Electromagnetic compatibility testing (EMC testing)

Electromagnetic compatibility testing (EMC testing) consists of a series of tests that measure whether electronic devices, equipment and systems function satisfactorily in their electromagnetic environment. Functioning satisfactorily means it should not introduce intolerable electromagnetic disturbance to anything in that environment. 

To achieve this, equipment containing electrical, mechanical or electronic components should be set up with the correct level of electromagnetic immunity. Thereby, you can ensure that your product will not affect or be affected by the performance of others around it as product emissions (electromagnetic waves) do not interfere with one another.

Given the proliferation of electronic devices in modern daily life, the ability for a product to withstand a specified level of external electromagnetic interference can be crucial. Only if electromagnetic equipment is safe interference-related problems such as malfunctions, data corruption and safety hazards can be avoided. Electromagnetic compatibility testing evaluates and validates this. 

The complexity of this testing means you need comprehensive test setups and methodologies. This complexity is because there are many diverse components and subsystems in modern electronic devices. These components operate at various frequencies and with different electromagnetic characteristics. This means that EMC testing must cover a wide range of frequencies, from very low frequencies (VLF) to radio frequencies (RF) and beyond. This also means that accurate measurements are important. 

To cover this complete range of testing, a variety of EMC regulations have emerged around the world. EMC certification is a mandatory requirement in most markets, including Europe, the US, China, Korea, Australia and New Zealand. EMC testing is necessary to help you meet regulatory requirements, improve product performance and reduce the risk of costly non-compliance. Third-party EMC test labs like those offered by TÜV SÜD can conduct conformity assessments and strengthen your competitive position in the market. 

With our comprehensive EMC testing services, we help you identify potential electromagnetic compatibility issues early in the development lifecycle. This allows you to address them and make any design modifications needed before you bring your products to market. 

Our experts offer comprehensive electromagnetic compatibility testing and certification from design concept to final production based on their complete knowledge of EMC legislation, guidelines, and standards. Our testing portfolio covers all types of products, from small appliances to large industry machines. During test cycles, our experts provide efficient project management to ensure that your EMC tests run smoothly. 

After your equipment passes EMC tests successfully in one of our state-of-the-art worldwide labs, we also support you in receiving EMC certifications. Our experts’ extensive knowledge of EMC regulatory requirements is global and up to date. Therefore, we help you ensure product compliance according to your market access needs – whichever region you are looking to target.

Depending on your specific needs, the appropriate certifications could include: 

CE Marking: Any product marketed within the European Union must carry a CE Mark to demonstrate that it matches the minimum compatibility requirements of the EMC Directive. Verified by the EU as a Competent Body for the EMC Directive, TÜV SÜD is an expert in helping you to meet these vital requirements. We offer a commitment to excellence that will help you to get your products compliant with confidence. 

TÜV SÜD Mark: While CE marking can demonstrate that minimum standards have been met, third party testing can demonstrate an even greater commitment to quality. In addition to CE marking, TÜV SÜD can assess products for its own TÜV SÜD Mark, which not only indicates that a product meets essential safety requirements, but also that it has been tested, evaluated and certified by one of the most respected names in product safety. Recognised around the world, the TÜV SÜD Mark gives your products a significant advantage over the competition.

You can choose to have tests performed at our labs, on your premises or anywhere your product is installed. We issue Notify Body CE EMC certificate for successful on-site testing. We can also issue CE RED certificate for RF devices.

We offer comprehensive EMC testing and certification services, typically involving two main testing aspects: 

Emissions Testing 
This measures the electromagnetic disturbances emitted by a device or equipment when it is in operation. The emissions are measured across a range of frequencies to assess compliance with regulatory limits and standards. 

We offer the following EMC emission tests: 

• Conducted emissions (continuous and discontinuous interference)
• Harmonic current emission 
• Radiated emissions 
• On-site EMC testing 
• Magnetic field measurement (EMF) 
• Electric field measurement (EMF) 
• Electromagnetic field measurement (EMF)
• Induced current density due to the electric field (EMF for lighting equipment) 

 

Immunity Testing 
This subjects a device or equipment to electromagnetic fields generated by external sources, such as radio frequency (RF) transmitters or power lines, to assess its resilience to electromagnetic interference. The device's performance is evaluated to determine whether it continues to operate correctly in the presence of interference. 

We offer the following EMC immunity tests: 

• Antenna immunity to RF voltage 
• Antenna input immunity 
• Antenna screening effectiveness 
• Conducted disturbances immunity 
• Electrostatic discharge (ESD) immunity 
• Electrical disturbances from conduction and coupling immunity for vehicles 
• Electrical fast transient / burst immunity 
• Harmonics and interharmonics immunity 
• Immunity from radiated fields 
• Immunity to induced voltages 
• Power frequency magnetic field / oscillatory waves immunity 
• Power interference 
• Power supply conditioning 
• Radiated field immunity 
• Voltage fluctuation / flicker 
• Voltage surge immunity 
• Voltage dips / interruptions immunity