Testing times for analogue products

The test requirements of the second edition of the European generic immunity standard for residential, commercial and light industry environments (EN50082-1: 1997), differ substantially from those of the first edition (EN50082-1: 1992). In the first edition, the frequency range for radiated immunity testing was 27 MHz to 500 MHz. The second edition extends the frequency range to cover 150 kHz to 80 MHz (for conducted immunity) and 80 MHz to 1000 MHz (for radiated immunity). It also specifies that all RF tests feature amplitude modulation with 1 kHz at a depth of 80% in accordance with EN 61000-4-3 (radiated) and EN 61000-4-6 (conducted). Many product types that formerly complied with the radiated immunity test requirements are failing to comply with the amplitude modulation tests specified in the new edition. As a consequence, wise design engineers will want to re-examine their existing product designs, while reflecting carefully on specific areas on their new product development projects. The author offers guidance and advice for the concerned design engineer.