With smaller and smaller devices in use today, all using the radio frequency spectrum, it is critical for device and equipment manufacturing to complete comprehensive RFI immunity testing.
This ensures that the sensitive components of the device are correctly shielded or protected to avoid typical or reasonable amounts of radio frequency interference (RFI). This is different from testing for the emission of RFI, although devices will also have to undergo these tests as well to meet regulations and standards.
How it Works
To complete RFI immunity testing, specific components or products are exposed to a level of radio frequency that would be reasonable for the environment. This reasonable level will be different for various types of devices and in specific applications. The tests will also go beyond the “reasonable” to account for specific issues in particular types of uses or applications.
There is RFI immunity testing that is completed on cables within a system. This is a test that uses a clamp and injection probe that delivers the specific current to the cable. This is done with the cable disconnected from any other components in the system to prevent damage of the applied RF current.
There is also a radiated RF immunity test that is used to test the equipment as a whole component. This utilizes a specific antenna system to create the radiated RF field to meet the standards required. The equipment, during the test, will be rotated to expose all sides as well as the top and bottom. Tests are completed in each situation to ensure that the immunity meets standards for the device.
With different options in testing equipment, it will be important to consider the tests required, the device or components to be tested as well as the standards that are required.
