What is BS EN 55016-3-2:2016?

BS EN 55016-3-2:2016 is an international standard that specifies the methods of measurement of radiated disturbance characteristics in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test environments. This standard is part of a series of standards produced by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which provides guidelines and requirements for testing and assessing electromagnetic emissions from electronic devices.

Key Requirements of BS EN 55016-3-2:2016

The standard outlines specific requirements for measuring radiated disturbances generated by electronic devices across a frequency range of 9 kHz to 18 GHz. It covers various aspects of EMC testing, including measurement equipment, test setup, test procedures, and assessment criteria. The objective is to ensure that electronic devices comply with maximum permissible limits for radiated disturbances to minimize their interference with other devices.

Testing Methodology and Equipment

To comply with BS EN 55016-3-2:2016, the testing is carried out in an electromagnetic environment enclosed within a shielded room known as an anechoic chamber. The chamber is designed to absorb incident radiation, allowing accurate measurements to be taken without external interference. Specialized antennas, spectrum analyzers, and other measuring instruments are used to quantify the radiated disturbances emitted by the device under test.

During the test, the electronic device is placed on a rotating platform inside the anechoic chamber. The antenna is positioned at different angles and distances from the device to measure the radiated emissions in various directions. Test signals are then applied to the device, and the resulting radiated disturbances are measured and recorded.

Assessment and Compliance

Once the measurements are obtained, they are compared against the specified limits in BS EN 55016-3-2:2016. The standard provides criteria for assessing compliance based on the frequency range, device type, and purpose of the device. If the radiated disturbances emitted by the device are within the permissible limits, it is deemed compliant with the standard.

If a device fails to meet the requirements, further investigation and modifications are necessary to reduce the radiated disturbances. This could involve applying additional shielding, improving grounding techniques, optimizing component layout, or filtering out unwanted emissions. Once the adjustments are made, the device can be retested to ensure compliance with the standard.

In conclusion, BS EN 55016-3-2:2016 is an essential standard that helps regulate the radiated disturbance characteristics of electronic devices. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers can ensure their devices are electromagnetically compatible and minimize interference with other electronic equipment.