The EMC Laboratory of the Avionics Technology department carries out testing and analysis concerning Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) of electrical and electronic equipment.
EMC Tests can be performed in accordance with most applicable aerospace standards including EUROCAE ED-14 (RTCA DO-160) and MIL-STD-461 standards. Other standards (e.g. Boeing D6-16050, Airbus ABD0100.1.x, FCC, IEC, DEF-STAN) and dedicated test procedures can also be supported. The NLR EMC test laboratory is included in the Dutch Accredition Counsil (RvA) register of test laboratories under no. L220, for areas described in detail in the accreditation.
The EMC laboratory is equipped with a semi anechoic shielded room (SAR) for EM emission measurements as well as EM susceptibility testing of equipment. The SAR is equipped with radio frequency energy absorbers, high performance filters for mains power (DC, 50 Hz, 360-800 Hz) as well as water supply and an exhaust extraction system.
Electromagnetic radiated susceptibility (EMS) tests can be performed with field strengths of at least 200 V/m in the frequency range 10 kHz up to 18 GHz, covering most of the military and civil equipment requirements with respect to High Intensity Radiated Fields (HIRF).
The EMC measurement equipment (including the high power amplifiers) are portable and transportable, enabling in-situ measurements at outdoor locations (e.g. inside aircraft/rotorcraft or at a manufacturer’s premises).
The EMC facility operates test equipment to perform Lightning Induced Transient Susceptibility tests according ED-14 / DO-160 section 22:
- Waveforms: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5A, 5B, 6
- Level 1 to 5
- Single Stroke, Multiple Stroke, Multiple Burst
- Pin Injection, Cable Induction, Ground Injection
Other capabilities of the NLR EMC facility are:
- In-situ EMI tests on customer specifications.
- Helicopter platform annex Open Area Test Site (OATS) for emission measurements and antenna calibrations.
- Variable frequency AC power source (9 kVA) for power quality tests.
- Wiring and cable shielding measurements (crosstalk and transfer impedance).
In addition to measurements the EMC laboratory is also involved in modelling and analysis of the EMC characteristics of cables (crosstalk and transfer impedance) and is involved in the analysis of potential electromagnetic interference on aircraft and airports.
