ICES 003 Digital Apparatus EMC/EMI Laboratory Testing

ICES-003 describes compliance testing procedures relative to the radiated and conducted emissions from digital apparatus. As a leader in EMC regulatory compliance testing, Keystone Compliance assists electronic equipment manufacturers with ICES lab 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.

Keystone Compliance takes pride in providing the peace of mind that all of your unintentional radiator testing needs will be met. Regarded as a leader in unintentional radiator testing, Keystone assists companies in EMC testing on a daily basis. Our expert test engineers work with clients to quickly develop appropriate and concise test plans. From concept through compliance, Keystone meets all of our customer’s needs under one roof.

Request a quote to receive expert electromagnetic compliance EMC testing services tailored to your specific needs. Contact us to receive more information on ICES 003 testing.

Summary of ICES 003 Digital Apparatus Compliance Testing

As mentioned above, this interference-causing equipment standard sets out technical requirements relative to the radiated and conducted radio noise emissions from digital apparatus.

A record of measurements and results, showing the date that this information was completed is used by the manufacturer or importer. Furthermore, a written notice of compliance must accompany each unit of digital apparatus to the end-user.

This ICES and EMC test does not apply to the digital apparatus used:

• in a transportation vehicle;
• as an electronic control, either by a public utility or in an industrial plant;
• in a power system, either by a public utility or in an industrial plant;
• as test equipment, including an oscilloscope and a frequency counter, in an industrial, commercial or medical environment;
• as a medical computing device, under the direction of a licensed health care practitioner;
• in general office telephone equipment operated by a telecommunications common carrier in a central office;
• Etc.

In this ICES 003 standard, the term Digital Apparatus is used numerous times. This term means an electronic apparatus that generates and uses timing signals at a rate in excess of 10,000 pulses per second and that utilizes radio frequency energy for the purpose of performing specific functions.

Functions may include computations, operations, transformations, recording, filing, sorting, storage, retrieval, and transfer. However, it does not include an ISM (industrial, scientific, or medical) radio frequency generator.

Scope of ICES 003 Compliance Lab Testing of Digital Apparatus

Instrumentation is in accordance with CISPR 22. Methods of measurement include a representative type or model of each digital apparatus being tested with CISPR 22. 

CISPR 22

The equipment under testing is configured, installed, arranged, and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s typical operating instructions.

Where there are multiple of the same interface ports, additional interconnecting cables/loads/devices are added to the EUT. This may depend upon the preliminary test results. The number of additional wires of the same type is limited to the condition where the addition of another cable does not seriously affect the emission level. For example, it varies less than 2dB, provided that the EUT remains compliant.

A system that consists of a number of separate units is configured to form a minimum representative configuration. The number and mix of units included must usually be representative of that used in a typical installation.

Limits of ICES 003 Testing Procedures

The limits of radio noises do not apply to a unit of digital apparatus while it is being tested for compliance with this EMC standard.

The voltage of radio noise emissions that are conducted along power supply lines must not exceed limits specified within CISPR 22. Moreover, the voltage of radio noise emissions that are conducted along the power supply lines of Class B shall do the same.

Keystone Compliance Provides Expert ICES Device Testing

Keystone has a full lab of test equipment which permits us to provide short lead times on scheduling. Keystone Compliance can accommodate fixed, mobile and portable devices of all sizes. 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 digital apparatus testing? Contact us or call (724) 657-9940 and we will determine the best course of action.

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