Test & measurement
analysis at 150kHz, 500kHz, 1.4MHz, and 30MHz, R&S EPL test receivers can measure all four frequencies in parallel and capture measured values in real time, frequently updating the display showing number of clicks, click rate, and limit of continuous disturbances. The memory depth permits gapless measurement for up to four hours and can record peak values and quasi-peak values for two hours as required in CISPR 14. The software also generates a detailed test report automatically and a pass/fail statement that indicates whether the equipment as tested complies with the standard.
SPECTROGRAM AND TIME-DOMAIN ANALYSIS
Another known strength of test receivers is the ability to automatically capture measurements across a broad frequency spectrum and use these to produce a real-time spectrogram. This can help both localise a source of interference as well as characterise the behaviour to help analyse a noise source in detail. To perform a step scan, the test receiver compiles the spectrum from individual Resolution Bandwidth (RBW) measurements. Although this simplifies the task from the user’s standpoint, a complete scan can take hours to complete, depending on the frequency range selected and measurement time required to capture the product’s full duty-cycle. By implementing a high-performing FFT algorithm, instruments like the R&S EPL test receivers can provide gapless measurements that detect every emission within a wide frequency range. Long measurement times are possible and any dependencies between the
emissions are easy to see because all measurements belong to the same time segment. By selecting the appropriate settings and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) parameters, the instrument can produce measurements across CISPR band A (9kHz-150kHz) or band B (150kHz to 30MHz) in one shot, measuring at the specified resolution bandwidth (RBW). Frequency ranges above 30MHz are measured in multiple steps of 20MHz. In all these ranges, up to three traces can be activated at once with different detectors (including CISPR detectors). This enables fast standard-compliant EMI measurements directly with the detector required by the standard.
TESTING FROM CONCEPT VALIDATION TO PRODUCTION VALIDATION
The test receiver is conceptually intended for formal testing and hence has historically been seen as relatively expensive as an instrument for ad-hoc use in the development phase. The R&S EPL receivers address this through modularity that allows an entry-level configuration to provide the capabilities typically needed at the start of development. While formal specifications typically mandate testing at frequencies up to 6GHz, and 7.125GHz in the case of some proprietary automotive schedules, most “problematic” interference signals typically exist at frequencies below 1GHz. The new R&S EPL models permit scaling the measurement frequency range to allow an affordable price for development purposes. This means the most basic configuration of the EPL1001, having a limit of 1GHz, can be increased at a later stage up to 7.125GHz, to replicate the formal tests that will be performed at the test house. Similarly, the click- rate analysis module and other useful features can be added when needed to spread the cost of investment. The instrument is portable and easily moved between laboratories and dedicated test areas as needed.
CONCLUSION
Commonly deployed in formal test houses for ensuring compliance with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulations, test receivers provide valuable capabilities for detecting and dealing with troublesome emissions during product development. The typical functions allow for in-depth EMI signal analysis, giving product developers crucial information needed for a successful validation program. A portable test receiver with flexible configurability, that lets users tailor the instrument to their specific needs and budget as their requirements evolve, can address EMC-engineering challenges across the development lifecycle, from Concept Validation (CV) to full compliance Production Validation (PV) testing.
Rohde & Schwarz 38
www.rohde-schwarz.com May 2026 Instrumentation Monthly
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