What is the Value of Automotive Pre-Compliance Immunity Testing?
The automotive industry continues to transform quickly, driven by a growing consumer demand for sophisticated digital features and increased environmental regulation.
The average passenger car today relies on between 50-75 embedded electronic modules to monitor and control nearly all aspects of vehicle operations. From steering/braking, exhaust emission controls, and safety, to entertainment and comfort enhancements, it is vital to ensure the safe and reliable operation of these systems.
Immunity Testing In The Automotive Industry
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) refers to a device’s ability to function properly in its intended electromagnetic environment without interfering with other devices or equipment nearby. EMC testing is the process of ensuring that a device meets these standards. All vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and most component suppliers rely on EMC and electrical testing to confirm that a vehicle will operate properly in the presence of its own interference as well as from other devices.
Immunity testing measures how well a device can withstand interference from external sources. The tests simulate real-world scenarios where a device may be exposed to strong electrical signals such as power surges or lightning strikes. The goal of this test is to ensure that the device continues to function properly even in the presence of this interference.
The Automotive industry has a long history testing to EMC requirements, upholding a high-level of safety and quality. National and international organisations, such as ISO, ANSI, SAE, and JASO, create standards, and then each manufacturer will use these standards as a baseline to have their own requirements and standards. This creates a large variety of requirements, since there are many manufacturers with their own customised standards.
Why Perform Pre-Compliance Immunity Testing?
EMC pre-compliance testing was created to identify potential problems early in the design process, before full-scale testing takes place. This can be very helpful in avoiding inconvenient product redesigns that can result when testing is put off until the final phase of the design process.
Utilising early-stage in-house pre-compliance testing and test data will increase the confidence that a product will pass when it’s eventually sent out-of-house for full compliance certification. Initiating in-house pre-compliance test methods as early as possible, instead of at the end of the product development program, will result in saved time and money.
While pre-compliance immunity testing may seem like more of a hassle than it’s worth, it exists for several reasons:
- Detects errors early, fixing potential issues
- Lowers testing and design costs
- Projects stay on schedule
- Lowers risk of failure and leads to assured compliance
- Reduces future warranty issues
What Happens When Products Or Vehicles Don’t Comply?
During development, many engineers and designers emphasize performance, reliability, form, function, and even appearance. Despite its importance, compliance is sometimes last on that list.
No matter how hard you try, you can’t plan for everything. This is why it’s better to take pre-compliance steps, so you can have confidence that your product or equipment will be ready and compliant when it’s time to launch and avoid the following consequences:
- Non-compliant products could be stopped at customs
- Fines and repercussions due to non-compliance
- Multiple testing submissions result in excessive costs
- Damaged product and brand reputation
- Decreased reliability and safety
APC Technology Group Can Assist With Your EMC Pre-Compliance Testing Requirements
APC's dedicated Test Solutions team recognise that EMC testing in the automotive sector can be challenging. It is common for new products to not pass the initial full-scale compliance tests. In fact, almost 50% of products do not succeed in EMC testing during the first attempt. That's why we partner with some of the best EMC solutions providers in the world.
APC's technical partner, AE Techron, is a recognised world leader in the design and manufacture of EMC test systems, providing conducted immunity and induced susceptibility testing solutions for the Automotive sector. With a focus on modular testing systems and amplifier solutions for difficult requirements, APC work closely with AE Techron to consistently meet the challenges of the industry with innovative design and exacting performance.
AE Techron provide a complete, single-box solution for immunity testing. The DSR 100 Series includes everything needed for conducted immunity testing, including:
- A simple-to-use, yet powerful, standards waveform generator
- An industry-leading power supply technology
- An extensive library of 2,200+ tests for many automotive and industry standards
- Models from 25A to 150A continuous output current
As an exclusive distributor of AE Techron products in the UK and Ireland, APC offers a rich heritage in supplying advanced technology solutions to the automotive sector. APC's partnership with AE Techron ensures that UK manufacturers have access to:
- Expert Consultation: Our team offers in-depth technical advice to help select the right EMC testing solutions for your specific needs
- Comprehensive Support: From product selection to implementation, we provide end-to-end support to ensure seamless integration into your testing processes.
- Tailored Solutions: We understand the unique challenges of the automotive industry and offer customised solutions to meet your EMC testing requirements.
Investing in in-house pre-compliance immunity testing is a strategic move that enhances product reliability, reduces time-to-market, and ensures compliance with industry standards. With AE Techron's advanced testing solutions and APC Technology Group's dedicated support, UK automotive manufacturers and equipment builders are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of EMC testing.
Don't Delay With Your Own In-House EMC Pre-Compliance Testing
When it comes to providing immensely valuable electronic test equipment to fulfil your high-power testing requirements, APC’s team of test and measurement experts undertake regular training in AE Techron's products and their applications. Our field-based sales team provide both in-house and remote product demonstrations, advice on selecting the right systems to meet your exact test requirement and technical guidance on how to get the most from your equipment.