Watt on earth is EMC testing?

With the C-Series recently passing the final checkpoint on our long compliance journey, you may well be asking yourself: “Watt on earth is EMC testing?”

Our C-Series in the anechoic chamber ready for EMC testing

EMC stands for Electromagnetic Compatibility. Our testing largely relates to the safety and compliance regulation ECE R10, which defines precise requirements for the electromagnetic compatibility of components used in motor vehicles. These tests are crucial to ensure that our motorcycles meet strict regulatory standards, and don’t interfere with or get affected by other electronic devices or vehicles.

All devices that emit electrical signals can influence each other when they are connected or in close proximity – including when they’re out on the road. The aim of Australia’s EMC regulations is to keep these side effects within acceptable limits.

For example, picture if your car radio was causing interference with your GPS system while you were driving on the highway. Or if a medical device interfered with a pacemaker during surgery. Such examples demonstrate the vital necessity of EMC testing.

During the EMC tests, the C-Series was placed in an anechoic chamber (a space surrounded with carbon-loaded foam designed to absorb electromagnetic signals) with specialised equipment monitoring the vehicles emissions. It was then exposed to electromagnetic energy across a wide frequency range to validate its susceptibility.

High frequency antenna for spurious emissions testing

EMC testing comprises two main types of tests: an emissions test and an immunity test.

Emissions testing measures the amount of electromagnetic energy that a vehicle generates while in use. This includes sources such as radio waves, electrical disruptions, and other forms of electromagnetic energy. The purpose is to confirm that the vehicle’s radiated and conducted emission levels are low enough to prevent interference with other devices and ensure user safety.

In emissions testing, the bike is set up in front of a range of antennas which monitor its electromagnetic emissions across a large frequency range whilst its charging, tractive or radiocommunication systems operate.

Immunity testing evaluates the vehicle’s ability to resist electromagnetic interference from external sources, such as radio signals or power surges. During these tests, the bike is exposed to electromagnetic fields of varying frequencies and intensities, generated by specialised equipment like antennas and amplifiers. The aim is to ensure that it remains operational even when exposed to strong electromagnetic signals.

These tests replicate real-world situations in which the C-Series might encounter powerful levels of electromagnetic energy, such as power surges or lightning strikes. If it maintains proper functionality throughout the tests, it passes the immunity testing.

Our C-series setup in the anechoic (carbon-loaded foam) chamber during emissions testing

After successfully passing the EMC tests, we receive a test report that confirms our compliance with specific industry standards. This report is crucial, as it grants us the authority to utilise the Regulatory Compliance Mark on both our motorcycle and charger – demonstrating that they meet all the necessary EMC regulations.

We’ve spent the past few weeks refining our systems to ensure that they comply with these precise standards, and we’re delighted to announce that the C-Series has passed!

With fine-tuning nearing completion, the first customer bikes are rolling off the factory floor and our first handovers are just around the corner.

Get ready to ride the new, EMC-compliant Savic Motorcycles C-Series!

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