Metrology for emerging electromagnetic compatibility standards

All electronic equipment emits low-power radio frequency and microwave fields that can interact adversely with other nearby devices, damaging or impairing their function. Therefore, before release within the European Market all electronic  items must demonstrate compliance to the European electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Directive 2014/30/EU using harmonised EMC standards. 

However, as new interference scenarios are identified due to emerging radio services and the state-of-the-art technologies employed in, for example, Smart Grids, IoT, electromobility and sustainable energy applications, the current standardised EMC testing methodologies such as CISPR 11, 16 and 37 (currently under development) adopted by EMC test laboratories are no longer sufficient or applicable. This includes validated and traceable methods to assess EMC for in situ testing of large‑size/high-power equipment and interference in modern wireless communications.

This project addressed this problem, developing new electromagnetic emissions test methods for harsh environments, such as factory premises and photovoltaic installations, covering the emission testing frequency ranges 30 Hz – 150 kHz and 150 kHz – 30 MHz. Fully traceable time-domain measurement methods, required for electromagnetic interference (EMI) measurements, have been developed along with new calibration techniques and the statistical evaluation of interferences in compliance assessments. An Amplitude Probability Distribution detector was also produced for use in assessing the degradation caused to digital networks when subject to EMI.

The work is anticipated to significantly contribute to the development of CISPR 37 and to the future revisions of CISPR 11 and CISPR 16, supporting the EMC directive and ensuring all electronics sold in the EU will be free from problems caused by electromagnetic interference.