:

  • IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission): Publishes global EMC standards.

  • Regional Agencies: Examples include FCC (USA), CENELEC (Europe), VDE (Germany), BIS (India), and JISC (Japan).

While standards may vary slightly across regions, their core principles remain consistent.

 

Types of EMC Standards

EMC standards are categorized into four main types:

  1. Basic EMC Standards: Define foundational rules, terminology, and testing methods. Examples include IEC 61000-4-7 and IEC 61000-4-X series.

  2. Product Standards: Apply to specific products, such as IEC 62104 for DAB receivers.

  3. Product Family Standards: Cover groups of related products, like CISPR 32 for IT equipment.

  4. Generic Standards: Apply to broad environments (e.g., residential or industrial) when no specific product standard exists, such as IEC 61000-6-3 for residential environments.

 

Tailored EMC Solutions

Whether your product requires adherence to basic, product-specific, or generic standards, EMC compliance ensures safe, reliable operation and market readiness. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist with EMC testing and certification for your devices.

bottom of page