What is EN 61000-4-6.1996 ?

Title: Understanding EN 61000-4-6.1996: A Guide to Electromagnetic Compatibility and Surge Immunity Testing

Introduction:

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is an essential aspect of modern technology, as it ensures that electrical and electronic equipment can function correctly and efficiently in a constantly changing environment without being affected by external electromagnetic fields. EN 61000-4-6.1996 is an international standard that provides guidance on conducting electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing to determine the immunity of electrical and electronic equipment to interference in the frequency range of 150 kHz to 80 MHz.

EN 61000-4-5.1995, also known as the IEC standard for surge immunity testing, outlines the requirements for testing the immunity of electrical and electronic equipment against surge voltages in various scenarios. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of EN 61000-4-6.1996 and its importance in ensuring the safety and efficiency of electrical equipment.

What is EN 61000-4-6.1996?

EN 61000-4-6.1996 is an international standard that deals with the issue of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in the frequency range of 150 kHz to 80 MHz. It provides guidance and defines measurement techniques for assessing the immunity of electrical and electronic equipment to these disturbances.

The standard defines four categories of immunity, which are based on the equipment's ability to withstand interference:

Category 1: Equipment with full immunity

Category 2: Equipment with partial immunity

Category 3: Equipment with reduced immunity

Category 4: Equipment with no immunity

Each category has specific requirements that must be met by the equipment manufacturer to ensure that the equipment is electromagnetic interference (EMI) immune.

Measurement Techniques and Criteria

To determine the immunity of electrical and electronic equipment to EMI, EN 61000-4-6.1996 provides guidelines on the measurement techniques and criteria that should be used. These measurements are typically conducted in an anechoic chamber or a controlled environment that simulates real-world interference.

The standard outlines the following measurement techniques:

Transient Over-Sensitivity (TOS) measurement: This technique measures the equipment's sensitivity to short-term EMI.

Immunity measurement: This technique evaluates the equipment's ability to withstand long-term EMI.

Holding figure measurement: This technique measures the equipment's immunity to EMI at a specific frequency.

Surge Voltages and their Effects

Surge voltages, also known as voltage surges, are a common cause of EMI in electrical and electronic equipment. EN 61000-4-6.1996 provides guidelines on how to test for and evaluate the immunity of equipment to surge voltages.

The standard specifies a range of test methods and criteria to evaluate the performance of equipment in various scenarios, such as industrial, residential, and commercial environments. These scenarios may include:

Surge voltage testing in an anechoic chamber

Surge voltage testing in a controlled environment

Surge voltage testing in a real-world environment

Conclusion:

EN 61000-4-6.1996 is an essential standard for ensuring the safety and efficiency of electrical and electronic equipment. By conducting electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing, manufacturers can evaluate the immunity of their equipment to interference in the frequency range of 150 kHz to 80 MHz.

Surge voltages, also known as voltage surges, can also have a significant impact on the immunity of electrical and electronic equipment. By evaluating the equipment's immunity to surge voltages, manufacturers can identify any vulnerabilities and ensure that their products meet the necessary safety standards.

Overall, EN 61000-4-6.1996 plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and reliability of electrical and electronic equipment, which is essential for the safety and efficiency of modern technology.