What does a pre-compliance EMC measurement cost?
The honest answer is: it depends. This article shows exactly what on – so you can estimate the effort for your project yourself and prepare an enquiry that gets a precise answer.
Short answer
The effort of a pre-compliance EMC measurement is driven mainly by three things: how large and complex the setup is, how many operating states are to be measured, and whether it stays a status measurement or troubleshooting comes on top. Tell us the size of the device, its power supply and the operating states you want – then you get a sound estimate instead of a flat rate.
Why there is no list price
An EMC measurement is not a product with a fixed scope. Two devices of the same product category can differ by a multiple in measurement effort – depending on how much peripheral equipment runs alongside, how elaborate the setup is and whether an anomaly is being pursued.
Flat day rates found online are therefore of little help: they describe a measurement environment, not your project. After a short conversation we will give you a concrete estimate – based on your details, not on an average.
The factors that drive the effort
The clearer these points are before you enquire, the more precise our estimate will be.
- Size of the device
- A control unit on the bench is set up quickly. A machine that has to be driven into the fully anechoic chamber needs transport, lifting equipment and considerably more setup time.
- Test scope
- Radiated emissions only? Or immunity testing with ESD, surge and burst on top? Each test type is a setup of its own with its own measurement time.
- Operating states
- Every state to be measured – idle, full load, communication, start-up – is a separate measurement run. Three states mean roughly three times the measurement time.
- Peripherals
- Does the device need loads, counterparts, cooling or a controller in order to work? Peripherals have to be set up, powered and accounted for in the documentation.
- Setup time
- Cabling, grounding, positioning on the turntable, functional check. With complex setups, the setup can take longer than the measurement itself.
- Troubleshooting
- A pure status measurement ends with the measured values. If the cause of an anomaly is pursued, near-field investigations, variations of the setup and comparative measurements come on top.
- Consulting
- Clarifying requirements, defining the measurement strategy, reviewing layout and setup in advance – that reduces measurement time, but is effort in itself.
- Re-measurement
- Verifying a measure is a second appointment under comparable conditions. Whether it is needed only becomes clear after the first measurement.
- Extent of documentation
- Measured values with setup documentation are the rule. If a more detailed technical assessment or a version prepared for third parties is needed, the effort rises.
Two examples from practice
Both examples are deliberately without price figures. They show how differently the effort can turn out.
Lean case
Status measurement on one assembly
A control unit with a DC supply, two operating states and no elaborate peripherals. The setup goes up quickly, radiated emissions are measured, and you receive measured values and an assessment against the relevant limits. Troubleshooting is not part of it.
Demanding case
Plant module with troubleshooting
A large device with a three-phase supply, several operating states and connected peripherals. Transport and setup take time, an anomaly appears in one frequency range and is pursued with near-field investigations. Afterwards, a measure is re-measured.
How to keep the effort down
What drives the effort
What you can do
- Every operating state is a measurement of its own
- Define the operating states in advance and limit them to the meaningful ones.
- Setup time in the lab
- Deliver the device ready to operate – including peripherals, loads and cables.
- Searching without prior knowledge
- Send known anomalies and existing measurement reports in advance.
- Changes on a series product
- Measure early: on a prototype, changes are cheaper than on a series product.
- Improvising in the lab
- Clarify the measurement strategy briefly beforehand instead of improvising in the lab.
How a measurement runs and what you should bring is described on pre-compliance EMC measurements and under preparing your device.
Get the effort for your project estimated
Tell us the size of the device, its power supply and the operating states you want – you will get a concrete estimate instead of a flat rate.