How To Get Your Products Through EMC/EMI Compliance Tests
EMC/EMI tests are in place to ensure the safety of individuals using electrical or electronic products. All products prone to or emitting electromagnetic interference must be certified for EMC compliance. Most companies use a particular test house or test facility to ensure compliance with the regulations. They conduct EMC pre-compliance testing and compliance testing to ensure their devices are compliant.
Testing your device during the design phase is the most effective approach as this allows you to fix all the EMI problems before the comprehensive compliance testing. This will ensure that your products consistently meet the EMC testing requirements, passing EMC compliance and saving you a significant amount of time and money down the track.
What Is EMC/EMI Compliance Testing?
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is the capability of systems and devices functioning in their electromagnetic environment. EMC and compliance have a lot to do with electromagnetic energy and how it may result in Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) in its operable environment.
The Australian EMC regulations require that electronic and electrical equipment be tested, registered, certified, and labelled as compliant with the set standards. EMC compliance testing is fundamentally a test that establishes whether or not electronic products are compliant with the set EMC standards. You can demonstrate compliance through an accredited test conducted in accredited EMC testing labs.
There are three ways EMC compliance testing is conducted:
- It can be conducted by emission, which is the generation of electromagnetic energy and how it is released into the environment, through susceptibility or:
- The tendency of electrical equipment to malfunction and cause unintended operation and;
- Lastly, through coupling, which is how the emitted interference gets to a victim. A radiated emissions test is the most popular EMC test.
Examples Of EMC Compatibility
Here are examples of EMC compatibility, which depict the risk that comes with electromagnetic emissions and how these emissions affect victims:
- The risks of having your mobile phone close to your head for extended periods: There is an ongoing debate and research about the different risks associated with placing, carrying, or holding your mobile phone too close to your head for extended periods. In this scenario, you are a victim.
- Aeroplane passengers being asked to switch off their electronic devices: When you are in an aircraft, and there is an announcement asking you to switch off your tablet, laptop, and mobile phone, it reflects the risk. The risk is that electromagnetic emissions from these devices may interfere with the sensitive electronic guidance systems found on the aircraft that ensure you land safely. In this case, you are the onboard guidance system.
4 Ways To Get Products Through EMC/EMI Compliance Tests
1). Define the use of your product: The EMC test requirements of products will vary depending on their use and where they are being used. For instance, the EMC requirements of a device used in healthcare and one used in the house will vary. So it is essential to determine the power supply your device needs, its use, and its place of use.
2). Target market: After defining the use of your product, you need to establish your target market. The Australian EMC testing and testing requirements differ from those in the US, so your product must meet the testing requirement of its target market.
3). Integrate testing in the development stage: Integrate testing throughout the product’s design phase. This allows you to evaluate different designs and components for EMC compliance during the design stage. You can select the correct parts for your product through early testing and avoid using the non-compliant ones.
4). Immediately address non-compliance: If you identify any non-compliant parts or other issues during EMC testing, ensure you address them instantly. This allows you to speed up the retesting process and also presents the opportunity for a successful and flawless regulatory review and approval.
Final Thoughts
Without conducting an EMC compliance test, it is impossible to tell whether or not your product is electromagnetically compatible. You will not be aware of a specific mode of operation that radiates electromagnetic radiation and to what extent emissions in this mode surpass the permissible limit. It is necessary to conduct an EMC compliance test to ensure your device is compliant.
EMC Testing And Certification
EMC testing is vital and mandatory as mandated by the Australian EMC regulations. It ensures that your electronic products are compliant with the set standards. Do you want to test whether your products are compliant? At Compliance Engineering, we offer comprehensive EMC testing and certification for all electronic products and components.
Please call us today at Compliance Engineering on + 61 3 9763 3079 or request a quote.