EMC & FCC Testing

1. EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Testing

EMC stands for Electromagnetic Compatibility – the ability of electronic equipment to function properly in its electromagnetic environment without introducing intolerable electromagnetic disturbances to anything in that environment.

EMC testing covers two main areas:

1. EMI (Electromagnetic Interference): Tests whether the electromagnetic energy emitted by the equipment exceeds limits, to avoid interfering with other equipment. Common tests include:

  • RE (Radiated Emission)

  • CE (Conducted Emission)

  • Harmonics: harmonic current

  • Flicker: voltage fluctuation and flicker

2. EMS (Electromagnetic Susceptibility): Tests the equipment’s ability to withstand external electromagnetic interference. Common tests include:

  • ESD: electrostatic discharge immunity

  • RS: radiated immunity

  • EFT/Burst: electrical fast transient/burst

  • Surge (lightning) immunity

  • CS: conducted immunity

  • DIP: voltage dips and short interruptions

  • PMS: power-frequency magnetic field immunity

2. FCC (Federal Communications Commission) Testing

FCC stands for the Federal Communications Commission of the United States. Almost all electronic products sold in the US must be FCC-authorized to demonstrate that their electromagnetic emissions comply with US regulations.

Main FCC rule parts:

Category Applicable products
FCC Part 15 General electrical and electronic products (unintentional and intentional radiators)
FCC Part 18 Industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) equipment
FCC Part 22/24/27 Mobile communication equipment
FCC Part 68 Telecommunication terminal equipment

Part 15 is further divided into:

  • Class A: products used in commercial and industrial environments

  • Class B: products used in home and residential environments (stricter limits)

Authorization procedures:

  • SDoC (Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity): for general unintentional radiators

  • Certification: a certificate issued by an FCC-recognized TCB (Telecommunication Certification Body), for intentional radiators such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices

3. Relationship Between EMC and FCC

In short: FCC authorization includes part of EMC testing (mainly the EMI part).

  • EMC is a technical concept covering both emissions and immunity

  • FCC is a mandatory regulatory authorization for the US market that focuses on emissions and does not require immunity testing

  • The EU market requires CE-EMC compliance; the US market requires FCC authorization; the Chinese market requires CCC or SRRC certification

4. Test Process Overview

  1. Pre-scan: performed in the lab during development to identify problems early

  2. Debug: optimize circuits, shielding, filtering and grounding for failing items

  3. Formal testing: performed in an accredited laboratory

  4. Report and certification: test report issued and certificates applied for

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