What is EMC testing?

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing is a process conducted to ensure that an electrical and electronic device functions satisfactorily in its intended real-world electromagnetic environment without emitting harmful electromagnetic interference (EMI). The goal/purpose of EMC testing is to verify whether the product complies with the requirements of applicable EMC standards for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). 

EMC testing generally involves two types of tests: emissions testing and immunity testing. In EMC emission measurement testing, the amount of EMI emitted by a device/product during normal operation is evaluated. The emission measurement testing ensures that the product does not emit more than the EMI emission limit specified in the relevant EMC emission standards. In the immunity testing, the product is subjected to test signals as per EMC immunity standards requirements. The immunity testing ensures that the product meets the requirements of relevant EMC immunity standards and can withstand external EMI while operating in its intended electromagnetic environment.  

EMC testing is conducted in a Laboratory equipped with specialized tools like EMC test chambers and other testing instruments to provide controlled conditions for accurate assessment of the EMC performance of the device under test (DUT). 

Different types of EMC tests may be performed on the device or product as per EMC standards requirements, including the following:

• Conducted emission (CE) measurement test - performed to measure the amount conducted EMI emitted by a device while working.
• Radiated emissions (RE) measurement test - performed to measure the amount of radiated EMI emitted by a device while working.
• Harmonic emission measurement test - performed to measure the harmonic currents emitted by the device while working.
• Voltage fluctuations and flicker test – This test ensures that electronic devices will not introduce excessive fluctuations or flicker into the power system.
• Conducted immunity test - performed to evaluate the device's ability to withstand conducted EMI originating from an external source.
• Radiated immunity test - performed to evaluate the device's ability to withstand radiated EMI originating from an external source.
• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) test - performed to evaluate the immunity of a device to electrostatic discharge (ESD).
• Magnetic field testing - performed to evaluate the immunity of a device to the power frequency (50/60 Hz) magnetic field.
• Electrical Fast Transients and bursts test – performed to assess the product's ability to withstand the electrical fast transients and bursts.  
• Surge test – performed to assess the product's ability to withstand the surge (surge voltage and current).  
• Voltage dip test – performed to evaluate the ability of a device/product to withstand voltage dip.

Full-Compliance testing:
Electrical and electronic products require EMC certifications to put them into the market. Full-compliance testing (or simply compliance testing) is the EMC testing performed on the final version of a product/device for EMC certification purposes. The testing process involves different types of EMC tests like conducted emission tests, radiated immunity tests, ESD, etc., as described above. The full-compliance testing is conducted on a product as per the relevant EMC standards without any deviation, by fully qualified experts, and using all the necessary testing equipment/tools.

EMC-certified products/devices operate satisfactorily in their intended electromagnetic environment without causing interference or disruption to other nearby equipment. The EMC-certified products can be put on the market.

Pre-Compliance testing:
Pre-compliance testing is the EMC testing conducted before full-compliance testing to identify potential EMC issues early in the product development stage. It typically uses simplified setups and procedures to evaluate the device's EMC performance.  The benefits of pre-compliance testing include the following:

• Early EMC issue detection,
• Improves the chances of a successful first pass in full-compliance testing without delay and costly design alteration,
• Reduces EMC standards non-compliance issues during full-compliance testing and certification,
• Ensure product quality, cost saving, and faster time to market.

On-Site Testing:
On-site (In-Situ) EMC testing means the EMC testing conducted on a product at the location where the equipment is located/installed. On-site EMC testing is ideal when the equipment is too large and impractical to transport to the EMC testing laboratory. This testing is conducted at the customer site. In this testing, an EMC testing company will send a dedicated on-site (in-situ) EMC test team with the necessary testing equipment to the customer site and perform a full range of EMC tests as per EMC standards.

EMC Directory has created the largest database of EMC Testing companies. The EMC testing companies are available to perform EMC testing services (emission test, immunity test, pre-compliance test, MIL-STD-461 testing, etc.) for a wide range of industries, including electronics, industrial, medical, automotive, and more. Companies are available to provide services such as EOL diagnostics, Calibration,  Development assistance, Remediation, and other services. You can use the filters on the left-hand side to identify EMC Testing Labs based on their location and capabilities.