Radiated RF Immunity
IEC61000-4-3 immunity testing requires that the EUT (equipment under test) operates satisfactorily when subject to a strong radiated electromagnetic field. (Such as might be created by cell phones and other intentional radiators, and RF noise that might be caused, inadvertently or otherwise, by industrial processes).
This requires a frequency scan at a certain fixed level of field strength (specified by the standard). The ‘scan’ will comprise a series of ‘steps’ in frequency. Each step is specified as a percentage of current frequency value. This percentage is variable from 0.2% to 5%.
At each step, the frequency is held, the level adjusted to the required field strength (V/m) as measured by a field sensor, a prescribed modulation mode is initiated and then the conditions held for a ‘dwell’ time. The EUT should be monitored to detect faulty operation during the test. Typical values for field strength are 3 V/m for domestic and 10 V/m for industrial products.
Other higher stress levels are often specified for certain types of products eg medical and automotive. These fields are so intense that this test must be carried out in a screened chamber or test cell. Test cells such as the GTEM or Laplacell are highly efficient but restricted to small products. Screened chambers can be large, but can be relatively expensive and require powerful amplifiers to create the required stress levels.
The Laplace range includes complete solutions for such tests. We can supply systems based on either a test cell, or for use inside a test chamber (Anechoic Chamber).
When using a test cell (LaplaCell) the antenna and field probe are integrated into the cell, so these items are not separately required. If installing a system in an anechoic chamber, then the antenna and field probe is required.
Note: that the LaplaCells not only provide an economical and efficient alternative to the test chamber, it also provides a calibrated environment for radiated emissions measurements.
These are the standard systems that Laplace offers:
LC300 Immunity Testing