Comparison of Bulk Current Injection test methods of automotive, military and civilian EMC standards

The Bulk Current Injection (BCI) test is one of the common EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) test performed on equipment / devices for automotive, military and civilian applications. Various international automotive EMC standards like ISO 11452-4, SAE J1113-4 etc. call for this test apart from other corporate automotive EMC standards from Ford, General Motors, Chrysler etc. In addition to automotive EMC standards military/civilian standards like MIL-STD 461E, IEC 61000-4-6 standards also cover the BCI method for conducted RF immunity tests. It is observed that there are differences in test method and specifications among various standards for BCI test. This paper discusses the need for carrying out the BCI test. The test methodology as well as calibration procedure for BCI test is highlighted. This paper compares the various parameters of BCI test like frequency range, modulation types, dwell time, severity levels etc., of available automotive, military and civilian EMC standards. The need for having harmonized EMC standard for BCI test is also stressed.