Electromagnetic Interference/Compatibility (EMI/EMC) Measurement

Abstract

Ensuring EMC is a necessity for the co-existence of electrical and electronic systems in the common working environment. The EMC compliance of a product is tested and certified mostly by an accredited test laboratory following the guidelines of national and international EMC standards. Test and measurement according to EMC standards, encompass both interference emission and immunity of the product. Control of measurement uncertainty is a challenging task and the accuracy of test results depends on the competence of the personnel and the quality of test systems. Certification and accreditation of EMC test laboratory by international certifying bodies is essential to instill confidence among the users. This article in brief, covers the role of national and international EMC standard making bodies—IEC, CISPR, CENELEC & BIS—and the scope of EMC test and measurements covered by the EMC standards. It also includes various test facilities available at SAMEER—Centre for Electromagnetics, Chennai and other national test laboratories in India to meet the requirement of Indian industries to test their products for EMC compliance. The need for the estimation of uncertainty and calibration of test instrumentation is also highlighted.