Electromagnetic compatibility testing laboratory (EMC)
EMC Testing
Sopemea's range of EMC tests allows you to test the compatibility or resistance to waves of a product, equipment, system or infrastructure. Sopemea's EMC testing laboratories in Vélizy (78), Trappes (78), Genas (69) and Toulouse (31) carry out:
- Emission tests: the disturbances generated by the equipment under test are measured and compared with the standard limits or manufacturer specifications.
- Immunity tests: the behaviour of the equipment under test is analysed when it is subjected to disturbances whose type and levels are defined in the standards or manufacturer specifications.
What is
EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)?
From smartwatches to critical aviation and medical systems, the issue of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is crucial. EMC is the ability of equipment or systems to function successfully in their electromagnetic environment without causing electromagnetic disturbances to other equipment. The aim is to ensure that all electronic devices can coexist and function properly.
There are two main aspects: on the one hand, "susceptibility" or immunity to disturbances, which measures the ability of equipment to resist external disturbances (radiated or conducted) without its performance being degraded; and on the other hand, "emissions" (radiated or conducted), which quantify the disturbances that the equipment itself generates and which could affect other systems.
The objective of EMC is double:
- to ensure that a product is not a source of ‘electromagnetic pollution’ and that it is capable of functioning correctly despite the presence of this ‘pollution’ in the environment. There are many sources of these disturbances: radio signals, mobile phones, electric arcs, but also the internal components of the equipment itself, such as digital clocks or switching power supplies.
- prevent malfunctions through good EMC management: a medical device whose readings are distorted by smartphone waves, an aeronautical communication system jammed by on-board equipment, or even simple radio interference in your car. This is why EMC is a regulatory requirement and a technical necessity for the marketing of most electronic products.
An exeptional range
of testing facilities
At each of our sites we have all the necessary equipment to meet your EMC test campaign needs.
Sopemea can use semi-anechoic or reverberating chambers to conduct these tests. We can test vehicles (up to 500 m³) with exhaust extraction. Our cages are equipped with isolated and adjoining measurement rooms to ensure a suitable testing environment.
Our expertise
EMC
We specialise in EMC and lightning protection for electronic and stand-alone systems and equipment.
Discover our EMC expertise brochureOur
Services
The range of tests offered by Sopemea is as follows:
- Conducted emissions from DC to 400 MHz
- Radiated emissions: magnetic field between 0 Hz and 30 MHz and electric field between 10 kHz and 40 GHz. (Anechoic chamber and MSRC)
- Conducted susceptibility (BCI: 10 kHz - 500 MHz) up to 3 A
- Radiated susceptibility (10 kHz - 40 GHz) up to 30 kV/m
- Lightning Indirect Test (LIE)
- Lightning Direct Effect tests (LDE) with generator providing up to 200 kA
- Electrical tests on power supply networks ("on-board network")
- Electrostatic discharge tests
- Radiated and conducted nuclear electromagnetic pulse (NEMP) tests
- Radio tests
- DRAM tests (Electromagnetic radiation damage to weapons and ammunition)
- DREP measurement tests (Electromagnetic Radiation Hazards to Persons)
- Zt parameter measurement tests (transfer functions)
- Shielding effectiveness measurements (GAM-T20 and IEEE 299)
- Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) - contact AxesSim, our Electromagnetic Simulation Department
EMC testing
at customer sites
We also have a mobile MSRC which allows us to carry out all types of tests directly on the customer's site. We can reach levels of over 6 kV/m in high field tests on the customer's site by this means. (Width: 5.5 m, Height: 5.2 m, Length: 6 m)
The available facilities (electrical power, 50Hz/60Hz/400Hz electrical network frequencies, hydraulic pressure and flow rate, etc.) allow these tests to be carried out on equipment in its operational conditions.
The tests are carried out by qualified engineers and technicians.
Our lightning direct effect tests
Our Lightning Direct Effect Generator
Sopemea is also the only private entity in Europe with a direct current effect lightning generator up to 200 kA. With a test area of 3 m x 2.5 m x 2.5 m, expandable on request, we are able to apply A, Ah, B, C and D waveforms alone or in combination. [Video Demo]
All external equipment of an aircraft or any military system can therefore be lightning qualified in the Sopemea laboratory in Toulouse. Thanks to the LG200k, it is also possible to evaluate the direct effects of lightning on any structural element: metallic or composite panels, windows, etc. _
You can watch the AeronewsTV report on the extension of our lightning generator in Toulouse.
All external equipment of an aircraft or any military system can therefore be lightning qualified in the Sopemea laboratory in Toulouse. Thanks to the LG200k, it is also possible to evaluate the direct effects of lightning on any structural element: metallic or composite panels, windows, etc. _
You can watch the AeronewsTV report on the extension of our lightning generator in Toulouse.
Our experts answer your questions
-
Can EMC tests for CE compliance be carried out at our premises ?
Yes, we can come to your site to carry out EMC testing when the machine cannot be moved to our test centres. Five minutes will be required in front of each side of the machine. -
Are EMIs equivalent to what we call harmonics in electricity?
No, the two terms are different. Harmonics are a low-frequency issue related to the quality of the distribution network. EMI stands for ‘electromagnetic interference.’ It is a high-frequency issue that can cause electric and magnetic fields that will couple in the vicinity, beyond MHz. -
What are the typical symptoms of an EMC fault, so that they can be quickly distinguished from other problems ?
Here are some examples of what we may observe during EMC failures: disrupted digital communications, sensor measurements with sudden or normal variations, detection of faults that do not exist, spontaneous activation of an actuator, etc. -
Is it possible to demonstrate EMC compliance based on a military standard (AECTP, MIL STD) ?
Absolutely, provided that your machine is a defence application. For civil applications, using military equipment (with installation and wiring recommendations) is undoubtedly a technical and financial overkill. Ultimately, you will carry out EMC tests on the machine: the conclusion on compliance will provide proof of compliance with the essential requirements of the Machinery Directive. -
What is the cost of CEM support ?
We offer a sliding scale of rates depending on the duration of the service and are able to handle your emergencies, whether in France or abroad. -
Why are EMC tests not included in CE certification ?
The CE declaration must refer to the Machinery Directive and standard EN60204-1. The latter requires EMC compliance. Testing is therefore included unless you can demonstrate compliance with all testing standards by calculation, which is difficult to prove. -
Why do CM thresholds vary between countries in the application of European Directives ?
The European Directive is identical for all Member States. Only standards that comply with the directive may introduce deviations for individual countries. During EMC testing for CE marking, we take into account all deviations from all European countries. -
There is a machine EMC standard (ISO 13766), but electronic component suppliers use other industry standards: how can this discrepancy be managed?
This standard does indeed apply to earth-moving machinery, which are wheeled vehicles. It is not directly related to the Machinery Directive presented during our webinar. On-board components should, as a minimum, comply with UN Regulation R10 for vehicles.
If this is not the case, it will be difficult to pass the tests successfully, as industrial and automotive EMC environments are different. The choice of components will need to be reconsidered, or certain suppliers will need to be asked to modify their products to provide R10-qualified components. -
In a building (industrial and tertiary), we are observing random and unexplained disconnections at the main distribution board: do you have any ideas as to what might be causing this?
Some equipment generates conducted emissions, such as variable speed drives. These high-frequency currents could interfere with differential switches. The choice of appropriate equipment should be reviewed. Another option would be to analyse the electrical distribution wiring and the PE conductor mesh between the installed equipment. -
Can an EMC anomaly cause a fire?
EMC weakness could cause errors in the control or steering circuit, which could trigger a fire through a rebound effect. Fortunately, this is very rare given the CE marking requirements for components, machines, etc. Only a direct lightning strike on the lines or the building could cause a fire and significant damage, disrupting service continuity. -
As machine manufacturers, we already verify compliance and carry out wiring in accordance with standards. What additional measures can we take to ensure EMC?
The equipotentiality test is performed continuously. The component in the EMC frequency plane remains unknown. The best approach is to perform EMC tests on your machine or range of machines.
With an EMC risk analysis, both internal and external to the machine, we can help you anticipate any modifications that need to be made before testing. Please note: the rules to be followed must be up to date.
Wiring rules are useful, but there are other points to consider. Our ‘EMC for systems and installations’ training course could enhance and refine your expertise. -
Can a variable speed drive on an ice machine pollute the electrical network of the main low-voltage switchboard that supplies it by modifying the harmonics of the electrical network?
The CE marking on a variable speed drive, like any product connected to the mains, requires harmonic limitation tests. If your variable speed drive is installed as described by the manufacturer, with the filtering options or recommendations specified in the instructions, everything should work fine. If you do not install these components, you will pollute the entire network and nearby equipment with harmonics and, above all, with conducted EMC emissions up to frequencies of several tens of MHz. -
Has the European regulation changed the Machinery Directive on the subject of EMC?
There have been no major changes to EMC between the 2006 and 2018 versions of EN60204-1, which complies with the Machinery Directive. Risk analysis and EMC testing were already in place. If this has been overlooked by a large audience, it is undoubtedly due to a lack of knowledge on the subject.
Test
Standards
Aeronautics:
- RTCA/DO-160 all versions
- Eurocae/ED14 all versions
Specifications :
- Airbus: ABD0100.1.2; ABD0100.1.8...
- Boeing: D6-16050...
- Dassault: DGT
- Bombardier...
Defence
- MIL STD 461 / 462
- GAM-EG-13
- DEF STAN 59-411
- AECTP-500
- STANAG 4370
- NORMDEF 0301-1 and NORMDEF 0301-2
We meet
your standards
DIRECTIVE EMC 2014/30/UE
Generic: IEC/NF EN 61000-6-1 / 61000-6-2 / 61000-6-3 / 61000-6-4...
Products:
- IEC/NF EN 55014-1/2 (Household electrical appliances)
- 55024 (ATI)
- 50155/50121-3-1/2 50121-4/5 (Railway)
- 61131 (Programmable logic controllers)
- 60945 (Navigation and radio communication equipment and systems)
- 61326-1 (Measuring or laboratory apparatus)
- 60601-1-2 (Electro-medical equipment)
- 301 489-1 + -x (EMC radio products)
Measurements : IEC/NF EN
- 61000-3-2 (Harmonics)
- 61000-3-3 (Flickers)
- 55011 / 55022 / 55032
- CISPR 16-2-1 / CISPR 16-2-3
Immunity:
- IEC/NF EN 61000-4-2 / 61000-4-3 / 61000-4-4 / 61000-4-5 / 61000-4-6 / 61000-4-8 / 61000-4-9 / 61000-4-11 / 61000-4-12 / 61000-4-16 / 61000-4-18 / 61000-4-29
DIRECTIVE RADIO (RED) 2014/53/UE
- ETSI EN 300 328, ETSI EN 300 220, ETSI EN 300 330, ETSI EN 300 440, ETSI EN 301 893, ETSI, ETSI EN 301 413
LOW VOLTAGE DIRECTIVE 2014/35/UE
- IEC/NF/EN 60950 ; IEC/NF/EN 62368 : Information processing devices (computers, calculators, etc.).
- IEC/NF/EN 61010 : Measuring and regulation devices (test benches, laboratory devices, etc.)
Watch the replay of our EMC webinar
How does electromagnetic compatibility impact your machinery ?
Are you a manufacturer, industrialist or production manager ? Discover the replay of our webinar to understand the complex field of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and grasp its fundamentals !
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) has become a crucial issue for manufacturers. Are you observing malfunctions in your machinery? Take part in our exclusive webinar to optimize the performance of your equipment and reduce your maintenance costs!
Our webinar program :
- Understanding the fundamentals of EMC and its reality in the field
- EMC in the Machine Directive according to EN60204-1
- SOPEMEA's approach to securing your production
- Our answers to all your questions
Contact us
Would you like to learn more about our services? Please feel free to contact one of our experts, who will be happy to answer your questions.
Choosing
Sopemea
A COMPLETE SERVICE OFFER ADAPTED TO YOUR NEEDS
Ongoing multidisciplinary R&D expertise. The possibility of carrying out your test campaigns and responding to your problems of numerical simulations and expert measurements.
MORE THAN 75 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Technical competence and regulatory knowledge of each of our clients' sectors of activity. COFRAC accreditation for our laboratories in France, UKAS in the UK.
A LOCAL NETWORK
A wide range of test facilities and calculation centres to advise you from the early stages of your project to the completion of your tests.
Discover our
news