At PSB GmbH, we recognize that electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is fundamental for the smooth operation and safety of industrial and medical PC-based systems. Stringent requirements for EMV-certified hardware are not only a regulatory necessity, but also an assurance of quality and functional stability. Drawing on decades of experience, our engineering teams meticulously integrate EMC considerations into every stage of hardware design, from component selection to advanced enclosure concepts. Each system undergoes rigorous in-house pre-compliance testing and coordination with accredited laboratories to ensure full conformity with global standards. This integrated approach allows us to provide our partners with solutions that maintain reliable performance even in environments with high electromagnetic interference. With customer needs at the forefront, PSB GmbH delivers tailored hardware solutions that combine functionality, safety, and robust certification processes.
What Does EMV Certification Mean for Hardware?
EMV certification refers to the process by which hardware is proven to be compliant with regulations concerning electromagnetic compatibility (EMV, or “elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit”). In other words, EMV-certified hardware is designed and engineered so that it neither emits disruptive electromagnetic interference nor is unduly susceptible to disturbances from its electromagnetic environment. For manufacturers and integrators of industrial and medical equipment, achieving EMV certification is paramount to ensure product safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
The core goal of EMV-zertifizierte Hardware is to minimize both unintentional radiated and conducted emissions (Disturbance emission, Störaussendung) as well as increase the device’s immunity—or Störfestigkeit—against external sources of interference. The certification is not just a bureaucratic hurdle; it is a guarantee for end users that the product will perform safely and dependably in real-world operating environments, such as those with other industrial PCs or complex automation systems. For example, in the context of industrial PC automation, EMV compliance ensures that sensitive automated processes are not disrupted by electrical noise from other hardware.
Legal Foundations and Relevant Standards
The Role of the EMV Directive and CE Marking
Within the European Union, the EMV Directive (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU) sets the legal framework for electromagnetic compatibility of equipment. Hardware placed on the European market must comply with the requirements of this directive. To demonstrate conformity, manufacturers affix the CE mark (CE-Kennzeichnung) to their hardware, permitting the free movement of the product within the EEA. The CE marking symbolizes compliance not only with the EMV directive but also with other applicable regulations.
Essential EMV Standards
To objectively assess compliance, hardware must be tested against specific standards and norms. The most frequently cited are:
- DIN EN 61000 (IEC 61000 series): These define measurements and limits for immunity and emission regarding industrial and commercial equipment.
- EN 60601-1-2: This standard applies to medical electrical equipment and systems, establishing requirements for electromagnetic emissions and immunity to safeguard patient and operator safety.
Specific industrial environments, such as those using industrial panel PCs, may mandate adherence to stricter subsections of these standards or additional product-specific regulations.
The Path to EMV Certification
Step-by-Step Certification Process
Obtaining EMV certification is a structured process involving planning, product development, testing, and documentation:
- Design with EMV compliance in mind: Early adoption of EMV-gerechtes Design strategies significantly increases the chances of passing later tests.
- Pre-compliance measurements: During prototyping, initial EMV-Prüfung (pre-checks) in a test center can uncover design flaws before full certification testing.
- Formal testing: Certified test centers carry out comprehensive emission and immunity tests as defined in relevant EMV-Normen (standards), such as those specified by DIN EN 61000 and EN 60601-1-2.
- Documentation and conformity declaration: If the hardware passes all tests, a technical construction file is compiled, and the manufacturer may issue a Declaration of Conformity.
- Affixing the CE mark: The product is now eligible for the CE-Kennzeichnung, confirming compliance to buyers, authorities, and partners.
The Testcenter is critical in both the pre-compliance and full certification phases, supporting manufacturers in identifying issues with emissions or immunity early on. For industrial manufacturers striving for quiet operation alongside high compliance, attention to EMV is as pertinent as in the development of low-noise industrial PCs.
Technical Measures for EMV-Compliant Hardware
EMV-Gerechtes Design and Shielding
Creating EMV-zertifizierte Hardware relies on proactive and layered design decisions:
- Circuit Layout: Separation of high-speed and sensitive circuits, optimal placement of ground planes, and minimizing loop surfaces.
- Cable Management: Shielding of signal and power cables, correct routing, and the use of twisted pairs where suitable.
- Abschirmung (Shielding): Use of metal enclosures, gaskets, and mesh to protect against radiated disturbances and to contain emissions.
- Filtering: EMC filters on power inputs and signal lines to suppress conducted interference.
- Grounding: Establishing proper grounding schemes, including single-point and multi-point grounding, as dictated by the device requirements.
These approaches are integral to engineering EMV-gerechte Gehäuse (EMC-compliant enclosures) and supporting the robust operation of specialized products such as silent industrial PCs, where electrical noise minimization is essential.
Störfestigkeit and Immunity
Störfestigkeit (immunity) can further be bolstered through:
- Use of surge protection devices.
- Opto-isolation for sensitive interfaces.
- Redundant signal paths and self-diagnostic routines in critical systems.
Applying these measures ensures that even in electrically noisy settings, as often found with mobile workstations in industrial environments, system reliability and user safety are not compromised.
Sector-Specific Requirements and Practical Examples
Industrial Sector
Machines and systems in modern factories—often equipped with industrial PCs for automation—must comply not only with general emission and immunity standards (DIN EN 61000) but also with sector-specific guidelines. Some production environments, for example, involve high levels of electromagnetic noise, making rigorous filtering and shielding essential.
Medical Technology
Medical devices must adhere to particular regulations such as EN 60601-1-2. Hospital equipment, from diagnostic imaging machines to bedside monitors, must perform without succumbing to or generating interference. Ensuring compliance here can be a matter of life and death and demands specialized test procedures for both Störaussendung and Störfestigkeit.
Automotive and Transportation
Vehicles and infrastructure components face not only stringent emission and immunity requirements but also vibration, temperature, and supply voltage specifications. EMV certification in this sector ensures that critical safety and control systems operate flawlessly under all conditions.
Practical Example: Industrial Panel PCs
Consider the case of deploying industrial panel PCs in a manufacturing plant. Such devices must withstand strong electromagnetic fields from heavy machinery while continuing to operate reliably. Achieving EMV conformity requires multi-layer shielding, careful cable routing, and in-depth compliance testing following DIN EN 61000. Only with such precautions can the integrity and reliability of the production line be assured.
Checklist: Successfully Achieving EMV Certification
- Familiarize yourself with applicable legal frameworks (EMV Richtlinie/EMC Directive, CE marking obligations).
- Select and implement suitable EMV-Normen, like DIN EN 61000 or EN 60601-1-2, specific to your industry and product.
- Adopt EMV-compliant circuit design and enclosure strategies early in development (e.g., shielding, filtering, grounding).
- Utilize pre-compliance testing to identify and fix EMC issues during prototyping.
- Choose a reliable Testcenter for formal EMV-Prüfung (certification testing).
- Document all test results, technical file components, and compliance declarations.
- Affix the CE mark only once all conformity requirements are verifiably met.
- In case of production or design changes, re-evaluate EMC conformity and retest as needed.
- Seek expert EMV consulting services, especially for novel or complex applications.
By following this checklist, even highly specialized solutions, such as low-noise industrial PCs or silent industrial computers, can reliably achieve and maintain EMV certification.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about EMV-Certified Hardware
Why is EMV certification important for industrial and medical hardware?
EMV-zertifizierte Hardware ensures that devices function reliably and safely in environments filled with electromagnetic disturbances. This is crucial for the smooth operation of production lines, medical procedures, and transportation systems.
What are the main steps in EMV certification?
The process consists of designing for EMV compliance, conducting pre-compliance tests, undergoing formal certification by an independent laboratory, and completing documentation and CE marking as per legal requirements.
What standards are most relevant for EMV certification?
The key standards include DIN EN 61000 (industry) and EN 60601-1-2 (medical technology), among others that may apply to specific fields or products. Familiarity with the right EMV-Normen is essential for smooth certification.
How can technical design minimize EMC issues?
Use optimal grounding, filtering, shielding, and thoughtful PCB layout. Many modern products, like mobile industrial workstations, integrate multi-layered approaches to manage emissions and immunity.
What is the relevance of CE marking in the EMC context?
CE-Kennzeichnung is an official symbol declaring the product’s compliance with all applicable European directives, especially those related to EMV. Without it, products may not be marketed or used within the EU.
Are there special considerations for updates and product changes?
Yes. Any updates or modifications can affect Störaussendung or Störfestigkeit, requiring retesting and renewed documentation.
Who is responsible for EMV compliance?
The manufacturer is ultimately responsible, though collaboration with specialized EMC consultation and testing services is strongly recommended for complex products and high-risk fields.
EMV certification is a critical benchmark, ensuring that industrial and medical hardware performs dependably amidst real-world electromagnetic challenges. PSB GmbH’s track record demonstrates a deep commitment to rigorous testing protocols and a disciplined development process, underscoring the reliability and longevity of our systems. By prioritizing both regulatory adherence and operational resilience, we help our customers achieve uninterrupted, high-quality service in diverse and demanding applications. Our hands-on expertise in navigating complex EMC requirements makes us a trusted partner in the field. Looking ahead, we will continue to refine our testing methodologies and deepen our technical know-how, ensuring that our hardware solutions set standards for quality and performance well into the future.
