Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is essential for laboratory computers operating in technically demanding environments, where accuracy and safety are paramount. At PSB GmbH, we understand that each laboratory scenario presents unique electromagnetic challenges, ranging from sensitive measurement setups to harsh industrial surroundings. Our extensive experience developing PC-based systems for industrial and medical applications enables us to address the specific requirements of EMC in laboratories. We design and equip our computers with advanced shielding, robust filtering, and compliant layouts to meet pertinent testing standards. Through rigorous component selection and meticulous assembly, we help ensure systems deliver stable and reliable performance, free from electromagnetic interference. Our team’s flexible, solution-oriented approach guarantees that every system is not just compliant, but also tailored to each project’s practical demands.
Kernmessgeräte in EMV-Laboren
The core of any EMV-Laborausstattung (EMC test laboratory equipment) lies in its high-precision measurement devices, crucial for a reliable EMV-Prüfung Computer (EMC testing of computers and IT components). Among the indispensable instruments are the Spektrumanalysator EMV (spectrum analyzer for EMC), Messempfänger (test receiver), and Vektornetzwerkanalysator (vector network analyzer). Each instrument plays a distinct technical role, meeting the challenges of electromagnetic compatibility assessments and supporting efficient troubleshooting in computer platforms and integrated electronics.
Spektrumanalysator
A Spektrumanalysator EMV is at the heart of every emission measurement. It allows the visualization and quantification of emissions across a wide frequency range. In modern laboratories, such analyzers are often equipped with FFT-based time domain scans for rapid frequency sweeps—an essential feature when testing devices with changing emission spectra or pulsed operation. Spektrumanalysators are often paired with dedicated software to enable automated compliance checks for standards like EN55022 and EN61000-4-3 Computer.
Messempfänger
Messempfänger are designed for highly sensitive, standard-compliant measurements. Specifically standardized for electromagnetic interference testing, they offer pre-set bandwidths, detectors, and accuracy required by international standards such as EN55022. Their calibrated operation makes them ideal for certification and official compliance documentation—a critical step for manufacturers aiming to market their products worldwide.
Vektornetzwerkanalysator
A Vektornetzwerkanalysator enables detailed characterization of cables, filters, and shielding effectiveness, both in isolation and as integrated system components. This device is key for optimizing the signal integrity and EMC performance of complex hardware platforms, like those found in Rugged PCs for Outdoor use or high-performance server boards. The ability to analyze scattering parameters (S-parameters) ensures rapid detection of impedance mismatches, unforeseen coupling, or degraded shielding.
Moderne Testumgebungen: Vollabsorberhalle & abgeschirmte Räume
Beyond core equipment, the physical layout and shielding of test environments are central elements for credible EMC assessments. Key terms here include the Vollabsorberhalle EMV-Labor (full anechoic chamber for EMC laboratories), abgeschirmte Räume (shielded rooms), and Hybridabsorberauskleidung (hybrid absorber lining).
Vollabsorberhalle
A full anechoic chamber provides the gold standard for radiated emissions and immunity testing. The walls and, frequently, the floor are lined with hybrid ferrite and polyurethane absorbers, minimizing reflections across the frequency spectrum. The Vollabsorberhalle EMV-Labor allows for precise simulation of free-space propagation—crucial when assessing antennas, enclosures, and system-level behavior under real-world electromagnetic exposure. Systems ranging from compact Fanless Box PCs for Industrial & IoT up to rack-scale IT infrastructures can be evaluated here for compliance and robust system design.
Abgeschirmte Räume
When full anechoic chambers are not available, shielded rooms offer effective attenuation of external electromagnetic interference, making them the choice for leitungsgebundene Messungen (conducted measurements), pre-compliance tests, and debugging. These rooms are typically equipped with filtered power lines, waveguide-beyond-cutoff ventilation, and robust EMP door systems. For product types such as the DIN Rail Industrial PC, shielded rooms are often the setting for power line conducted emissions, using Koppelzangen (coupling clamps) or EMI probes to simulate and measure disturbances per EN55022 or EN61000-4-6.
Zusatzausstattung für EMV-Labore
Modern EMC testing goes well beyond core analyzers and chambers. Auxiliary equipment is critical for both emissions and immunity testing, enhancing the lab’s versatility and accuracy. Typical additional components include:
- Prüflingsdrehtisch (turntable): Enables automated device rotation during radiated emissions/immunity tests to identify worst-case orientations.
- ESD-Simulator: Delivers standardized electrostatic discharges per EN61000-4-2 to evaluate the resilience of user interfaces, connectors, and cases, as seen in mission-critical systems like Fanless Touch Panel PCs for Industrial Environments.
- Burst/Surge-Generator: Used for immunity testing with rapid high-voltage pulses and surges per EN61000-4-4 and EN61000-4-5.
- Kupfergranulatschütten (copper granulate trays): Provide RF absorption and grounding support for precise low-frequency conducted tests.
- EMC-Controller: Automate instrument control, test sequencing, and real-time result acquisition, minimizing human error and enhancing test reproducibility.
- Signalgenerator and Umschaltmatrizen (switch matrices): Allow flexible injection of interference signals or automated routing of measurement paths, crucial for the evaluation of complex and modular computing systems such as those highlighted in the Silent Industrial PC guide.
Prüfnormen für Computer und IT-Komponenten
Computer and IT hardware are subject to stringent, clearly defined Prüfnormen für Computer (test standards for computers). Key regulations include EN55022 Prüfung—which governs information technology equipment emissions—and the EN61000-4-x series, specifying immunity tests for RF fields, conducted disturbances, electrical fast transients, and ESD.
EN55022
EN55022 (now superseded in many regions by CISPR 32) outlines permissible limits and procedures for emissions caused by computing devices. Tests follow exacting procedures for radiated and conducted emissions, typically using a Spektrumanalysator or Messempfänger in a calibrated environment. Certified laboratories must ensure background noise is significantly below the test limits—one reason why robust Mini PCs for Extreme Conditions require particular attention during compliance assessment.
EN61000-4-3 Computer
This standard prescribes immunity levels for radiated electromagnetic fields affecting computer equipment. The EN61000-4-3 Computer test is conducted within a Vollabsorberhalle, using dedicated antennas and signal generators to expose devices to controlled RF fields—replicating real-world interference scenarios. Higher-level immunity is often mandated for industrial IT, including Fanless Box PCs for Industry & IoT and similar mission-critical devices.
EN61000-4-6
This addresses immunity to conducted disturbances induced by RF fields onto data and power lines. Tests are carried out using EMI-sonden and Koppelzangen, and are critical in systems with extensive cabling or when computers interface with external industrial or network infrastructure. This standard is particularly relevant for modular industrial computers, such as those in embedded DIN rail solutions.
Dimensionierung der Prüflinge
Determining the correct dimensions and setup of test specimens (Prüflinge) is vital for meaningful EMC results. EN and IEC standards dictate that computers and IT systems should be configured and exercised in their typical operational states, including all standard peripherals, cabling, and network connections. For instance, touch panel PCs are usually tested with all their I/O interfaces active, touch sensors operating, and relevant communication ports connected. This approach ensures the EMV-Laborausstattung can reliably replicate real-world electromagnetic interactions, promoting robust hardware design and avoiding unexpected failures during actual operation.
Additionally, the scale of devices under test can range from compact industrial silent PCs to large server racks. Laboratory layouts and test apparatus—including the size of turntables, absorber fields, and cable supports—must be adjustable to accommodate different device sizes and test configurations. This flexibility highlights the importance of investing in versatile EMV-Laborausstattung for comprehensive and future-proof EMC assessments, particularly as computing hardware continues to evolve in complexity and deployment environments.
Ensuring EMC compliance in laboratory computers is not only about passing a regulation—it is critical for the enduring accuracy and operability of scientific equipment. Drawing upon decades of experience in industrial-grade system design, PSB GmbH provides solutions that meet and often exceed industry and regulatory norms. We incorporate comprehensive testing, including burn-in and EMC validation, to deliver computers that withstand real-world laboratory environments. As an independent provider, our work is always guided by the needs of each project, ensuring lasting reliability and ease of service. Looking ahead, we remain committed to setting new benchmarks in EMC performance for laboratory computing, serving our partners with dedication and expertise.
