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1998 PRESS RELEASES
| OCT 1998 |
EMC Technologies Gains New NATA Accreditations and Upgrades EMC Test Facilities
EMC Technologies has recently upgraded its test facilities in Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland to allow NATA/IANZ accredited emission and immunity testing to all the C-Tick standards and all the major emission and immunity standards required by the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC for CE marking purposes.
The new Open Area test Site (OATS) located in the Lerderderg State Forest (near Bacchus Marsh) just 35 minutes from Melbourne, has proved very popular with busy engineers as they save around 2 hours in travel time. They have gained new accreditations for FCC testing to FCC Part 15, AS/NZS2557 (CISPR 12) and EMR exposure measurements per AS/NZS2772.1
NATA Radiated Immunity Testing to IEC/EN61000-4-3
The establishment of a uniform test field within the test chamber over the area occupied by the test sample is performed in an anechoic (or semi-anechoic) chamber lined with ferrite absorber tiles. The ferrite tiles dampen reflections and resonances to overcome the deficiencies of conventional un-lined chambers where reflections and standing waves cause field gradients of up to 40dB. This means that in an unlined chamber, instead of a nominal field strength of 3 V/m at the test sample, the actual field could vary between 0.3 V/m to 30 V/m.
Large field variations are common and can cause sudden and often unrepeatable test failures for what may appear to be a very low field at the test sample. This results in poor test repeatability and a high probability of both “over testing” and “under-testing”. These problems are eliminated by the new immunity standard IEC/EN 61000-4-3 which requires the establishment of field of uniformity between 0 to +6dB over the 1.5 metre square area in which the test sample is placed.
Immunity testing is performed with high power broadband RF amplifiers which drive broadband transmitting antennas under the control of advanced software developed in-house by EMC Technologies. Software hooks allow user access for rapid logging of all test data to evaluate and analyse the EUT EMC performance.
Indoor Radiated Emission Measurements
The semi-anechoic chambers are also ideal for accurate “no ambient” radiated emission measurements, prior to formal compliance testing at the Open Area Test Site. EMC Technologies advanced EMI measurement software allows accurate emission profiles of most products in less than 12 minutes. All EMI peaks are measured and logged, and the data correlated with the OATS values. Comprehensive spectrum plots are provided detailing all emissions for a full 360 degree rotation of the test sample for both horizontal and vertical antenna polarities.
This innovation allows high quality precompliance testing of up to 50 test configurations in one day without travelling to the OATS. It provides a thorough analysis of the emission performance which allows a quantitative assessment of the individual shields, each component, card, cable and connector to confirm and finalise the EMC design prior to the final compliance test at the NATA OATS. Even for very complex equipment, the EMC approval process is often reduced to one or two passes through the test house.
Types of Equipment Tested
The new anechoic chambers allow the CE testing of very large equipment, systems and installations which were previously only able to be tested in-situ. The compromises and greater expenses involved in in-situ testing are avoided since the chambers have very large double doors to give access to large products. Testing is performed on very large devices such as cars, trucks, mainframe computers, large industrial machinery and equipment, to very small devices such as medical implants and pocket computers.
CE and C-Tick NATA EMC Testing Facilities
EMC Technologies is NATA accredited for testing to all the mandatory C-tick EMC standards under the Australian EMC Framework and for all the basic EMC standards required for CE marking of products. Chris Zombolas said “EMC Technologies has achieved a major milestone in its plan to provide universally accepted NATA accredited testing for virtually all products that require CE and C-tick marking.” The combined resources of the Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland EMC labs are able to provide the full range of NATA/IANZ accredited EMC testing services in all major areas including Radiocomms, Telecomms, Medical and Machinery. EMC Technologies can safely boast that they are the only test house in Australian/New Zealand able to provide such a wide scope of accredited testing in addition to their existing accreditations as an EMC competent Body (CB) and European designation as a Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) for both testing and Technical Construction File assessment.”
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| OCT 1998 |
RF RADHAZ & EMR - NATA Accreditation for AS/NZS 2772
EMC Technologies has gained NATA accreditation for the measurement of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) in accordance with AS/NZS2772.1:1998. EMR (also known as non-ionising radiation) is generated by radio and television broadcast stations, mobile phones and base stations, microwave repeaters, and various industrial, medical and scientific devices.
To ensure the protection of personnel in the workplace and to protect members of the general public, it is essential that the EMR levels around these EMR sources must comply with the limits set by AS/NZS 2772.1. “Radio Frequency Radiation: Maximum Exposure Levels, 3 kHz to 300 GHz.” The Australian Communication Authority (ACA) has advised that this standard will be mandated and progressively phased in for a wide range of EMR devices as of 1 January 1999.
The accuracy and credibility of the results is of paramount importance. An accredited NATA test ensures accurate and competent measurements providing all the data necessary in order to prevent accidental over-exposure of workers and the public. Broadband, narrowband and pulsed RF measurements are performed over the range 9 kHz to 18 GHz.
Comprehensive spectrum plots are provided clearly identifying the frequency and level of all significant EMR sources. NATA endorsed reports may be used to label and signpost the facilities into “go/no-go” areas and to alert people to the potential risk of exposure to high EMR levels. EMC Technologies NATA reports will be acceptable to the ACA as proof of compliance.
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| SEP 1998 |
EMC Technologies NZ Ltd becomes an EMC Conformity Assessment Body
Following an intensive assessment by International Accreditation New Zealand, (formerly TELARC) EMC Technologies NZ Ltd has been designated as a European Union (EU) Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) as allowed for under the EU Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive 89/336/EEC.
The designation as a CAB will allow the laboratory to perform local conformity assessment (both testing and Competent Body) of all electrical products under the scope of the EMC Directive. Previously, it was only legally possible for such assessments and certifications to be carried out by Competent Bodies that were located in Europe.
This has all been bought about by the recent signing of the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) that allows Conformity Assessment (both testing and certification) of products traded between the EU and NZ/Australia, to be undertaken locally. Local testing and Competent Body assessments will be of significant benefit to Australia/NZ exporters as it will greatly reduce costs and delays in the approval of their products.
The operation of the CAB will augment the extensive array of EMC and Radio Type Approval test facilities that also covers the entire scope of the Australian EMC Framework. (C-tick).
During the same assessment several immunity standards were added to the laboratory’s accreditation and now, the full range of emission and immunity tests for CE Marking, are available.
The CAB will operate as an on-shore, multi layered service whereby EMCT manages the whole process from the production of the test plan, carrying out of the testing, the assessment of the Technical Construction File and the certification of the product. Specialist design consultation is also available.
For further information contact:
Andrew Cutler
General Manager
EMC Technologies (NZ) Ltd.
Ph: +64 9 360 0862 Fax: +64 9 360 0861
email:auklab@ihug.co.nz
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| SEP 1998 |
EMC Technologies NZ Ltd commences
Radio Testing Operations.
Following the recent purchase by EMC Technologies Pty Ltd of the NZ Ministry of Commerce (MOC) EMC and Radio Type approval laboratories, the full complement of services by the former laboratory is now available under the banner of EMC technologies NZ Ltd. Following an intensive assessment by International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ), EMC Technologies NZ Ltd has been accredited to perform testing and certification of a wide range of radio transmitters for type approval purposes.
Radio transmitter testing is now available to several New Zealand and Australian standards including AS 4295 and RFS 25, 26 and 32. The scope of accreditation will be extended as necessary and will shortly include European ETS standards such as ETS 300-086.
The new Radio Transmitter Type Approval service is customer focused ensuring rapid turnaround with minimal lead time for testing. This will allow Australian and New Zealand suppliers to both Australian and New Zealand markets, to reduce the duration of the Type Approval process from months to 5 to 10 days. It is no longer necessary to submit samples to government laboratories, the entire process can be handled by EMC Technologies.
The new accreditations also allows EMC Technologies to perform local approvals for a wide range of Radio Transmitter products under the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC. This local testing and certification service gives great savings by reducing testing costs and approval delays for Australian and New Zealand manufacturers exporting products to Europe.
EMC technologies was also recently accredited and designated as a European Union designated Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) for the on-shore testing and Competent Body Assessments of all electrical/electronic products under the EMC Directive.
For further information contact:
Andrew Cutler
General Manager
EMC Technologies (NZ) Ltd.
Ph: +64 9 360 0862 Fax: +64 9 360 0861
email:auklab@ihug.co.nz
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| APRIL 1998 |
NZ Ministry of Commerce (MOC) EMC Laboratories
Reborn as EMC Technologies (NZ) Ltd
EMC Technologies Pty Ltd, Australian based EMC and Safety test house has acquired the New Zealand government’s
Ministry of Commerce (MOC) EMC and Radio Type Approval laboratories.
The former Auckland based MOC laboratories have been privatised and are now operating under the banner of
EMC Technologies (NZ) Limited, a subsidiary of EMC Technologies Pty Ltd. This latest expansion by EMC Technologies,
follows the purchase, 18 months ago by a consortium led by them, of Comtest Laboratories, formerly owned by the Australian
Government Telecommunications carrier Telstra. The new company, EMC Technologies (NZ) Limited will be operated and
managed by the key personnel of the former MOC Laboratories.
Chris Zombolas, Technical Director of EMC Technologies said: “With fully accredited test laboratories already in Melbourne and
Sydney, the acquisition of the MOC Auckland laboratories strengthens EMC Technologies’ position as the leading test house in
Australia, New Zealand and the South East Asian region.”
“The acquisition of the MOC laboratories with its accredited Radio Type Approvals laboratory, is a major milestone towards
our goal of providing one-stop-testing in all areas of product approvals.“
Coopers and Lybrand were engaged by the MOC to advise them on the sale and selection process of a suitable purchaser,
with one of the main objectives being to maintain the continuance of testing services in New Zealand.
Tim Reid, of Coopers and Lybrand, said that EMC Technologies was chosen ahead of other parties who expressed an interest
in all or part of the Laboratory’s assets.
Chris Zombolas went on to say; “Our bid was successful because it was based on our intention to maintain and improve the
level of service to the New Zealand industry. These days, New Zealand manufacturers exporting their products cannot be
competitive in a global market unless they can quickly test and approve their products prior to export.” “A world standard
accredited EMC test facility is an important national infrastructure which is essential for maintaining a healthy and globally
competitive manufacturing industry.”
The new company, EMC Technologies (NZ) Limited will be operated and managed by Andrew Cutler, Murray Burr, and
Keely Gee, formerly with the MOC Laboratory. There were fears among the local NZ industry that once the assets of the
MOC Laboratories were sold, the MOC laboratories would simply disappear. The consequences of this for NZ industry would
have meant greatly increased costs associated with sending products overseas and higher costs incurred due to lengthy delays
and possible test failures. They are committed to maintaining and extending the range of the current services and accreditations
to cover all the major product groupings, standards and regulations.
Andrew Cutler, formerly of the MOC and now General Manager of EMC Technologies (NZ) Limited said’ “The transition from a
government run laboratory to a customer focused, and commercially responsive organization will be welcomed by our clients.
The new laboratory will be offering rapid turnaround with a strong customer focus and no price increase. An EMC “fix” service
will also be provided whenever a product fails the test.”
He went on to say , “As part of the internationally recognized EMC Technologies group, we will be able to provide to NZ
industry all the benefits of their extensive global network of EMC and Approvals experts. “Many of the New Zealand companies
now sending their products overseas for testing will find that a comprehensive world standard EMC test and certification service
is now available in the Auckland laboratories of EMC Technologies (NZ) Limited.”
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| APRIL 1998 |
New Open Area Test Site (OATS) for Melbourne
- 40 minutes from city - save hours
- Ambients below limits
- 3/10 metre ‘turn-key’ OATS for private hire
EMC Technologies Pty Ltd has purchased a rural property at Lerderderg Gorge (near Bacchus Marsh) Victoria,
for the relocation of their Glenlyon Open Area Test Site (OATS). The new OATS of 80 acres is just 7 minutes from
the town of Bacchus Marsh and is located in secluded bushland. It adjoins the Lerderderg River and backs on to the
Lerderderg state forest.
The Lerderderg OATS is conveniently located for city clients, just 40 minutes from the City,
via the Western Ringroad and the Western Highway. The close proximity to the city means that clients will now save
up to two hours in reduced travel time in comparison to the nearest alternative OATS. It has mains power and good
sealed road access enabling access for large trucks for the delivery of large jobs.
The OATS has very low RF ambients which allows EMI testing without the need for shielded room ambient prescans which
are necessary at other OATS in Victoria.The OATS includes an air-conditioned laboratory with mains power and telephone services.
A second 3/10 metre ‘turn-key’ OATS is also available for private hire at low cost by companies performing their own
precompliance tests. It is fully equipped with a state of the art EMC analyser, remote controlled antenna tower and turntable.
Measurements are performed quickly and accurately with EMC Technologies user friendly test software.
A source close to the Technical Director, while grinding the seams on a multi-panel individually powder coated enclosure
containing an automated domestic comb generator, was quoted as saying: “The purchase of the Lerderderg OATS completes a 3 year search. It fits the key criteria: close to Melbourne and
very low ambients. As an extra bonus, no shielded room ambient prescans will be necessary and most of our clients
will save around 2 hours each day.”
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