Navigating the Magnetic Mazes & Radio Riddles of EN61000-4-6 & EN61000-4-8
12th September 2023Share This Post
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In the realm of power conversion products, compliance with standards is paramount. With the emergence and evolution of the EN61000 series, power supply designers and integrators have a robust framework for ensuring the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of their products. This paper will continue our look into these standards with a deep dive into EN61000-4-6 (Conducted disturbances induced by radio-frequency fields) and EN61000-4-8 (Power frequency magnetic field immunity), exploring their significance and applications in power supply design and integration.
EN61000-4-6: Conducted Disturbances, Induced by Radio-Frequency Fields
Overview
EN61000-4-6 addresses the immunity of electrical and electronic equipment to conducted disturbances induced by radio-frequency (RF) fields. This standard aims to ensure equipment operates as intended when exposed to RF disturbances, often originating from devices like two-way radios and mobile phones.
Relevance to Power Supply Design
For power supplies, maintaining stable operation in the presence of RF disturbances is crucial. Power conversion products can be both a source and a victim of RF interference.
Source: Without proper design, power supplies can emit RF disturbances, potentially affecting nearby equipment.
Victim: Power supplies need to function efficiently and reliably when RF disturbances are present.
Designers need to consider RF filtering, appropriate shielding, and component selection to ensure compliance with EN61000-4-6.
EN61000-4-6 Test levels
Class 1
Low-Level Electromagnetic Radiation Environment
The typical level where radio and/or television stations are located at a distance of >1km and the typical level for low power transceivers.
Class 2
Moderate Electromagnetic Radiation Environment
Low power portable transceivers (typically <1W rating) are in use, but with restrictions on use in close proximity to the equipment. A typical commercial environment.
Class 3
Severe Electromagnetic Radiation Environment
Portable transceivers (2W and more) are in use relatively close to the equipment, but at a distance not less than 1m. High-powered broadcast transmitters that are in close proximity to the equipment and ISM equipment may be located close by. A typical industrial environment.
Class X
X is an open immunity test level that can be agreed and recorded in the respective product standard or device specification.
EN61000-4-8: Power Frequency Magnetic Field Immunity Test
Overview
EN61000-4-8 deals with the immunity of equipment to magnetic disturbances at power frequencies (typically 50/60 Hz). It outlines testing methods and immunity levels for devices and equipment exposed to continuous and short-duration magnetic disturbances.
Relevance to Power Supply Design
Power supplies, by their very nature, can produce magnetic fields, especially in products with transformers or inductive components. Additionally, they might be installed near other devices emitting magnetic disturbances.
Source: Power supplies with transformers or other magnetic components can be sources of magnetic disturbances, especially if not properly designed or shielded.
Victim: A power supply’s performance might degrade in the presence of external magnetic fields.
Complying with EN61000-4-8 involves considering the physical design and layout of power supply components. Effective shielding, careful placement of magnetic components, and design practices that minimize magnetic emissions are essential.
EN61000-4-8 Test Levels
Class 1
Environmental Level
The environmental level where sensitive device using electron beam can be used. Examples include environments containing CRT monitors or an electron microscope.
Class 2
Well-Protected Environment
Examples include households, offices, and hospitals.
Class 3
Protected Environment
Examples include commercial areas, small industrial plants, or a computer room of a high voltage sub-station.
Class 4
Industrial Environment
Examples include heavy industrial plants, power plants, or the control room of a high voltage sub-station.
Class 5
Severe Industrial Environment
Examples include the switchyard of heavy industrial plants, or medium voltage and high voltage power stations.
Ensuring Compliance
To ensure compliance with both standards, a systematic approach is crucial:
Awareness
Begin with a thorough understanding of both EN61000-4-6 and EN61000-4-8, their requirements, and implications.
Component Selection
Choose components that have sufficient voltage and current ratings to withstand the expected transients. Select components with fast response times and low parasitic capacitance and inductance. Relec Electronics will help you in this regard.
PCB Layout
Optimize the PCB layout to minimize the loop area of sensitive traces. Separate high-voltage and low-voltage circuitry and ensure proper grounding techniques to reduce the impact of transients.
Filtering and Decoupling
Incorporate appropriate filters, such as transient voltage suppressors (TVS), RC snubbers, and line filters, to attenuate transient voltages and prevent them from reaching sensitive circuitry. Use decoupling capacitors to stabilize power supply voltages.
Shielding and Grounding
Implement effective shielding techniques to minimize the coupling of transients. Use proper grounding techniques, including star grounding, to maintain a low impedance path for transient currents.
Testing and Verification
Implement effective shielding techniques to minimize the coupling of transients. Use proper grounding techniques, including star grounding, to maintain a low impedance path for transient currents.
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Conclusion
The EN61000-4-6 and EN61000-4-8 standards play pivotal roles in ensuring that power conversion products remain immune to RF and magnetic disturbances, respectively. As power supply designs become more intricate and as the electromagnetic environment grows more challenging, understanding and adhering to these standards is more crucial than ever. At Relec Electronics, we pride ourselves on keeping abreast of evolving standards, ensuring that our power supply solutions are at the forefront of compliance and performance.
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