Every EMC immunity test begins with one essential question: what field strength level is required to ensure the device is fully compliant? The next question is: how is the right field level acquired? Accurate E-field measurements are the foundation for accurate immunity testing.
To establish the desired field level, e-field probes are used. The accuracy of the E-field probe is therefore crucial.
The next challenge is to get the field strength up to this level. This sounds easy but a lot of factors must be considered. For example, the dimensions of the GTEM cell or test chamber, the lengths of RF power cables, the performance of used amplifiers and the gain of antennas. In any case, it is crucial to determine accurate values.
Consequences of incorrect measurements
If the field strength measurements deviate, this can be either upward or downward. Generating too little field strength (under-testing) can mask weaknesses in your design. This will probably lead to non-compliant products reaching the market. As a result, your company’s reputation will suffer, customers may file complaints or even claims, and in the worst case, people may get hurt. Anyway, it will hurt your company’s bottom line.
On the other hand, generating too much field may cause the unnecessary fail of an immunity test. This will probably lead to rework or even redesigns that are not needed, this potentially adds to the development costs and delays in product development.
Accurate measurements ensure that test results reflect the product’s true performance, and are not influenced by errors in the setup.
It is for a reason that Paul McNulty, former US deputy attorney general, once said: “If you think compliance is expensive, try non-compliance.”
RadiSense® field probes from Raditeq are designed for accurate EMC field measurements. RadiSense field probes measure electric field strength with extremely high accuracy, due to its low anisotropy across its entire frequency range. Whether for testing in accordance to EN 61000-4-3, ISO 11451-2, MIlStd. 461 RS103 or using reverberation chambers, RadiSense® ensures fast, accurate and reliable results.
In EMC testing, precision is key. The closer your measurements reflect reality, the more confidently you can prove compliance and ensure a reliable product.