Contents Features of EM Clamp SetupConducting Testing Troubleshooting Electromagnetic (EM) Clamps EM Clamps are injection devices, commonly designed around IEC 61000-4-6 requirements, that provide immunity testing to conducted RF disturbances. As with the current clamp injection method that uses a bulk current injection probe, it is not the preferred method which is illustrated in Figure 12. Annex A of IEC 61000-4-6:2013 focuses on the EM and decoupling clamps and includes design and characterization requirements.  CDN's are the preferred method when available. Wh ..read more

Contents Close Proximity Power FrequencyImpulse & Oscillatory Low Frequency Susceptibility Magnetic Fields Generators Magnetic fields are present in a variety of different electrical environments including industrial, military, and medical. The ability of equipment to withstand the magnetic fields in the anticipated environment is important both from a product reliability and compliance perspective. Today, more than ever, RF transmitters and other wireless technologies are used, increasing the amount of potential sources.  With the pre ..read more

Contents Surge Waveforms Test StandardsConducting Testing Equipment Surge Testing Surges are short-duration voltage and/or current transients that are transmitted down data or power lines commonly caused by switching and lightning events. We're going to focus on evaluating how surges are used to test electrical and electronic products ensuring no deterioration of function as well as meeting regulatory requirements. Testing the robustness of the design of the equipment is accomplished by subjecting it to interference via power or data lines testing the corresp ..read more

Contents Transient Tests Conducted RFAudio Susceptibility Electrostatic Discharge Conducted Susceptibility Conducted susceptibility is the impact (or lack of impact) that transients or unintended signals have on equipment that are transmitted via data or power lines. This criteria of testing is similar to that of conducted immunity, a term that is more commonly used in commercial and automotive applications(1). We will be focusing on MIL-STD-461G series of tests, specifically those tests that are commonly done during electromagnetic interference testing. What is C ..read more

Contents Sources of Dips Magnitude & Duration Frequency of Events IEC 610000-4-11 Testing Voltage Dips/Sags Overview Voltage dips or sags as well as other power quality occurrences are not new events, however as more susceptible sensitive electronics and automated processes have been added to the power grid they have become more costly and require consideration during product development. These events impact both commercial and industrial customers connected to the power distribution grid impacting all connected devices.  Our discussion of voltage dips will ..read more

Contents Common Requirements Selecting Testing Criteria Testing Power Lines Testing Data LinesPulse Verification Surge Generators Overview Surge generators encompass a wide range of test systems all of which are designed to replicate different waveforms used to test the immunity of a device or equipment to a particular standard or requirement. These systems will generate either a voltage waveform, a current waveform, or in the case of combination waveforms both which the equipment under test (EUT) will be subjected. What are Surge Generators? Surge generators a ..read more

Contents Electrical Tests Test Equipment Cranking Interruptions Reverse Polarity Overview The LV124 standard is a series of quality and reliability tests for 12 volt electric systems established by German automotive manufacturers in 2013. We will be focusing on both LV124 with a fair amount of information from VW80000 as well.  VW80000 is broken down into two sections: Part 1 - Electrical tests and requirements on 12 volt electric systems Part 2 - Environmental tests and requirements The different categories of testing (electrical, mechanical, etc.) can be seen ..read more

Contents Power Line Transients Waveform CharacteristicsTransient Causes & Coupling Troubleshooting Tips   Electrical Transients  Electrical transients cover a wide range of interference that have the potential to impact the operation of electrical systems and equipment. These events can be caused by power grid switching, sudden disconnection or connection, lightning, as well as generated within or by associated electrical equipment. They commonly impact commercial, automotive, and military, electrical systems and equipment often transmitted by power and data l ..read more

Contents Voltage Range & Ripple IES & Cranking SurgesInjected Spikes & Surges Overview MIL-STD-1275E applies to equipment connected to 28 VDC vehicle distribution systems which are common across military ground vehicles, separate standards exist for ships and aircraft(1). The goal of this standard is to provide common testing criteria across different vehicles ensuring a "common" testing criteria.  This standard is available for download through the link provided directly from the department of defense (DOD) Defense Standardization program or a quick search p ..read more

Most of us have experienced a power outage. Maybe a bad storm knocked out all the power in your neighborhood. Or perhaps your power went out due to a utility company’s system failure. Whatever the cause, we’re all familiar with electrical blackouts, but what is a brownout? A power brownout is similar to a blackout, but it refers to a partial loss of power, rather than a complete loss of power. When a blackout occurs, all appliances and electronics in your home will stop working; in contrast, a brownout reduces voltage by 10% to 25%. A blackout is also unintentional, where a brownout is done ..read more