Radio Frequency Testing

In today's society, cameras, as the core equipment for security monitoring, smart homes, and video conferencing, have penetrated into every aspect of our lives. However, did you know that if the electromagnetic compatibility of the camera is poor, it can not only affect its own image stability, but also lead to unstable Wi Fi signals and radio noise in the surrounding area. Therefore, conducting EMC testing is a crucial step in ensuring the quality and compliance of camera products.

EMC testing mainly evaluates the capabilities of electronic devices in two aspects: first, the electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing should not generate excessive electromagnetic interference during operation; The second is its ability to resist external electromagnetic interference, namely electromagnetic sensitivity (EMS) testing. For companies that want to sell camera products to specific markets, especially in the European Union, North America, and other regions, passing EMC testing and obtaining corresponding certifications is a threshold that must be crossed.

1、 Why do cameras need to undergo EMC testing?

Mandatory regulatory requirements: This is the main reason. For example, exporting to the European Union requires the EMC directive in CE certification, exporting to the United States requires FCC certification, and selling in the Chinese market requires meeting mandatory EMC standards domestically. Products that have not passed the test cannot be legally sold in these markets.

Ensuring basic product performance: The camera itself is a precision electronic device that is susceptible to external electromagnetic interference, resulting in noise, stripes, jitter, and even crashes in the image. Through EMS testing, its stability in complex electromagnetic environments can be verified.

Enhancing brand image and user trust: A camera that does not interfere with other devices and runs stably is undoubtedly a symbol of high quality.

Avoiding legal risks: In market inspections, if EMC is found to be non compliant, the product will face the risk of being taken down, fined, or even recalled.

 

2、 What are the main EMC testing items for cameras?

EMC testing is a system engineering that is typically divided into two main sections:

1. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing is conducted to ensure that the camera does not become an "interference source" during operation. The main content includes:

Conducted harassment: detects electromagnetic noise transmitted outward through power and signal lines.

Radiation disturbance: Detecting electromagnetic noise radiated outward through space.

Harmonic current: Evaluating the degree of pollution caused by equipment to the power quality of the public grid.

Voltage fluctuations and flicker: Evaluating the impact of equipment on grid voltage stability.

2. Electromagnetic sensitivity (EMS) testing is conducted to test the camera's anti-interference ability when facing external "provocations". The main content includes:

Electrostatic discharge immunity: Simulate whether the device can maintain normal function when the human body carries static electricity and discharges it in contact with the device.

Radiation immunity: Test whether the camera can work stably in strong spatial radiation electromagnetic fields.

Electrical fast transient pulse group immunity: Simulate the instantaneous pulse group interference generated when the inductive load is disconnected in the circuit.

Surge immunity: Simulate the instantaneous high-energy impact generated in the power grid during lightning strikes or large equipment switching.

Conducted immunity: Test the camera's ability to resist radio frequency interference introduced through cables.

Power frequency magnetic field immunity: Verify the performance of equipment in environments with strong power frequency magnetic fields, such as near high current lines.
 

3、 Complete EMC testing process

Step 1: Clarify testing objectives and standards Before starting, it is necessary to determine where your camera will be sold in order to determine the EMC standards that need to be followed. For example, the EU commonly uses the EN 55032 and EN 55035 series standards.

Step 2: Adequate preparation of technology and samples is half the battle. The materials that need to be prepared usually include:

Product Technical Specifications.

Circuit schematic and PCB layout diagram.

User Manual

List of key components.

At the same time, it is necessary to prepare complete camera samples that can represent the level of mass production.

Step 3: Choose an authoritative testing institution to send the samples to a third-party testing laboratory with nationally recognized qualifications and rich experience. Our GTG Guangce Group has advanced electromagnetic compatibility laboratories and professional technical teams, which can provide accurate and efficient testing services for camera products.

Step 4: Conduct testing and analysis results. The laboratory will conduct all the above tests on the samples in an anechoic chamber or shielded room according to the selected standards. If your camera has wireless capabilities (such as Wi Fi, Bluetooth), additional specialized testing for wireless devices is required.

Step 5: Response to rectification and obtaining reports. If the test passes, the laboratory will directly issue a formal test report. If certain projects fail, laboratory engineers usually provide test data and assist in problem analysis and localization, proposing effective corrective suggestions.

Step 6: Application Test Report This EMC test report is the core document for your application for global market access certificates such as CE marking and FCC certification.
 

4、 Common difficulties and countermeasures in testing

Excessive radiation disturbance: This may be the most common and difficult problem to solve. Often related to improper layout, shielding or filtering design of internal clock circuits and high-speed data lines. At this point, experienced EMC engineers are needed for circuit debugging and solution optimization.

Static discharge reset: The camera restarts or malfunctions after being subjected to static discharge. Countermeasures may include improving grounding, adding transient suppression devices, or optimizing housing design.

5、 Practical advice for enterprises

Design first: Introducing EMC design specifications in the early stages of product development is much cheaper than making improvements afterwards.

Reserved buffer period: Testing and rectification may require a certain period of time, it is recommended to plan ahead and leave sufficient time for certification.

Deep cooperation with professional institutions: Choosing a partner with strong technical strength like GTG Guangce Group can provide strong support in pre testing, problem diagnosis, and solution implementation.

In summary, EMC testing of cameras is not a simple form, but an important guarantee to ensure product reliability, safety, and market competitiveness. Through systematic processes and professional execution, enterprises can efficiently complete this critical task.

If you have further questions about the specific standards, costs, or improvement plans for EMC testing of cameras, please feel free to communicate with us in depth at any time. You can contact Mr. Deng, his phone number is 13925591357. We, GTG Guangce Group, are committed to providing comprehensive testing and certification solutions for enterprises, helping your products to be marketed globally.