Software Option Shifts EMI Testing Into Design Phase

A new measurement option for the R&S FSW signal and spectrum analyser from Rohde & Schwarz allows developers to optimise the EMI performance of their products as early as in the design phase. This saves valuable time on the way to final EMC certification. The FSW-K54 software option supports EMI bandwidths in compliance with commercial as well as military standards. In order to analyse disturbances, the option contains EMI detectors such as peak, quasi-peak, CISPR-average and RMS-average in line with CISPR and MIL standards. It also includes a database of predefined limit lines as specified by international standards, as well as correction factors (transducers) for typical measurement tasks. The limit lines and transducers can be modified to match the customer’s requirements and EMI accessories.

The EMI option allows users to optimise shielding design features (e.g. in devices or components) making it easy to test how design and circuit modifications will affect EMI performance. To reliably capture all disturbances, the R&S FSW uses a high maximum number of sweep points – 200,001 -- for this application. Up to six traces with different EMI detectors can be active at the same time. A maximum of 16 separate markers analyse any disturbance that may be present. The instrument displays measurement results on either a linear or logarithmic frequency axis. The spectrum display using a logarithmically scaled frequency axis makes it easier to diagnose results and also allows limit lines to be displayed in conformance with standards. Amplitude- and frequency-modulated signals can be demodulated using markers. They are then output to speakers or headphones via the audio channel to help clearly identify disturbances.

In addition to the new R&S FSW-K54 option, Rohde & Schwarz offers the Windows-based R&S ES SCAN EMI software for the remote control of simple, automatic EMI tests. The software records measured data, analyses it and documents the results.