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RF Immunity

RF Immunity Test Solutions

Radio Frequency RF Immunity

The purpose of RF immunity testing is to subject a product to a controlled RF stress that represents the likely level that might be seen in its operating environment, over a frequency range which is mostly dictated by practical aspects and experience of real-world problems. The actual response of the equipment is monitored during this test. The test methods, levels and frequency ranges given in international and European standards represent one such compromise; they do not ensure certain immunity in all environments, but give a reasonable probability of adequate immunity in most.

Equipment required to perform RF Immunity testing


A signal generator is used to supply a power amplifier with an RF signal of the required frequency and modulation. The amplifier output power is measured by a dual-directional (forward and reverse power) coupler in conjunction with power meters. Computer control closes the loop so that sweeping the frequency range, applying modulation and selecting the correct output level is done automatically and repeatably. Connected to the system is a transducer which applies the stress to the Equipment Under Test (EUT).

The RF immunity testing is divided into conducted cable coupling and radiated field coupling.

The injection of conducted disturbances requires the use of defined coupling networks and clamps. Antennas and waveguides (TEM cells, GTEM cells, strip lines) are used to generate fields. To protect the environment, these tests are typically carried out in shielded rooms. When testing with RF fields, elaborate measures are taken to suppress reflections (use of absorbers) in addition to shielding. Testing in the reverberation chamber is different. Here, the reflections that occur and their superposition are used to interfere with the test object in a direction-independent and very energy-efficient way.

  • Leaders in RF Immunity testing +


    AMETEK CTS offers the world’s most comprehensive range of EMC systems for RF immunity testing. The wide range of Teseq branded solutions are capable of performing all types of EMC immunity testing in standard and specialized applications. 

    The Teseq NSG 4070C1 is our latest RF Immunity test system, covering applications with frequency range from 4 kHz to 1 GHz. - view product data        

    Teseq NSG 4070C RF immunity test system

  • Conducted RF Immunity +


    Induced RF according IEC/EN 61000-4-6
    The standard IEC 61000-4-6 (EN 61000-4-6) „Immunity to conducted disturbances, induced by radio frequency fields” defines a method for injecting test signals into the equipment under test (EUT). The basic requirement is to inject a known level of RF signal onto the cable of the EUT at each test frequency and to determine whether the EUT continues to function correctly.

    Bulk current injection (BCI) for automotive
    The electromagnetic environment in vehicles is fundamentally different from installations in buildings. For this reason, other standard requirements must be tested.
    The ISO 11452-4 standard defines requirements for induced RF in the wiring harness at an international level. Individual automotive manufacturers use this basic standard as a guide to produce their own individual test standards.

    Bulk current injection (BCI) for automotive
    Bulk cable injection for military
    The MIL-STD-461 standard defines the requirements for induced RF in the wiring harness in section CS114. The requirements are slightly different from those in the automotive area.


    Bulk current injection (BCI) for automotive

    Other tests with sine wave generators
    Common mode disturbances 0 Hz to 150 kHz

    IEC 61000-4-16 (EN 61000-4-16) „Immunity to conducted, common mode disturbances in the frequency range 0 Hz to 150 kHz” establishes a common and reproducible basis for testing electrical and electronic equipment with the application of common mode disturbances to power supply, control, signal and communication ports.
    The test is intended to demonstrate the immunity of electrical and electronic equipment when subjected to conducted, common mode disturbances such as those originating from power line currents and return leakage currents in the earthing/grounding system.

    Differential mode disturbances 2 kHz to 150 kHz

    IEC 61000-4-19 (EN 61000-4-19) „Immunity to conducted, differential mode disturbances and signalling in the frequency range 2 kHz to 150 kHz at AC power ports” establishes a common and reproducible basis for testing electrical and electronic equipment with the application of differential mode disturbances to AC power ports.

  • Radiated RF Immunity +



    Testing in absorber rooms
    The requirement is to generate a homogeneous RF field into which the equipment under test (EUT) is placed to determine if the EUT continues to function correctly. To protect the environment, these tests are carried out in shielded rooms. To achieve field homogeneity, reflections from the walls, ceiling and floor are almost completely suppressed using absorbers. The dimensions of the EUT, antenna distance and absorber size ultimately determine the size of the room.


    Testing in wave guides (TEM cells, GTEM cells, strip lines)
    TEM cells allow the tests to be carried out in the smallest of spaces without disturbing the environment or requiring additional measures. Strip lines, on the other hand, have become established in the automotive industry for coupling the RF fields on cable harnesses. High field strengths can be generated quite efficiently.

    Fields in close proximity
    The standard IEC 61000-4-39 "Testing and measurement techniques - Radiated fields in close proximity - Immunity test” defines in addition to existing normative requirements, the immunity to the influence of portable devices with transmitting function. In the range 9 kHz to 26 MHz, the EUTs are scanned with a magnetic field at a distance of 5 cm. Above 380 MHz and up to 6 GHz, the RF field is generated at a distance of 10 cm using a TEM horn.

  • RF Immunity Systems +


    RF immunity test solutions

    At AMETEK CTS we can design and build a turn-key EMC system to precisely fit your test requirements, budget and time frame. 

    Our RF engineering team are able to provide customers with a complete design and system implementation to the meet the requirements of RF immunity standards.

    Turn-key design and build

    Peace of mind
     A fully compliant system from AMETEK CTS includes an engineered  design that is guaranteed to meet field strength requirements for the tests. 

    STANDARD SYSTEMS 

    GTEM systems for immunity and emissions
    IEC/EN 61000-4-6 for conducted RF-immunity
    IEC/EN 61000-4-3 for radiated RF-immunity
    ISO 11452-2 and 4 for radiated RF-immunity on vehicle components
    BCI for Automotive, Airborne & Military
    Strip Lines for Automotive immunity

    RF immunity solutions

    CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS

    Immunity Systems for IEC products, 
    Automotive ISO 11452-2, 3, 4, 5 & 9
    Airborne and Military applications 
    MIL-STD-461 & RTCA DO-160
    Emission Systems for disturbance current, voltage, power & field strengths
    Reverb Chamber Solutions
     
    Contact our design team to discuss your requirements and get a custom proposal.