When designing an electronic device, several technical aspects must be taken into account to ensure compliance with regulations and deliver a high-quality product. Among the most important considerations is adherence to regulations related to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). These regulations are essential standards in all major markets, as they govern two critical aspects: limiting the electromagnetic energy a device can emit and establishing minimum requirements for immunity to electromagnetic disturbances from the surrounding environment. 

Compliance with these regulations is not merely a bureaucratic or legal obligation; it is essential for ensuring that electronic devices can coexist without interfering with one another. In today’s interconnected world, where technology plays an integral role in daily life and industrial operations, electromagnetic disturbances can cause significant disruptions. For instance, a device emitting excessive electromagnetic radiation could disrupt the functioning of nearby equipment, potentially compromising the safety or efficiency of an entire production line. Similarly, a device with low immunity to electromagnetic disturbances could malfunction or perform inconsistently, leading to potentially severe consequences, such as operational delays, equipment damage, or safety hazards.

To verify that a device complies with EMI and EMC regulations like the EMC directive 2014/30/UE in Europe, it must undergo specific electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests. These tests involve a series of technical evaluations designed to measure the levels of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the device and assess its ability to operate correctly in the presence of external electromagnetic fields. EMC testing is a critical phase in the product development process, providing precise insights into regulatory compliance and performance under real-world operating conditions.

IEC 61000-6-2, IEC 61000-6-4 and CISPR 11/EN 55011 ensure electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in industrial settings. They address immunity to disturbances, control of emissions and limits for ISM devices to ensure reliable operation and minimal interference.

In sectors like healthcare, the stakes are even higher. Medical devices, such as pacemakers, infusion pumps and diagnostic imaging equipment, operate in environments preserving the integrity of the device. where interference is not merely inconvenient but potentially life-threatening. Ensuring EMC compliance in these scenarios is not just a technical requirement but a matter of public safety. 

While EMC testing is crucial, not all electronic devices can be tested easily. For small, portable or modular devices, the testing process can often be conducted in a specialized laboratory equipped with controlled environments and advanced measurement tools. However, what happens when dealing with large machinery, production systems or entire industrial plants?

In such cases, transporting the device to a laboratory may be impractical, if not impossible. Large-scale equipment, such as industrial turbines or manufacturing lines, often cannot be disassembled or relocated without significant effort, expense and risk. The sheer size and complexity of these systems make traditional laboratory testing unfeasible. Moreover, testing such equipment outside its actual operating environment may not yield accurate or meaningful results, as it fails to account for the unique electromagnetic conditions of the site where the equipment is installed.

To address these challenges, on-site measurements have become a widely adopted solution. On-site testing allows EMC evaluations to be conducted directly at the manufacturer’s or client’s facility, ensuring that even the most complex and large-scale devices can be tested efficiently and accurately.

 On-site measurements provide several significant benefits, making them an invaluable tool for ensuring EMC compliance in challenging scenarios: on-site testing enables the evaluation of a device’s performance within its actual operating environment. This is particularly important for industrial machinery, which may be exposed to specific types of electromagnetic interference that exist only in its intended setting. For example, a manufacturing line installed in a factory may encounter interference from nearby equipment, electrical systems or other machinery. By conducting tests in situ, the results are more accurate and relevant compared to those obtained in a laboratory, where the environment might be too controlled or “sterile” to reflect real-world conditions. 

Another significant advantage of on-site measurements is the ability to immediately address any non-compliance issues. When a device fails an EMC test, it is essential to identify the root causes and implement corrective actions promptly. On-site testing facilitates this process by enabling direct collaboration between the testing personnel and the manufacturer’s technical team. This interaction allows for faster problem diagnosis and resolution, minimizing delays and ensuring that the device can be brought into compliance with regulations as quickly as possible.

For large or complex devices, such as turbines, industrial machinery or energy systems, transporting them to a laboratory can incur substantial costs and pose risks to the equipment’s integrity. Moving such equipment may require special transportation, disassembly and reassembly, all of which increase the risk of damage or misalignment. On-site testing eliminates these logistical challenges, saving both time and money while 

Conducting EMC tests at the device’s installation site minimizes disruption to the company’s daily operations. This is particularly valuable for equipment that is critical to production processes. By avoiding the need to relocate the device, on-site testing ensures greater continuity in production activities, allowing businesses to maintain their operational efficiency while still meeting regulatory requirements.

On-site measurements are designed to be efficient and streamlined. In most cases, the entire testing process can be completed within a single day, encompassing both emissions and immunity tests. This rapid turnaround time allows businesses to obtain clear and actionable results without lengthy interruptions to their activities. At the end of testing, technicians provide a comprehensive overview of the device’s status, highlighting any critical areas that require attention.

Conducting EMC tests on-site ensures that the device can operate reliably even in the presence of electromagnetic disturbances specific to its intended environment. This guarantees greater long-term reliability and reduces the risk of future issues, such as unexpected failures or subpar performance. By addressing these factors during the testing phase, manufacturers can deliver higher-quality products that meet the needs and expectations of their customers.

Beyond the immediate technical and logistical advantages, on-site measurements also offer strategic benefits for manufacturers. By adopting a rigorous and transparent approach to EMC testing, companies can demonstrate their commitment to quality and regulatory compliance, strengthening their reputation in the market.

As technology evolves and regulatory standards become more stringent, the importance of on-site measurements continues to grow. In addition to traditional EMC tests, on-site evaluations can now include advanced diagnostics, predictive maintenance assessments and tailored testing protocols designed to address specific industry needs.

For example, testing can identify potential vulnerabilities in equipment, allowing manufacturers to address issues proactively and avoid costly downtime.