One aspect that some manufacturers overlooks are EMC Standards. Sure, you have your standard RED perquisites but some applications require a little more.
In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) has moved from being a purely technical concern to a vital business priority, especially in industrial settings. EMC plays a crucial role in electronics, particularly wireless IoT solutions, as it guarantees consistent performance even in environments prone to high levels of electromagnetic interference. Poor EMC can result in reduced wireless performance, disrupted communication, and equipment failures, all of which can affect productivity, safety, and adherence to stringent regulatory standards.
As more industrial environments embrace interconnected devices and wireless systems, ensuring strong EMC is essential for smooth operations, minimising downtime, and building trust in the reliability and safety of the technology.
When designing wireless IoT solutions for industrial environments, compliance with international EMC standards is crucial to guarantee devices operate reliably and safely. One such standard is EN 61000-6-2, which defines the EMC immunity requirements for equipment used in industrial settings. This standard is part of the broader IEC 61000 family and is particularly relevant for environments with high levels of electromagnetic interference, such as factories, manufacturing plants, and industrial control systems.
Scope of EN 61000-6-2
EN 61000-6-2 applies to devices intended for use in industrial environments, which are characterised by harsh electromagnetic conditions. These environments typically include:
• High levels of radiated and conducted interference from motors, power supplies, and heavy machinery.
• The presence of switching transients and electrostatic discharge (ESD).
• Strong electromagnetic fields generated by nearby equipment and infrastructure.
Key Immunity Tests in EN 61000-6-2
The standard outlines several immunity tests to ensure equipment can withstand electromagnetic disturbances:
• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD): Tests the device’s resilience to both direct and indirect electrostatic discharges.
• Radiated RF Electromagnetic Fields: Ensures the device can operate effectively despite RF interference from external sources, such as communication systems.
• Electrical Fast Transients (EFT): Assesses the device’s ability to manage bursts of high-frequency noise from sources like relay switching and motor commutation.
• Surges: Evaluates the device’s capacity to endure voltage surges caused by lightning strikes or power grid fluctuations.
• Conducted RF Disturbances: Verifies the device’s immunity to RF signals transmitted through cables and power lines.
• Voltage Dips and Interruptions: Tests the device’s ability to withstand short-term disruptions in power supply.
Importance of Compliance with EN 61000-6-2
• Operational Reliability: Meeting EN 61000-6-2 requirements ensures that equipment functions reliably in industrial environments, even amidst significant electromagnetic interference.
• Safety: Compliance reduces the risk of equipment failures caused by electromagnetic interference, which is vital for safety-critical systems.
• Market Access: Adherence to EN 61000-6-2 is often a prerequisite for selling products in regions such as the UK and EU, as it demonstrates conformity with regulatory standards.
• Customer Confidence: Products complying with this standard are regarded as robust and reliable, particularly in demanding industrial environments.
Industrial Routers and EN 61000-6-2 Compliance
Industrial routers that comply with EN 61000-6-2 are purpose-built to meet the rigorous requirements of industrial environments, ensuring reliable performance even in the presence of substantial electromagnetic interference. Compliance with this standard is crucial for maintaining optimal functionality in demanding industrial applications.
Key benefits of industrial routers complying with EN 61000-6-2 include:
• Robust EMC Design: Advanced shielding and filtering to withstand high levels of radiated and conducted interference, ensuring minimal disruption in electrically noisy environments.
• Immunity to Electrical Transients: Resistance to electrical fast transients, voltage surges, and power supply disruptions, helping maintain consistent operation.
• Stable Wireless Communication: Ensures reliable and uninterrupted connectivity, even in environments with strong RF interference, making it ideal for industrial IoT systems.
• Durability in Harsh Conditions: Designed to operate in extreme temperatures and challenging electromagnetic environments, ensuring long-term reliability.
Complying with EN 61000-6-2 is crucial for ensuring reliable operation and safety, while also demonstrating the router’s suitability for use in key industrial sectors such as factories, smart manufacturing, and energy systems, where EMC performance is essential.
Our QUARTZ-GOLD LTE router is the perfect router to withstand these environments as its fully tested to EN 61000-6-2 specifications.
Find out more about the QUARTZ-GOLD-LTE here.
