On-Site EMC Testing

On-Site EMC Testing

End-to-end EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) testing solutions help you to avoid unexpected compatibility compliance issues that can negatively impact market access. And keep in mind that EMC testing is mandated for some work environments and for certain devices to promote safety and reliable operation. At Eurofins, we offer exhaustive, thorough EMC testing, and that includes on-site testing as well. Our goal is to get your product ready for market without any delays related to EMC noncompliance.

Purpose of EMC Testing

One of the goals of EMC testing is to analyze the ability of electronic devices to operate as expected when in proximity to other electronic devices or in the presence of electromagnetic disturbances. Serious issues can arise when EM fields or other devices can interfere with your device’s intended operation. That is why manufacturers face a wide set of stringent compliance challenges to ensure that products are not susceptible to outside interference.

However, that is not the only objective of EMC testing: it also tests your device to measure what types of electromagnetic interference your device emits. There are standards that limit the amount of EMI that a device can admit in order to protect other devices that may be operating in its vicinity.

Effects of EMI

Technically speaking, EMI can results in electromagnetic induction, conduction, and electrostatic coupling. However, it is the effects of these phenomena that are of interest to you as a product designer because EMI can  …

  • Impact the accuracy of nearby sensors
  • Corrupt data as it is being transmitted
  • Lower the performance of radio transmitters
  • Jam communications (think electronic warfare)
  • Overload ICs

What Generates EMI

EMI can be generated by all types of products, including doorbell transformers, heating pads, microwave ovens, wireless devices, electric motors, transformers, and power supplies. Even electric bug zappers and touch control lamps can emit EMI that can impact the activity of nearby devices. The source of EMI includes electronic transmitters, transformers, wireless and Bluetooth devices, and switching devices.

EMI involves just about every industry, including heavy construction equipment, handheld power tools, telecommunications, IT equipment, renewable energy, appliances, batters, and consumer products.

Why EMC Regulations Are Important

Even if your device does not have a transmitter, it can still emit EMI as a result of switching voltages and currents within its electronic components. If there are no limits placed on emission, then the already crowded electromagnetic spectrum loses more bandwidth. And, as already discussed, EMI from other devices can impact how your device works. For certain environments and devices, EMI can pose life-threatening disruptions; this includes medical, military, automotive, and aerospace applications.

These regulations are very important, and you can face serious fines and other penalties if your products are found to be non-compliant after they are released on the market. Keep in mind that there are both civil and criminal repercussions for non-compliance. 

Why EMC Testing is Important to You

Today, manufacturers face a wide set of stringent compliance challenges to ensure that products do not radiate much energy and are not susceptible to outside interference. During EMC testing, your product is exposed to a wide variety of electromagnetic conditions. The results of that exposure will indicate whether your product is compliant with applicable EMC standards. Eurofins evaluates your products and systems by exposing them to any number of electromagnetic conditions. This helps you bring your product from development to end use faster and more cost-effectively.

In addition, we understand that time to market is everything —  which is why our global testing capabilities and custom testing solutions utilize the latest technology and automation software, helping you meet demanding time-to-market needs. We can help you ensure that your products and devices are in accordance with government, regulatory, military, or industry standards based on your compliance needs.

On-Site EMC Testing

Eurofins has a highly skilled and well-equipped mobile team for on-site and in situ EMC testing which can cover frequency ranges from DC to 40 GHz. This testing provides measurements on:

  • Radiated Electric Field (including radiated and conducted measurements)
  • Radiated Magnetic Field
  • EMF
  • Microwave Field Survey
  • Near Field and Far Field Surveillance
  • Power Quality
  • Stray Current
  • Potential ESD Issues
  • Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE)

These measurements can be obtained as a snapshot your product’s response or they can be obtained over a period of time.

Remember that OSHA 29 CFR 1910.303 and 1910.399 mandate that listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling. Another aspect of our on-site services includes field labeling services of unlabeled and non-certified electrical equipment. We perform such tasks with the highest level of integrity so that we can help you avoid unexpected delays and rejection from AHJs.

Other Applications of On-Site EMC Testing

Facilities often request RF audits when installing new sophisticated electronic equipment to assure either (1) their performance will not be impacted by their electromagnetic environment or (2) its installation has no negative impact on existing equipment or infrastructure communications. In some instances, employers want to ensure that high power RF equipment is not the cause of health concern, so site surveys are performed to identify potential health concerns.

Eurofins EMC Testing

At Eurofins, we offer pre-compliance testing to verify critical components EMC compliance including radiated/conducted immunity and susceptibility. Our pre-compliance testing suite helps you identify product deficiencies and make design adjustments to avoid costly delays to market. The goal is to help ensure your project will meet all compliance requirements during its final evaluation. 

The testing project is lead by an EMC engineer and a project manager will be there during the testing and certification process to provide you with support every step of the way. We can test and certify your products and devices for essentially any market and we are accredited by the FCC, Industry Canada (IC), A2LA, CB Scheme, Australia’s ACMA, Japan’s VCCI, Vietnam’s MIC, Taiwan’s BSMI, and we operate as a notified body for the EMC and RED Directives.

Contact us today and let us put our 60 years of experience to work for you!