Panel For Example Panel For Example Panel For Example

EMC Test Standards and Key Test Items

Author : Adrian September 19, 2025

EMC Test Standards and Key Test Items

Overview

EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) testing verifies that electronic equipment operates correctly in its electromagnetic environment and does not cause unacceptable interference to other devices or systems. Below are common EMC standards and the main types of tests.

Common EMC Standards

  1. CISPR (International Special Committee on Radio Interference): A series of standards that limit and measure radiated and conducted interference from electronic equipment. CISPR 22 applies to information technology equipment, while CISPR 25 applies to automotive and related equipment.
  2. EN (European Norm): European EMC standards such as EN 55022 (limits for radiated interference from information technology equipment) and EN 61000-4-x (tests and measurements for conducted and radiated disturbances).
  3. FCC (Federal Communications Commission): US federal standards, including FCC Part 15 (limits on radiated interference from information technology equipment) and FCC Part 18 (limits on radiated interference from industrial, scientific, and medical equipment).
  4. IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission): A set of international EMC standards, for example IEC 61000-3-x (limits related to spectrum power density) and IEC 61000-4-x (tests for conducted and radiated disturbances such as electromagnetic pulses).

Main EMC Test Items

  • Radiated emission test: Measures the level of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the equipment to ensure compliance within specified frequency ranges.
  • Conducted emission test: Detects electromagnetic energy conducted from the equipment via power lines, signal lines, or ground, which could affect other devices.
  • Electrostatic discharge (ESD) test: Evaluates the equipment's immunity to electrostatic discharge events.
  • Inductive coupling test: Assesses susceptibility to interference when exposed to external electromagnetic fields.
  • Radar detection test: Evaluates whether the equipment is sensitive to radar signals, for example its response to aircraft radar systems.

These are common examples of EMC standards and test items. Specific testing requirements vary by application and region, so applicable tests should be selected based on the relevant standards and regulations.

Recommended Reading
How to Choose the Right EMI Filter: 8 Selection Parameters

How to Choose the Right EMI Filter: 8 Selection Parameters

September 19, 2025

Select an EMI filter by checking rated voltage/current, leakage, stages and cutoff frequency, and comparing insertion loss to conducted emissions from EMC tests.

Article
Preventing EMI from Entering PCB Circuits

Preventing EMI from Entering PCB Circuits

September 19, 2025

Practical PCB design guidelines to control EMC and EMI: grounding, analog/digital separation, routing angles, via management, filtering and shielding techniques.

Article
How Filters, Common-Mode Chokes and Ferrite Suppress EMI

How Filters, Common-Mode Chokes and Ferrite Suppress EMI

September 19, 2025

Overview of EMC filtering: behavior and selection of filter capacitors, common-mode chokes, and ferrite beads, with high-frequency performance, mounting, and thermal considerations.

Article
Devices That Produce Ionizing Radiation

Devices That Produce Ionizing Radiation

September 19, 2025

Overview of devices producing ionizing radiation (radiation therapy, nuclear medicine) with contrasts between electromagnetic and ionizing radiation and safety measures.

Article
Basics of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Design

Basics of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Design

September 19, 2025

Technical overview of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and testing, covering theoretical foundations, interference sources, ESD immunity, surge and anechoic chamber test methods.

Article
Common EMC Filtering Methods and Key Considerations

Common EMC Filtering Methods and Key Considerations

September 19, 2025

Technical overview of EMC filtering techniques—magnetic, capacitive, impedance and band-pass filters—selection criteria, frequency ranges, grounding, and installation guidance.

Article