Rohde & Schwarz has released a compact integrated measurement system (IMS) that provides all of the elements required to perform electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing from 9 kHz to 3 GHz in a single desktop or 19-inch rack-mount instrument. It replaces conventional solutions that consume large amounts of space, require multiple instruments, and are difficult to configure and operate. It is a solution for evaluating EMC compliance with commercial, military, and automotive standards, as well as for product precertification.

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The IMS includes a host of measurement components, including a signal source, power meter and optional spectrum analyzer. The IMS also includes control and switching of up to three outboard amplifiers. It allows the use of customer preferred external components such as amplifiers, transducers and antennas. With the addition of the company’s ESCI or ESPI test receivers, the IMS also supports electromagnetic interference (EMI) measurements as well.

The integrated signal source provides AM, FM, pulse and phase modulation and with an optional generator interlock relay allows a 50-Ohm termination to be inserted rather than the signal generator if an interlock loop is open. When used with the Rohde & Schwarz NRP-Z91 power sensor, the IMS can measure three channels (forward and reflected power and interference level) and monitor parameters such as injected current when used for bulk current injection (BCI). A high-speed wear-free PIN diode switch makes it possible to quickly change between forward and reflected power and monitoring.

By adding a spectrum analyzer module, frequency-selective measurements can be performed so that harmonic components of an amplifier’s output at 1-dB gain compression can be evaluated. In addition, current monitoring can be performed when the BCI method is employed for automotive measurements by checking the first five signal harmonics.

The RF switch operates on all RF paths for up to three amplifiers. Using the optional transfer relay, two amplifier outputs can be switched to two different transducers such as antennas, current probes, or connection points (typically encountered in anechoic chambers and shielded enclosures). For conducted measurements, the optional internal amplifier module with a range of 9 kHz to 250 MHz allows measurements to be performed with coupling and decoupling networks (CDN) at a test voltage of 10 V in accordance with EN-61000-4-6.

The IMS test software supports fully automatic measurements of conducted and radiated susceptibility, as well as EMI on terminal equipment, modules, and integrated circuits. The system is operated with the proven EMC32 software and is easily configured and adapted to accept future changes in standards or manufacturer-specific test procedures. It offers various interfaces for monitoring the equipment under test as well.

The IMS system is priced from $28,500 and is available for immediate delivery.