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ANSI C63.4 EMC Radio-Noise Emission Testing of Low-Voltage Equipment Operating in the 9 kHz To 40 GHz Band

The C63.4 testing standard is applied to emission measurements of a variety of electrical and electronic devices. As a leader in electromagnetic compatibility, EMC, regulatory compliance testing, Keystone Compliance assists electronic equipment manufacturers with EMC testing. Meeting the IEC, EN, and other EMC testing requirements can be challenging. Not only do we understand the challenges, but we help guide companies through the process.

Regarded as a leader in unintentional radiator testing, Keystone Compliance assists companies in EMC testing daily. Additionally, we are in constant communication throughout the entire test process. From concept through compliance, Keystone meets all of our customers’ needs under one roof.

Request a quote to see why we are one of the fastest-growing C63.4 emission testing labs in the country. Contact us to discuss your product and how we can assist you in achieving electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) certifications.

Summary of C63.4 Unintentional Radiator EMC Testing

Almost from the beginning of radio broadcasting, the electric utility companies were faced with the problem of radio noise.

This standard specifies standard C63 test methods and instrumentation. More importantly, it specifies facility requirements for the measurement of radio frequency (RF) signals and noise emitted from electrical devices. The standard is only carried out between the ranges of 9 kHz to 40 GHz. The C63 standard does not include generic or product-specific emission limits.

Where possible, the unintentional radiator standard test method is harmonized with other national and international standards used for similar purposes.

Lastly, the electrical compliance C63.4 standard is not intended to ensure safety, health, or environmental protection. The documents are only responsible for assisting in manufacturer compliance with the applicable laws and regulations.

Scope of C63.4 EMC Compliance Lab Testing

This C63.4 document is used to standardize lab testing methods and equipment used to characterize device emissions. This is in respect to voluntary or regulatory compliance requirements designed to protect authorized communication services. The specified electromagnetic compatibility, EMC, procedures are intended to be primarily used in controlled lab environments.

A variety of single, stand-alone units or multiple interconnected units are applied to emission measurements. C63.4 EMC testing procedures are also used for making emission measurements of digital device portions contained in or used in intentional radiators.

The methods described in the electromagnetic compatibility standard may not be adequate for the measurement of emissions from incidental radiators, avionics, or industrial, scientific, and medical equipment

All limit specifications are applied to their entirety to the characterization of the device over the specified frequency range in all propagation modes.

The regulatory test requirement will specify the following information in conjunction with the application of this EMC standard:

  • Limits and frequency ranges for both ac power-line conducted and radiated emission measurements.
  • Measurement antenna distances for radiated emission measurements.
  • Identification of uncommon requirements such as radiated magnetic field strength, radiated electric field strength measurements, relaxation of the limits for clicks, etc.

For this C63 standard, an unintentional radiator is defined as a device that generates radio-frequency energy for use within the device or that sends RF signals by conduction to associated equipment via wiring. However, the device is not intended to emit RF energy by radiation or induction.

C63.4 Standard Test Method Operating Conditions

The equipment under test (EUT) and accessories are operated at the nominal operating voltage, operating temperature, and typical load conditions. Loads may be actual or simulated as described in the individual equipment requirements.

It may be necessary to develop a set of explicit requirements specifying the EMC test conditions, EUT operation, and so on. These are to be used in testing a specific EUT or class of EUTs for radio-noise emissions. Such requirements are documented for the EUT and used in determining compliance within specified limits

The EUT is operated so that all the functions are exercised. If the software is used to exercise the EUT, then a description and all identifiers of the specific operating software are included in the test report to facilitate reproducible test results.

Keystone Compliance Provides Expert C63.4 Compliance Lab Testing

In addition to C63.4 testing, Keystone has a full scope of expertise including environmental and package testing such as temperature, solar radiation, and ingress protection. Keystone has a full lab of test equipment which permits us to provide short lead times on scheduling. Our team strives to give our customers more time and energy on product development instead of testing. 

Complete our request a quote form to get a jump start on the conversation. Have a question about our C63.4 compliance test lab? Contact us or call (724) 657-9940 and we will determine the best course of action.