Immunity standards
Immunity tests are designed to ensure that the product will work as specified in a typical environment. Industrial environments are considered to be more stressful than domestic or commercial, and this is reflected in the stress levels that are applied.
During any test, the operation of the product must be monitored and any degradation in performance noted. For some products, some degradation may be deemed acceptable, provided that this is written into the user documentation, is not permanent and does not with safety or operational requirements.
There are several types of immunity tests, each covered by an IEC standard.
Standard | Type | Laplace Supply? |
ESD (electostatic Discharge) | Yes | |
RF radiated interference | Yes | |
Electrical fast transient/burst | Yes* | |
Surge | Yes* | |
RF Conducted interference | Yes | |
Power frequency magnetic field | Yes* | |
| IEC61000-4-9 | Pulsed magnetic field | Yes* |
Voltage dips, interruptions & variations | Yes* |
Most generic and product specific standards list most of the above as required for compliance testing. However, the DTI (Department for Trade and Industry in the UK) has advised that judgement should be used in deciding what tests are actually performed. For many non-critical products, some temporary failure due to an immunity problem may be a reliability issue, rather than a compliance issue, so these issues tend to be self regulating with manufacturers striving to improve the product due to customer pressure and thier own reputation.
Some 'informal' tests are relatively easy to perform at low cost.
BUT, if the product is in any way a safety critical item... then full testing is absolutely essential.
Laplace is able to supply comprehensive and complete test systems for the two RF tests, radiated and conducted RF. (IEC61000-4-3 and IEC61000-4-6). We also offer the ECOMPACT test system for the items marked *. This integrated system covers all the marked tests in one unit.