Whole vehicle EMC testing
TRaC is UKAS accredited for the EMC testing of whole vehicles as well as electronic sub-assemblies (ESA's).
The EMC testing of a whole vehicle is different to ESA's since there are no conducted tests to be performed (the vehicle is assumed to be a self contained unit). The following tests are typically performed while the vehicle is travelling at a set speed with constant RPM.
- Broadband and narrowband disturbances (Radiated emissions)
- Radiated electromagnetic immunity
In addition to the above tests, the radiated immunity test is repeated whilst the vehicle is performing a brake test. This is to ensure that the braking system and associated warnings indicators (i.e. brake lights) are functioning during the presence of high RF fields.
Whilst not a regulatory requirement, vehicle manufacturers also test their vehicles with a variety of RF transmitters onboard the vehicle to ensure that the functionality is maintained when these devices are used in the environment. This ensures that, for example, somebody could use a CB radio in the vehicle in the knowledge that the vehicle will still function and be safe despite the higher levels produced by the CB transmitter.
