- The EMC testing laboratory of IB Lenhardt AG, accredited by the German Accreditation Board (Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle), has enhanced its electromagnetic field immunity testing capabilities by integrating new amplification systems from Rohde & Schwarz.
- This investment aims to meet evolving requirements, particularly in the defense sector.
The upgraded equipment allows the laboratory to perform tests compliant with several standards, including MIL-STD-461, AECTP-500, VG 95373, and VG 95370, used for the qualification of equipment subjected to demanding electromagnetic environments.
The test setup relies primarily on the integration of the R&S BBA300-FG180 amplifier, covering the 6 to 18 GHz frequency band, coupled with a Schwarzbeck HWRD650 antenna. The antenna is mounted directly on the amplifier, which minimizes losses associated with RF cables and increases the generated field strength.
According to the provided data, this configuration achieves field strengths exceeding 400 V/m in the 6 to 18 GHz range, with a target exceeding 600 V/m.
Frequency Coverage and System Architecture
The installation consists of several amplifiers covering a spectrum from 9 kHz to 18 GHz. In addition to the BBA300-FG180 series amplifier, the system includes the R&S BBL200A-A5000, R&S BBA150-BC2000, and R&S BBA300-DE1000 models.
This combination enables immunity testing across a wide frequency range by adapting the amplification methods to the different bands. Direct antenna mounting on certain equipment helps optimize power transfer to the device under test.
Applications and Industry Requirements
The capabilities developed by IB Lenhardt Lab meet the qualification needs of electronic equipment intended for sensitive environments, particularly in the defense, aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors.
High-field immunity testing verifies the behavior of electronic equipment subjected to high levels of electromagnetic interference. It allows for the evaluation of equipment compliance with regulatory and operational requirements.
Accreditation and Positioning
The laboratory operates under ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation issued by the Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle and also holds a CAGE code assigned by NATO. The integration of this new equipment is part of an effort to adapt to the increasing requirements for EMC validation.
With this development, IB Lenhardt Lab expands its testing capabilities to field levels and frequency ranges tailored to the current requirements of the relevant sectors.
