At PSB GmbH, we recognize that electromagnetic compatibility (EMV) is a decisive factor for reliable operation in demanding industrial and medical environments. An EMV-tested industrial PC ensures robust performance even amidst high levels of electromagnetic interference, safeguarding both system stability and data integrity. For more than three decades, our engineering teams have developed tailored PC solutions that consistently meet rigorous EMV standards, reflecting our commitment to functionality and safety. Every project benefits from our meticulous approach, combining precise component selection and advanced filtering techniques to minimize risks from electromagnetic fields. Through close collaboration with our customers, we ensure that each system not only complies with current regulations but is also optimized for long-term dependability in challenging settings.
What is an EMV-Certified Industrial PC?
An EMV-certified industrial PC is a computer system specifically engineered and verified to meet strict electromagnetic compatibility (EMV) standards in industrial settings. EMV stands for Elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit or electromagnetic compatibility, ensuring that a device neither emits excessive electromagnetic interference (EMI) nor is unduly susceptible to it. This dual focus on störfestigkeit (interference immunity) and controlled emission is essential for industrial environments where numerous electronic devices operate in proximity.
Unlike office PCs, industrial PCs must conform to rigorous standards such as CE and FCC marks, denoting compliance with both European and US regulatory requirements. This means undergoing comprehensive EMV testing and validation against various electrical phenomena, such as ESD (electrostatic discharge), transients (voltage spikes), and conducted or radiated emissions. In addition to EMV, many designs consider enhanced ingress protection, such as those addressed by IP65 industrial PCs, which combine physical robustness with EMV-conform engineering.
Key to these systems is the EMV-compliant enclosure, using specialized shielding, grounding, and layout techniques to mitigate EMI risks. Such systems are not only tested in standardized labs, often following frameworks like DIN-EN 61000-6-7 or EN60601-1, but also supplied with documented evidence in the form of a Technical File and EU Declaration of Conformity.
Main Characteristics of EMV-Certified Industrial PCs
- Robust EMV shielding of enclosures and connectors.
- Compliance with international standards (CE marking, FCC).
- Verified resistance to ESD and transients.
- Careful component selection to minimize emissions.
- Appropriate cabling, grounding, and PCB layout to prevent EMI problems.
Such intensive engineering and validation go far beyond what a standard commercial PC offers. For highly regulated environments like cleanrooms, the industrial PC for cleanrooms takes EMV protocols even further, ensuring both contamination and interference are minimized.
Why Is EMV Compliance Essential for Industrial PCs?
EMV-conformity for industrial PCs is not merely about regulatory box-ticking; it is fundamental for uninterrupted, safe, and legal operation in increasingly crowded electronic environments. High levels of electromagnetic interference can cause data loss, operational malfunctions, equipment shutdown, or even physical damage. Conversely, non-compliant devices may disturb neighboring systems—including critical infrastructure—leading to cascading failures and significant downtime.
For example, when an industrial PC lacks proper interference suppression, it might disrupt factory automation lines, leading to costly halts in production. In sectors like pharmaceuticals or food processing, failures can translate to product recall, regulatory fines, or even safety hazards. These risks underscore the importance of robust EMV certification, especially when considering continuous or 24/7 operational scenarios such as those explored with continuous operation computers.
Legal and Practical Implications of EMV Non-Compliance
- Legal Action & Liability: Operating a non-compliant system can expose companies to lawsuits or pressure from regulatory bodies such as the EU or FCC.
- Interference with Other Systems: Non-EMV-conform computers may disrupt PLCs, sensors, communication networks, or other mission-critical equipment.
- Failed Certification: Inability to demonstrate EMV-conformity during audits can prevent product launch or lead to forced product recalls.
- Increased Maintenance: Non-compliant systems generally require more frequent troubleshooting and repair due to unanticipated EMV issues.
Which Certifications Exist?
For an industrial PC to be EMV-certified, it must undergo a number of regulatory assessments, the most significant being:
- CE Marking (Europe): The CE mark, as per the EU Machinery Directive and EMC Directive, confirms compliance with essential requirements for elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit. Technical documentation must include test results, a Technical File, and the EU Declaration of Conformity. Standards like DIN-EN 61000-6-7 and EN60601-1 often apply.
- FCC Certification (USA): Required for devices marketed in the United States, especially industrial computers emitting radiofrequency energy. The FCC part 15 rules specify emission limits and test protocols; manufacturers must maintain compliance evidence for audits.
- Other Sector-Specific Certifications: For ATEX (explosive environments), cleanroom, or medical applications, additional standards and certifications may be required, often extending or customizing EMV validation to specific hazards.
Some systems, like fanless industrial panel PCs, are designed with both EMV and other environmental certifications (e.g., IP or ATEX) in mind, combining noise-free operation with robust compliance.
Example: CE vs. FCC in Industrial Computing
| Aspect | CE (Europe) | FCC (USA) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | All EMC & safety aspects | RF interference only |
| Documentation | Technical File, Declaration | Test Report, Compliance Statement |
| Standards | EN, IEC | FCC Part 15 |
| Marketability | Europe | USA |
How Is EMV Compliance Tested?
Achieving EMV-compliance entails rigorous, standardized EMV tests conducted in controlled laboratories. The core goal is to confirm that the industrial PC meets all specification thresholds for both emission (the amount of interference produced) and susceptibility (its resistance to external EMI).
Key Test Procedures and Test Criteria
- Conducted Emissions Test: Assesses interference conducted via power and signal cables. PCs must demonstrate low emissions under maximum load.
- Radiated Emissions Test: Measures electromagnetic fields emitted through enclosures and unshielded connections.
- Immunity (Störfestigkeit) Testing: Tests resilience to ESD, transients, and radiated RF fields. PCs are subjected to controlled electromagnetic disturbances to evaluate robustness.
- Specialized Tests: For harsh environments, additional assessments—such as IP protection class or vibration tests—can augment EMV testing, as seen with IP65-certified industrial PCs.
Protocols such as EN 55032, IEC 61000-4-2 (for ESD), and IEC 61000-4-4 (for electrical fast transient/burst) are frequently referenced. Detailed test reports form the backbone of the Technical File, which is mandatory for compliance evidence under CE or FCC regulations. Advanced systems integrate design solutions such as shielded cables, EMV-compliant housings (with gaskets, seals, and filtered interfaces) to ensure repeatable success under testing and real-world conditions.
Advantages of an EMV-Certified Industrial PC
Investing in an EMV-certified industrial PC delivers both immediate and long-term benefits for companies seeking secure, low-maintenance operations in sensitive environments.
- Reliability: Enhanced störfestigkeit (immunity) reduces unexpected shutdowns and data loss, vital for critical processes and continuous operations.
- Safety: Compliance with EMC standards reduces workplace hazards caused by uncontrolled electrical faults or radioactive interference.
- Regulatory Security: Meeting CE, FCC, and sector-specific standards enables seamless market entry, audit readiness, and peace of mind for integrators and end-users.
- Reduced Interference: EMV-certified PCs minimize disruptions to surrounding equipment, crucial in automation or cleanroom applications.
- Lower Total Cost of Ownership: Less maintenance and troubleshooting required due to integrated interference suppression and shielding measures.
These proven advantages hold particular importance for industries that deploy fanless industrial PCs, where fanless design and EMV shielding combine for silent, dust-free, and interference-minimized computing.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About EMV Compliance
What is an EMV Test for Industrial PCs?
An EMV test for industrial PCs is a sequence of laboratory procedures checking both how much electromagnetic noise the PC emits and how well it withstands external interference. This includes conducted and radiated emissions, ESD, EFT, and RF susceptibility tests. These tests follow norms such as IEC 61000-4-x and form the technical basis for CE or FCC certification.
Is EMV Certification Legally Mandatory?
Yes, in most industrial contexts where CE marking is a legal prerequisite for product placement. In the US, equipment emitting RF energy requires FCC certification. Some environments (e.g., cleanrooms or explosive atmospheres) may demand stricter or additional EMV and safety testing.
What Differentiates an EMV-Certified Industrial PC from a Standard PC?
EMV-certified industrial PCs are purpose-built for high immunity and low emissions, using robust enclosures, shielded connectors, filtered power supplies, and careful grounding. Office PCs generally lack this level of EMV engineering. For applications exposed to dust, water, or extreme temperatures, solutions like IP65 industrial PCs reinforce EMV protection with environmental sealing.
Can I Retrofit EMV Conformity?
Retrofits such as shielded housings, filtered power supplies, and improved grounding can reduce EMI but rarely achieve the reliability or testing certainty of a factory-built EMV-conform system. Selecting a panel PC specifically engineered for EMV compliance is highly recommended.
Why Choose Fanless EMV-Certified Designs?
Fanless industrial PCs, like those detailed in the fanless panel PC guide, reduce moving parts, minimize dust ingress and vibration, and eliminate another potential EMI source. This synergizes with EMV shielding for maximum operational stability in demanding industrial settings.
In our experience, EMV compliance is more than a regulatory necessity; it is fundamental to the operational longevity and security of industrial PC systems. Our proven methodologies and in-house testing processes, including comprehensive burn-in and EMV verification, ensure that every system leaving our facility meets the highest standards of reliability. Customers across various sectors trust PSB GmbH for systems that perform reliably under even the harshest electromagnetic conditions. By consistently investing in technical know-how and close partnerships, we maintain our readiness for evolving industry challenges. We look forward to continuing to provide robust, EMV-tested solutions that support the critical operations of our customers now and in the future.
