RFS29 Short range devices for New Zealand
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EMC Directive
All products placed into service in the European Union (EU) must bear the CE mark. This indicates compliance with all technical directives applicable to that product or system. For most electrical or electronic apparatus this includes the EMC Directive.
The simplest way to demonstrate compliance with the protection requirements of the EMC Directive is by making a declaration of conformity to the appropriate harmonised standards.
A harmonised standard is a standard that has been formally accepted by the EU, and referenced in the EC Official Journal. These standards are generally drawn from IEC, CISPR or ETSI standards and are prefixed “EN”.
Austest can provide test services to demonstrate compliance with most harmonised standards for most product types. The harmonised standards usually require emissions and immunity tests to be performed on the product.
The most common emission tests required are conducted mains and radiated disturbances. Both tests require specialised equipment and procedures.
A recent additional requirement comes in the form of EN61000-3-2 and EN61000-3-3 which effectively mandate harmonics and flicker limits for all mains powered devices.
Austest is NATA accredited to a selection of harmonised standards that may be used to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the EMC Directive.
The most commonly required immunity tests invoked by the harmonised standards are:
EN61000-4-11 AC supply dips and interruptions
Austest can provide testing to these and other immunity standards.
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FCC (Federal Communications Commisions)
FCC
Part 15: Covers the
rules for the operation of unintentional, intentional or incidental radiators.
Any electrical or electronic devices incorporating a digital circuitry operating
with an oscillator or clock speed greater than 9kHz requires approval to this
rule. Contains two Classes, A and B. Class A digital device: A digital device
that is marketed for use in a commercial, industrial or business environment.
Class B digital device: A digital device that is marketed for us in a
residential environment notwithstanding use in commercial, business and
industrial environments.
FCC Part 18: Applies to industrial, scientific, medical and domestic
products that generate RF energy to perform work. Examples are devices such as
a Microwave Oven or an Ultrasonic Cleaner, etc.
This document lays down technical limits and operational details for various devices and generally requires measurement methods in accordance with ANSIC63.4. However, for some types of digital devices a declaration of conformity to CISPR22 is acceptable.
All Austest EMC facilities are listed with the FCC for performing tests in accordance with part 15 and 18.
The FCC does not mandate immunity testing.
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Aeronautics and Military Testing
Aeronautics
Civilian Aviation EMC & Environmental issues are addressed by RTCA/DO-160D for Australian and US and by ED14 for Europe. These documents are equivalent and represent the outcome of committees formed by the European Joint Aviation Authorities and the US Federal Aviation Authority.
The EMC & power quality aspects of the standards include the following sections;
Section 22 Lighting Induced Transient Susceptibility
Austest can manage the EMC aspects of approvals applications with the FAA via CASA.
The majority of testing is performed in house with calibrated measurement equipment. Some outside testing may be required for some product types.
Austest has developed specialized hardware and software to deal with section 16 and 19 tests in accordance with the standard.
An air frame is at once a sensitive and hostile environment. New items of equipment introduced to an aircraft electrical system have the potential to disrupt critical navigation or safety systems, possibly resulting in loss of life. EMC standards and rigorous test methods are critical in ensuring that auxiliary devices operating in the aircraft do not compromise the safety of the passengers and crew. Similarly, safety-critical equipment intended for installation in aircraft must be able withstand the very strong RF and electrical disturbances present in avionics environment.
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Military testing
Austest can offer a range of pre-compliance tests in accordance with military standards MIL-STD461/2D, MIL-STD461E and MIL-STD704E.
Our expertise extends to include EMC aspects of contract review and on-site troubleshooting.
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