EMC measurements during development

Schaefer has been running an EMC Competence Centre at its own technology and development location in Erfurt since 2015. The company has now also begun offering EMC measurements during development for third parties since the beginning of 2023.

During the tests for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), test objects are inspected for their interference immunity and emitted interference, among other things. Apart from line conducted RF tests, radiated RF tests are also conducted for this purpose using a GTEM cell.

"Investing in our own GTEM cell, high quality measuring equipment and in qualified specialists allows Schaefer to act more flexibly during product development," the company explained in a press release. The company has now also been offering these EMC measurements during development for third parties since the beginning of 2023.

"The measurements can be booked at short notice and flexibly. Fixed hours and daily rates ensure cost transparency," Schaefer stated. The specialists for EMC measurements, electrical specialists and developers provide support on the spot in analysing the measurement results and provide information on optimisation. A large number of components, an electrical laboratory, 3D printer and comprehensive equipment make it possible to carry out changes and optimisation experiments directly.

Application areas for GTEM cells

The Schaefer Technology and Development Centre in Erfurt. Photo: © Schaefer

GTEM cells can be found in various areas of application and sectors. Whether in interference immunity or measurements of emitted interference - the cells can be deployed in many different ways in the automotive sector or lift sector. On the one hand, no radiation may be emitted by the lift or products installed and influence other products or devices, such as mobile phones.

On the other, the lift itself and its components may not be influenced by the radiation of other devices and products, such as door motors, radio transmitters, WLAN networks, frequency converters for drives or mobile telephones. Both are regulated in the DIN EN standards 12015 and 12016.  

The Schaefer EMC Competence Centre offers the following measurements during development:
DIN 12015: electromagnetic compatibility – product family standard for lifts, escalators and moving walks - emitted interference.
DIN 12016: electromagnetic compatibility – product family standard for lifts, escalators and moving walks – interference immunity.
EN 61000-4-2: ESD test
EN 61000-4-3: radiated RF test (using GTEM cell)
EN 61000-4-4: burst test
EN 61000-4-5: surge test
EN 61000-4-6: line conducted RF test
EN 55011: radiated emission test (using GTEM cell)

GTEM cell: GTEM stands for gigahertz transversal electromagnetic cell. It is a further development of the TEM cell (transversal electromagnetic cell). During measurements in a GTEM cell, similarly to a TEM cell, the test object is placed in the test volume of the cell.

There are two options after this: the test volume is either exposed to TEM waves and the interference immunity of the test object recorded or the fields radiated by the object measured are bundled and measured in the cell.

Compared to a TEM cell, a GTEM cell has an extended usable frequency range of over one gigahertz. It provides a defined environment for EMC tests. At Schaefer, test objects measuring up to 50x50x50 cm can be tested.

More information: emv-messungen.com