EMC Test Services

Whilst there are many tests for EMC, they can be categorised as either emissions or immunity (also referred to as susceptibility). In essence the concept of performing emission tests (to limit the electrical noise) and immunity (to ensure that it is immune) provides a compatibility gap in the middle such that true electromagnetic compatibility is achieved.

• Emissions – defined as the electromagnetic disturbance generated does not exceed the level above which radio and telecommunications equipment or other equipment cannot operate as intended and;

• Immunity (or otherwise known as susceptibility) which is defined as a level of immunity to the electromagnetic disturbance to be expected in its intended use which allows it to operate without unacceptable degradation of its intended use.

In addition there is a category within the EU which forms part of the EMC Directive which is technically neither emissions nor immunity. These tests are electrical by nature and cover phenomena such as voltage harmonics, fluctuations and flicker.

The purpose of performing EMC tests for defence products, whilst the result will be the same, is however different. Defence products need to be tested to ensure that their radio communication systems work in the environment they are intended which in some instance can be completely different to a civil one.