Feature EMC & Thermal Management
Standard’s’ practise
Richard Cobden at Amplicon discusses the importance of EMC testing and its impact on device development and how to embrace compliance
T
he original European Electro - magnetic Compatibility Directive was first transposed into UK law over 21 years ago. The regula- tions in place today cover almost every conceivable electrical and electronic product you would encounter; from the Directive came countless harmonised product standards. Selecting and testing to the right standards allows you to show evi- dence that your product meets the ‘essential requirements’ of the Directives. The CE Marking Directive was then brought in to simplify the whole product conformance process. The manufacturer or importer takes responsibility for ensuring their prod- uct meets all of the essential require- ments of the applicable Directives and places a CE Mark on the product, so it can be easily recognised and under- stood by the customer.
Product standards are continually reviewed and revised to ensure they keep abreast of the latest testing meth- ods and changes in the target product design. In the UK, the EMC Directive is enforced by Trading Standards and Ofcom, who are focused predomi- nantly towards protecting consumers,
rather than B2B transactions. The Trading Standards and Ofcom do not have unlimited recourses, so they would rarely proactively test product samples for EMC conformance. Their investigations would be com- plaints led and steered by the number and severity of incidents. Most of their cases are usually concerned with household appliances such as hairdry- ers or electric tooth brushes interfering with radio or television.
Penalties in the UK for supplying non-compliant products are set out in Statutory Instrument 3418 ‘The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2006’ and range from a fine of up to £5000, to a three month prison sentence.
The impact this could have on a manufacturer is quiet profound and more often than not, completely over- looked. Most companies now under- stand the need to undertake EMC tests at the front end when a product is first introduced, but many do not appreciate that further re-testing, may be required during the product life-cycle in the event that the original standard it was tested to is withdrawn. Furthermore, your product may not pass the require-
Richard Cobden is Engineering Manager at Amplicon
ments of the newer standard without extensive modification.
Unlike consumer products, specialist equipment such as that designed for industrial use, or specific vertical markets such as military COTS or railways, tend to be self-regulating. In these specialised sectors there is much more general awareness of the specific standards which need to be achieved; prior to purchase, buyers will often request EMC documentation, together with complementary compliance evidence such as product safety docu- ments, RoHS and WEEE.
Manufacturers supplying into these markets need to put into place processes to ensure product compli- ance is kept up to date. If your product compliance is unacceptable you could find yourself with returned products, requests for full credit. Or in a worst case scenario, a legal action being taken against the company.
The costs associated with maintain- ing company product compliance is not insignificant and can certainly pose a challenge to smaller companies who cannot justify employing dedi- cated product compliance staff. Often the role of product compliance is bolted onto a pre-existing role. This can prove challenging, especially if you have a large number of products. Regrettably, EMC is often regarded as a bureaucratic burden, best dealt with in a minimalist manner. This kind of approach can pose large risks to a business, resulting in lost customers and negative publicity. Legislation is in place for the purpose of improving product and protecting users and the environment. So, rather than a minimalist approach, why not capitalise upon it and use it to create a better product? By embracing EMC and educating your staff, your customers can be safe in the knowl- edge that they can purchase from you with confidence. Amplicon
www.amplicon.com Enter 205
Enter 12 20 OCTOBER 2013 Electronics
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