Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), EMF, radio

VDE

2020-06-29 Testing + Certification

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), EMF, radio – Testing and certification at the VDE Institute

Not only do electrical products need to work flawlessly and therefore be safe and free from interference, they are not allowed to affect any other devices nor create any unauthorized disturbances to the grid system during operation either. Effective and efficient use of the radio spectrum must be guaranteed for radio systems. The VDE Institute performs EMC and radio tests based on international directives, standards and laws.

The VDE Institute’s testing and certification activities enjoy great international recognition, which is mainly due to the high testing quality and the integrity of the workers. To that end, our testing laboratory is accredited according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 and a recognized testing laboratory (CBTL) in the IECEE’s international certification system (CB system). There are accreditations from the Federal Network Agency, the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS). We have also been designated as a technical service for motor vehicles and components by the Federal Motor Vehicle Transport Authority (KBA). Furthermore, the VDE is recognized as a notified body with identification number 0366 at the EU for EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU.

We perform the following EMC and radio tests, among others, according to harmonized European standards:

EMC – Emissions testing
EMC – Interference immunity testing
EMC – Harmonics and flickering in the electricity grid
Radio tests according to Article 3 (2) of the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU (RED)
EMC testing and electric tests for vehicles and vehicle components

To perform these EMC tests, the VDE Institute has excellent testing and measurement equipment that ensures quick and efficient testing.

Tour of VDE EMC laboratory

Services and tests

Our services in detail

EMC and radio testing on products, systems and components
Creating EMC and radio test reports as a basis for the CE mark
Certifications with VDE EMC marks
Tests according to customer specification
Automotive:
- Tests for obtaining the E1 mark (Federal Motor Vehicle Transport Authority, KBA) for components according to ECE regulations
- Tests according to factory and ISO standards
Radio:
- Tests according to ETSI standards for proving compliance with the requirements of the RE (2014/53/EU) Directive for Short-Range Devices (SRD), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, ZWave and other radio Technologies
- EU type examination certificate from a notified body according to the Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU) if the requirements of harmonized standards cannot be met or can only be partially met or if devices are equipped with radio modules (combined equipment)
- Issuing CB test reports and CB certificates for EMC based on IEC(CISPR) Standards
- Emissions measurements according to FCC (USA) or IC (Canada) regulations

Test reports, certificates and additional services

Certification with the VDE EMC mark or VDE GS mark
EMC and radio test reports as a basis for the CE mark
EU certificates of conformity
CB test reports and CB certificates for EMC
Test reports for the “Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC)” for the FCC (USA), test reports according to IC standards (Canada)
Certification of components and vehicles by the KBA (E1 mark)
Statement of conformity on EMC or radio standards or the Radio Equipment and EMC Directive
Training sessions on the basics of EMC, radio equipment or special EMC or radio standards
Standards consultation during the development process
On-site measurements of EMC or the electromagnetic fields (EMF) in your equipment or premises
Worldwide approval of radio equipment and radio modules

Here are some of the standards and directives that we cover

EMC Directive 2014/30/EU (CE mark)
Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU (CE mark)
American (FCC) and Canadian (IC) requirements
ECE-R 10 (Electromagnetic compatibility of vehicles for obtaining the E1 mark)
Customer specifications, mainly in automotive EMC and electric tests

Notified Body EMC

The manufacturer must ensure that the products that they manufacture are electromagnetically compatible and must declare that protection requirements have been met according to the EMC law. Normally, a device’s compliance with the protection requirements is substantiated by subjecting the device to a test according to applicable, harmonized standards.

However, the directive also gives manufacturers the opportunity to provide evidence in another way.

Irrespective of which process has been selected for the conformity evaluation: According to the provisions of Annex II, III and IV of the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, the manufacturer must produce technical documents that state that the device has fulfilled the basic requirements of the EMC directive.

The manufacturer can optionally have the technical documents evaluated by a notified body. Involvement from a notified body is particularly recommended

if the manufacturer wishes for an independent, professional body to confirm their considerations on proving compliance with protection requirements
if harmonized EMC norms have only been partially applied or applied with a discrepancy due to a product’s peculiarities

The result of a type examination according to the EMC Directive is an EU type examination certificate according to EMC Directive 2014/30/EU together with an evaluation Report.

We can also issue you an EU type examination certificate if you have not performed any tests with our Company.

Measuring equipment and specifications

Our EMC test center has modern testing and measurement systems to offer you high-quality results. Quick measurements are guaranteed by using the time-domain measuring system (TDEMI, ESR). With our large anechoic chamber (10 m measuring distance) and an ultra-modern 3 m fully anechoic chamber (even for floor-mounted equipment!), state-of-the-art devices are at your disposal, including for large devices and equipment.

Furthermore, we maintain a series of special testing devices, such as a high-current system up to 5000 A, for performing EMC tests on electronic circuit breakers and test equipment for solar inverters to meet the special needs of our customers.

One special highlight is the new radio testing facility by Rohde & Schwarz (TS8997), which enables automatic measurement of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth devices with up to eight (8!) antennas (channels) according to the latest requirements in the 2.4GHz and even 5GHz (EN 301 893 V2.1.1) frequency range.

The power supply ranges from 230/400V, 125 A, 50 Hz DC to 1000 Hz 108 A/3-phase electric power. Additional AC 400 V/ 200 A 3ph and DC battery simulator 1000 V / 200 A (100 kW) are available on the turntable. Water, wastewater, compressed air and gas from the turntable are the available media.

In addition to the testing equipment listed below, we have extensive tools and accessories for monitoring test samples or for modifications. These include a LIN bus, CAN bus, Flexray, fiber optic transceiver, current measurement per fiber optic and additional monitoring options directly on the circuit boards. There is even a Rhode & Schwarz audio analyzer available. Measurements using microphones can be carried out in collaboration with our acoustic laboratory.

Request your offer here

The most modern fully anechoic room in Germany

Specific guidelines must be followed when integrating wireless modules into machines, household appliances, installation switches or lights. As such, the radiated parameters of the wireless modules that are installed in a new electromagnetic environment need to be verified again, since the test certificate at the module or part level alone is insufficient. A fully anechoic room (FAR) offers the best conditions for these types of appliances, since they have two permanently installed antenna masts, among other things. Our new, fully anechoic room (FAR) allows us to efficiently and flexibly perform tests and consistently support you as early as during the development process.

Using a very high-bandwidth, time-domain measurement device (> 600 MHz) and the fully anechoic technique, the radiated interference emissions of both floor-mounted and table appliances can be measured , and with a very high measurement speed ranging from 30 MHz to 18 GHz at that. The system can also perform measurements up to 40 (67) GHz. The VDE Institute can use this facility to particularly cover the testing and measurement requirements for the Wireless Equipment Directive (RED, 2014/53/EU) for manufacturers.

Testing large DC charging stations for electromobility

Buffaloboy / stock.adobe.com

In our large absorber hall (10 m measuring distance), we now offer you an option for testing DC charging stations according to the EN 61851-21-2 standard.

This system is designed for DC charging stations with a charging power of up to 125 kW. It provides a connection for the AC side and a simulator for the electric vehicle (battery simulator) right on the anechoic chamber’s turntable. Naturally, all other EMC tests on the DC charging stations (e.g. interference immunity) can be performed in the anechoic chamber in addition to the measurements.

For charging stations with a power rating greater than 125 kW, we can determine an option for you via our notified body for EMC or RED (Radio Equipment Directive).

In addition to simulating an electric vehicle with a battery, the battery simulator also offers comprehensive testing options that can be used during the EMC tests to monitor the test item. For instance, the SPS data traffic between the charging station and the electric vehicle can be analyzed in detail. The time period between the charging states and all charging parameters (current, voltage, power) are continuously measured and logged.

Large shielded room with approx. 120 m² space, including for gas-powered equipment

Large test items can undergo particularly efficient EMC interference immunity tests (e.g. burst , surge, ESD, oscillating waves, magnetic fields) in our large shielded room.

The technical equipment in the large shielded room has undergone further improvements. All EMC-related, grid-bound emissions and immunity tests can be performed here quickly and efficiently. This shielded room is specifically designed for very large and heavy test items with an AC connection up to 125 A/Phase, three-phase. Thanks to a waterproof membrane on the ground, the test items can be operated with water and wastewater without any problems. Furthermore, gas or coolant-powered test items can be safely operated using monitored exhaust control and gas detectors.

Take advantage of our many different testing options

Measurement rooms

Anechoic chamber with 10-meter measurement distance and 6-meter turntable diameter. Size: 23 m x 16 m x 10 m, door size 4 m x 4 m, load-bearing capacity 5 tons. A shielded room (2.5 m x 2.5 m) is located in the basement below the turntable for any ancillary equipment required for the test sample.
Battery simulator for DC charging up to 125 kW with the turntable’s built-in connections (AC 3x 125 A and 3 x 200 A, DC up to 1000 V / 200 A and communication).
Large cabin (110 qm) with ground-level access and waterproof floor coverings
Five additional shielded rooms (15 to 25 m2)
Shielded test room for automotive impulse tests
Compact, fully anechoic chamber (20 MHz to 3GHz) for radiated immunity and pre-measurements of emissions (3 m measuring distance)
Anechoic chamber for automotive components (ACTC) with an area of 6.5 m x 5 m and permanently mounted test bench for quick measurements and fast set-up times
Installation site

Emitted interferences

Measurement in the anechoic chamber from 30 MHz to 18 (40) GHz, 3 m and 10 m measuring distance
Several modern TDEMI X and ESR time-domain measurement systems for extremely quick preliminary and final measurements
Measuring stations for interference voltage with an artificial grid network up to 200 A/phase
Click analyzers with 4 channels
Fully automatic, very fast measuring station with TDEMI X for measuring radio interference power
Loop antennas for measuring the magnetic field strength, 9 kHz – 30 MHz
The ability to measure emissions up to 26 GHz (40 GHz)
FCC-measurements (110 V, 60 Hz, 3-phase up to 100 A/phase in the turntable)

System perturbations

We conduct precise measurements of harmonic currents, voltage fluctuations and flickers using linear amplifiers (no switching power supplies) up to 75 A/phase, even for Japanese and Korean grid impedances.

Quick measurement of harmonics and flickers simultaneously on three phases
Power source: 3-phase, continuous output 25 kVA per phase, short-term output (~ 1 hr.), 37 kVA per phase, frequency: DC – 5 kHz, also suitable for Airbus requirements (900 Hz)
New power source 2: 3-phase, continuous output 7.5 kVA per phase, short-time output (~ 1 hr.), 15 kVA per phase, frequency: DC – 5 kHz

Interference immunity

Transient disturbances such as surge (8 kV), burst (7 kV) with coupling networks up to 100 A/phase, ESD (30 kV)
20 MHz to 18 GHz radiated immunity with high-power amplifiers without modifying the test sample directly in the large anechoic chamber or in a second full absorption room (FAR)
Changes in voltage and brief interruptions up to 100 A/phase, three-phase
Conducted immunity (coupling network up to 63 A/phase)
Magnetic field with energy frequency (up to 3 m x 3 m x 3 m volume)
Test station for the coming EN 60601-1-2 medical standard according to the EN 61000-4-39 standard (near-field testing for simulating RFID and wireless near equipment). Magnetic field simulation from 9 kHz to 26 MHz and from 380 MHz to 6 GHz.
Interference immunity against grid voltage harmonics (up to 100 A/phase, continuous current)
Many different manipulators for immunity testing

Radio equipment and radio modules

Radio measuring station with Rohde & Schwarz TS8997
Filter matrix with filters for conventional radio systems (2.4 GHz, 868 MHz, 5 GHz)
Measuring station for robot lawn mowers and other radio equipment below 150 kHz according to EN 303 447
FSW spectrum analyzer up to 67 GHz
Suitable antennas
Fully anechoic radio measuring room with 3 m measuring distance

EMF (electromagnetic fields, protecting people in fields)

Field probes for magnetic fields, electric fields from 5 Hz to 3Ghz

Testing and certification of radio equipment

Radio tests

According to Article 2.1 of the Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU), radio equipment is defined as “an electrical or electronic product, which intentionally emits and/or receives radio waves for the purpose of radio communication and/or radiodetermination, or an electrical or electronic product which must be completed with an accessory, such as antenna, so as to intentionally emit and/or receive radio waves for the purpose of radio communication and/or radio determination”.

For the Radio Equipment Directive, we review for you the EMC, spectrum utilization, and the safety of your devices and radio equipment. We have extensive experience in testing combined equipment (equipment with a radio interface).

We test close-range radio technologies (up to 100 m) such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee and even proprietary radio technologies for remote controls or sensors (e.g. in the 868 MHz band). We cover GSM and LTE via partners.
Furthermore, we offer you an EU type examination certificate through our notified body according to Directive 2014/53/EU.

Notified body for radio equipment

The Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU requires consulting a notified body if a harmonized standard was not applied or only partially applied for the fundamental requirement, “efficient and effective use of the radio spectrum”, according to Article 3 (2).

This is very often the case when a radio module that has already been tested is installed in a piece of equipment that until now had no wireless interface. This creates what is known as combined equipment. In these cases, consulting a notified body is usually mandatory, since the manufacturer cannot submit a full radio test report for the new, combined device.

We have been designated as a notified body for radio systems under EU number 0366 (NANDO database) and, based on document inspection, offer to issue the following documents:

EU type examination certificate according to Directive 2014/53/EU
Evaluation report on EU type examination certificate

We can also issue you an EU type examination certificate if you have not performed any tests with our company.

The VDE Institute assists you with worldwide certification

Worldwide certification for wireless products

Our international service assists you with certifying your radio equipment and radio modules worldwide.

Radio products are subject to legal regulations in nearly every part of the world. As such, certifications or registrations in many different countries are the prerequisite for legally bringing products to market that use radio technology for communication.

In addition to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), such products mainly need to comply with regulations on spectrum utilization set forth in the applicable statutory requirements of the respective countries. In Europe, it is mandatory to use the Radio Equipment Directive (RED). In many countries, products tested by VDE according to the RED and equipped with an EU type examination certificate can be accordingly certified and approved. In other countries, either local testing is mandatory or test reports can be used, such as ones according to FCC rules in the USA, to fulfil local certification requirements.

Thanks to our international network, we are your ideal partner for processing the local, necessary tests and the certifications based on pre-existing test reports.

Our special service for you:
We always keep track of the validity of existing certificates for you and timely inform you so that your product can continue to be legally marketed in the target markets.

EMC of vehicles and vehicle components

In modern vehicles, EMC plays a great role in the safe function of extensive electronics. When it comes to EMC and electrical testing of vehicles and vehicle components, the VDE Institute offers you testing and certification services that are tailored to your needs. While doing so, we test according to the national and international standards and factory specifications of large automotive and truck manufacturers (OEM). Our portfolio also includes tests according to customer specifications, which include, for instance, environmental and mechanical tests as well.

Legal sphere

As per the Federal Vehicle Registration Authority (KBA), we are a category A and D technical service (no. KBA-P 00021-97) for the areas of EMC (vehicles and components, four-wheel, two-wheel and three-wheel vehicles). In conjunction with partners, we can offer you vehicle type approval with the Federal Vehicle Registration Authority, with which we conduct EMC testing according to ECE regulations, for fast E-bikes or electric two-wheel vehicles (S-Pedelec) up to 45 km/h. We can also perform EMC tests on electric scooters according to the Electric Mini-Vehicle Regulation (eKFV).

Measuring equipment

Radiated immunity test with antennas up to 200 V/m
Stripline testing
BCI method (bulk current injection)
Near-field simulation (radiated immunity) with special near-field antennas
Emissions measurements (CISPR 25)
Emissions testing of magnetic field
Testing high-voltage components
Comprehensive simulation support (CAN, LIN, Flexray, current measurement, etc.)
Water, wastewater, compressed air
Special high-voltage supply option via filter (up to 1000 V / 200 A)
Near-field antenna testing, “cellphone test” (ISO 11452-9)
Modern dynamometer for EMC testing of pedal-driven two-wheelers (pedelecs, e-bikes)

New automotive services

The new testing system for components and electromobility now enables easy testing of ISO pulses and electric tests for 48V vehicle electrical system technology, e.g. for use in mild hybrid vehicles. We have furthermore expanded our automotive capacities thanks to the provision of a new, modern BCI measuring station.

PEDELEC and e-Bike tests

When it comes to e-bikes and Pedelec EMC testing, we have extensive experience from various tests for well-known brands in the bicycle industry.

We have an automatic, EMC-protected test bench, on which the electric vehicles can be placed in a defined driving state required by standards. This test bench has now been expanded to accept cargo bikes as well.

We also possess plenty of experience in documenting comprehensive series tests (e.g., with a "Statement of Conformity") while ensuring that the necessary EMC tests are efficiently designed. As such, our customers can bring to market entire series of highly safe bicycles with a minimized amount of required testing.