EMC Testing Solutions for Aerospace, Defence, Automotive & Commercial Applications
Complete EMC Compliance Testing: Immunity, Emissions and Test Environments
APC Technology Group provides comprehensive EMC testing solutions from pre-compliance through to full certification. Whether you need in-house test capability or a turnkey laboratory installation, our team delivers expert guidance backed by world-leading equipment partners.
What is Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)?
EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) testing ensures electronic devices can function correctly in their electromagnetic environment, neither causing unacceptable interference (emissions) nor being affected by it (immunity). It verifies that a product doesn't disrupt other equipment (such as radios and phones) and can withstand electromagnetic disturbances, a crucial step for regulatory compliance (such as CE marking) and safe market release. View our EMC testing frequently asked questions.
Why Bring EMC Testing In-House with APC?
Below are some examples of how APC can support you with your test setup and equipment requirements to fit your long-term testing needs.
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One-time equipment cost |
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Immediate testing, no scheduling |
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Test immediately after every design change |
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Real-time, unlimited |
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Controlled and repeatable |
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Development, troubleshooting and pre-compliance |
Emissions Testing
Emissions testing measures the electromagnetic noise your equipment generates. Products must meet strict limits to prevent interference with other devices and comply with CE marking, FCC and international standards.
Radiated Emissions
CISPR 16 / EN 55032
Measure electromagnetic noise conducted through power and signal cables. Testing 9 kHz to 30 MHz.
Conducted Emissions
CISPR 16 / EN 55032
Measures noise transmitted through power cables and signal lines using LISN and a spectrum analyser.
Immunity / Susceptibility Testing
Immunity testing evaluates how well your equipment withstands electromagnetic disturbances. From electrostatic discharge to power line transients, these tests ensure reliable operation in real-world environments.
ESD Testing
EN 61000-4-2
Electrostatic discharge immunity - simulates static electricity events from human contact and equipment.
EFT/Burst Testing
EN 61000-4-4
Fast transient burst immunity tests resilience to repetitive high-frequency switching noise.
Surge Testing
EN 61000-4-5
Surge immunity - simulates lightning strikes and power switching transients on mains and data lines.
Voltage Dip Testing
EN 61000-4-11
Voltage dip, interruption and variation immunity - tests behaviour during power quality disturbances.
Conducted Immunity (BCI)
EN 61000-4-6
Bulk current injection and conducted RF immunity - tests cable-conducted interference resilience.
EMC Test Equipment
APC supplies EMC equipment from leading global manufacturers and supports compliance testing to CISPR 25, MIL-STD-461, DO-160, IEC 60601-1-2 and the EN 55000 series across the commercial, automotive, aerospace and medical sectors.
EMC Antennas
Calibrated broadband antennas for emissions and immunity testing from 20 MHz to 18 GHz+.
LISNs
Line Impedance Stabilisation Networks for stable, repeatable conducted emissions testing.
EMI Receivers & Analysers
EMI test receivers and click analysers for CISPR-compliant radiated and conducted emissions.
Transient Generators
Transient generators for surge, EFT/burst, ring wave and ESD immunity testing to IEC 61000-4.
EMC Test Environments
Accurate EMC testing requires controlled electromagnetic environments. From fully-shielded anechoic chambers to open area test sites, APC designs and installs test facilities tailored to your requirements.
Anechoic Chambers
3m, 5m & 10m FAC/SAC chambers compliant to CISPR 16-1-4, ANSI C63.4 and IEC 61000-4-3 standards.
Reverberation Chambers
80 MHz - 18 GHz Z-fold tuner chambers for immunity, emissions & shielding to IEC 61000-4-21 & MIL-STD.
RF Shielded Enclosures & Faraday Cages
Modular enclosures with 60 - 100 dB shielding up to 40 GHz, tested to IEEE 299 for EMC and TEMPEST.
GTEM Cells
250 - 1100 mm septum GTEM cells, DC–20 GHz, for emissions, immunity & shielding to IEC 61000-4-20.
EMC Test Equipment and Environments Aligned with Critical National Infrastructure EMC Standards
Resources & FAQs
EMC Test Solutions Featuring Equipment from the World’s Leading Manufacturers
Get expert advice
Request a callback from a member of our technical team to get dedicated one-to-one consultancy for EMC Testing, in-house capability and compliance.
Ready to bring EMC testing in-house?
Whether you're starting from scratch or upgrading an existing test area, APC supplies the equipment you need to run EMC testing in-house.
From bespoke test chambers to test and measurement equipment and RF systems, APC work with customers directly to reduce outsourcing costs, shorten development cycles and gain full control over pre-compliance testing.
EMC Testing FAQ
What is EMC testing?
EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) testing evaluates whether an electronic device can operate in its intended electromagnetic environment without generating interference that disrupts other equipment and without being disrupted by external disturbances. Testing covers two domains: emissions (what the device generates) and immunity (what the device can tolerate).
EMI (electromagnetic interference) testing is closely related but distinct, EMI refers to the unwanted energy itself, while EMC testing determines whether that energy falls within regulatory limits.
How does EMC testing work?
EMC testing is conducted in a controlled environment, typically an anechoic chamber, shielded room or a GTEM cell using calibrated test equipment.
Emissions tests measure the electromagnetic energy the device produces. Conducted emissions are measured below 30 MHz via a LISN; radiated emissions are measured using antennas at a set distance (3 m or 10 m).
Immunity tests subject the device to controlled disturbances - ESD, EFT/burst, surge and conducted/radiated RF, while monitoring for functional degradation. Pass/fail is determined by the applicable standard and agreed performance criteria (A, B or C).
What products require EMC testing?
Almost all products containing active electronic components require EMC testing for market access, including consumer electronics, IT equipment, industrial controls, lighting, medical devices, automotive electronics, telecommunications and military/defence systems.
Is EMC testing mandatory?
Yes. EMC compliance is a legal requirement under the UK Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 and EU Directive 2014/30/EU, signified by UKCA and CE marking respectively. Non-compliance carries enforcement by Trading Standards and Ofcom, including product recall and fines.
How much does EMC testing cost?
At an external test house, a pre-compliance assessment typically starts from £1,000–£2,000. A full certification programme covering emissions and immunity tests ranges from £5,000 to £15,000+, with re-tests following failures adding further cost.
For organisations with frequent testing needs, an in-house facility from a GTEM cell to a full semi-anechoic chamber reduces per-test costs and shortens development cycles.
How to pass an EMC test
First-time pass rates improve significantly when EMC is addressed from the earliest design stages, proper PCB layout, ground plane continuity, filtered I/O lines, shielding and pre-compliance testing during development.
A basic pre-compliance setup such as an EMI receiver, LISN and a GTEM cell or shielded enclosure provides the feedback loop to identify issues before committing to an external test house.
APC Technology Group supports engineering teams with equipment specification and facility design, get in touch to discuss requirements.
Can EMC testing be done in-house?
Yes. An internal facility such as a GTEM cell for pre-compliance screening to a fully specified semi-anechoic chamber, enables testing on demand, faster failure diagnosis and reduced reliance on external test house bookings.
In-house testing does not replace formal certification by an accredited laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025), but it substantially reduces the risk of failure at final compliance. APC Technology Group designs and installs in-house EMC test facilities from manufacturers including ETS-Lindgren, get in touch to discuss requirements.
Your Partner for Reliable and Compliant EMC Testing Solutions
With 40+ years supporting the electronics industry, APC provides high-reliability components, test equipment and engineering support for organisations building or expanding their EMC and test capabilities. As an authorised distributor for 100+ specialist manufacturers, we supply genuine, traceable equipment backed by recognised certifications.
