EMC pre-compliance and field test

EDN Europe, 09 Sep 2008

Rohde & Schwarz designed the model ESL EMI test receiver to provide an economical solution for precise precompliance and diagnostic measurements up to 3 or 6 GHz. It includes the capability to carry out fully-automated test sequences using the latest weighting detectors that conform to CISPR 16-1-1 specifications, the only instrument in the lower-cost sector of the market to do so, according to its makers. You can also use it as a full-featured spectrum analyser. The analyser measures electromagnetic disturbance in accordance with currently-applicable commercial standards such as CISPR, EN or FCC. It employs standard-compliant bandwidths and a selection of disturbance weighting detectors that include quasi-peak, CISPR average, and RMS average, and provides automated sequences to assist users who do not perform EMC measurements on a regular basis. By performing a quick overview measurement, the ESL first determines the critical unwanted frequencies. Its detectors then perform a second targeted and careful measurement of only these frequencies in order to weight the disturbance: this method saves valuable test time. The unit stores measurement settings and results on a hard disc, and you can generate reports using the ES SCAN EMI precompliance software (also from Rohde & Schwarz). The ESL can be battery-powered and is therefore suited to use by network operators and government agencies that need to measure field strength on-site, or to locate sources of disturbance.