1.2 Specific scope of EN 50083-2 This European Standard • applies to the radiation characteristics and immunity to electromagnetic disturbance of EM-active equipment active and passive
General
The EN 50083 and EN 60728 standards focus on cable networks, encompassing the equipment and measurement methods necessary for the reception, processing, and distribution of television and sound signals, along with their associated data signals These standards also address the processing, interfacing, and transmission of various signals for interactive services across all relevant transmission media.
• MATV-networks and SMATV-networks,
• individual receiving networks and all kinds of equipment, systems and installations installed in such networks
This standardization process encompasses everything from antennas and specialized signal source inputs to the headend or other network interface points, extending all the way to the terminal input.
The standardisation of any user terminals (i.e., tuners, receivers, decoders, multimedia terminals, etc.) as well as of any coaxial, balanced and optical cables and accessories thereof is excluded.
Specific scope of EN 50083-2
This article addresses the radiation characteristics and electromagnetic disturbance immunity of EM-active equipment, including both active and passive devices, used for the reception, processing, and distribution of television, sound, and interactive multimedia signals, as outlined in the EN 50083 and EN 60728 series.
– EN 60728-3 "Active wideband equipment for cable networks";
– EN 60728-4 "Passive wideband equipment for coaxial cable networks";
The article discusses various frequency ranges relevant to electromagnetic compatibility, including disturbance voltage injected into the mains from 150 kHz to 30 MHz, radiation emitted by active equipment from 5 MHz to 25 GHz, and the immunity of active equipment spanning 150 kHz to 25 GHz Additionally, it addresses the screening effectiveness of passive equipment within the range of 5 MHz to 3.5 GHz, extending up to 25 GHz.
1) 'CATV-networks' encompasses the HFC networks used nowadays to provide telecommunications services, voice, data, audio and video both broadcast and narrowcast
Currently, there are no requirements for the in-band and out-of-band immunity of active equipment within the frequency range of 3.5 GHz to 25 GHz Ongoing investigations are focused on measurement methods and limits for potential inclusion in future amendments or revised editions.
Currently, there are no requirements for the screening effectiveness of passive equipment in the frequency range of 3.5 GHz to 25 GHz Ongoing investigations are focused on measurement methods and limits for potential inclusion in future amendments or revised editions.
This document (EN 50083-2:2012/A1) has been prepared by CLC/TC 209 "Cable networks for television signals, sound signals and interactive services"
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which this document has to be implemented at national level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with this document have to be withdrawn
This document may contain elements that are subject to patent rights, and CENELEC is not responsible for identifying any of these rights.
• specifies requirements for maximum allowed radiation, minimum immunity and minimum screening effectiveness;
• describes test methods for conformance testing
No measurement needs to be performed at frequencies where no requirement is specified
As cable networks evolve from traditional distribution systems for television and audio signals to support interactive services, they increasingly integrate equipment that includes telecom signal ports alongside standard cable network ports This advanced equipment is referred to as "multimedia network equipment."
The EMC behaviour of cable network equipment, telecommunication network equipment and multimedia network equipment may be described by the following port structure (Table 1):
Table 1 - Port structure of different network equipment
Port name Cable network equipment Telecommunication network equipment Multimedia network equipment
Table 1 illustrates that both cable network equipment and telecommunication network equipment feature four common ports, with the former having two additional individual ports and the latter one Additionally, multimedia network equipment includes the common ports along with an antenna input port, an RF network port, and a telecom signal port.
The electromagnetic compatibility standards for telecommunication network equipment are primarily outlined in ETSI EN 300 386 and ETSI EN 301 489-4, while the requirements for cable network equipment are specified in EN 50083-2.
Multimedia network equipment must comply with the same electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards as cable and telecommunication network equipment Since this equipment often operates in close proximity, such as within the same operating room, the EMC environmental conditions are uniform across all three types.
Multimedia network equipment must meet the EMC requirements of the specified standards, as well as the additional EMC requirements outlined in other standards for the port used to connect to the network.
This procedure guarantees that multimedia network equipment meets the EMC requirements of the specified networks, ensuring that it does not interfere with other systems and is not affected by them through the connecting port.
Coaxial cables for cable networks do not fall under the scope of this standard; reference is made to
The EN 50117 series does not cover coaxial cable assemblies for radio and TV receivers, which are instead referenced in the EN 60966 series The electromagnetic compatibility requirements for these receiver leads are specified in EN 60966-2-4, EN 60966-2-5, and EN 60966-2-6.
This European Standard addresses indoor receiving antennas for broadcast signals, focusing on the requirements and measurement methods related to emission and electrostatic discharge phenomena.
Standardisation in the field of "Electromagnetic compatibility" for any broadcast terminals (e.g tuners, receivers, decoders, etc.) is covered by EN 55013 and EN 55020 and for multimedia terminals by EN 55022 and EN 55024
This document references essential materials that are crucial for its application For references with specific dates, only the cited edition is applicable In the case of undated references, the most recent edition, including any amendments, is relevant.
Sound and television broadcast receivers and associated equipment – Radio disturbance characteristics – Limits and methods of measurement
Specification for radio disturbance and immunity measuring apparatus and methods – Part 1-1: Radio disturbance and immunity measuring apparatus – Measuring apparatus (CISPR 16-1-1:2010 + corrigendum 2011 + A1:2010)
Sound and television broadcast receivers and associated equipment – Immunity characteristics – Limits and methods of measurement (CISPR 20:2006)
EN 60728-3 2011 Cable networks for television signals, sound signals and interactive services –
Part 3: Active wideband equipment for cable networks (IEC 60728-3: 2010)
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input current ≤ 16 A per phase)
EN 61000-4-2 2009 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-2: Testing and measurement techniques – Electrostatic discharge immunity test (IEC 61000-4-2:2008)
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-3: Testing and measurement techniques – Radiated, radio-frequency, electromagnetic field immunity test (IEC 61000-4-3:2006 +A1:2007 + A2:2010)
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-4: Testing and measurement techniques – Electrical fast transient/burst immunity test (IEC 61000-4-4:2004 + A1:2010)
EN 61000-4-6 2009 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-6: Testing and measurement techniques – Immunity to conducted disturbances, induced by radio-frequency fields (IEC 61000-4-6:2008)
EN 61000-6-1 2007 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-1: Generic standards –
Immunity for residential, commercial and light-industrial environments (IEC 61000-6-1:2005)
EN 61079-1 1993 Methods of measurement on receivers for satellite broadcast transmissions in the 12 GHz band – Part 1: Radiofrequency measurements on outdoor units (IEC 61079-1:1992)
V1.5.1 2010 Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM);
Telecommunication network equipment; ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC) requirements
International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) Chapter 161: Electromagnetic compatibility
3 Terms, definitions, symbols and abbreviations
Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-161:1990 and the following apply
The key definitions from IEC 60050-161:1990 are reiterated below, accompanied by their corresponding IEC numbering in brackets Additionally, this standard includes several more specific definitions that are relevant to its application.
AC power port point at which a cable for the AC power supply is connected to the equipment
3.1.2 active equipment equipment (e.g amplifiers, converters, etc.), performing signal processing by means of external or internal power supply in a certain frequency range
3.1.3 antenna input port point at which the equipment under test is directly connected to the receiving antenna(s)
3.1.4 band nominal operating frequency range of the equipment
3.1.5 burst (of pulses or oscillations) sequence of a limited number of distinct pulses or an oscillation of limited duration
3.1.6 cable network equipment equipment from which cable networks for television signals, sound signals and interactive services are built
Note 1 to entry: Examples of typical cable network equipment could be found in EN 60728-3, EN 60728-4, EN 60728-5, EN 60728-6 and EN 60728-10
3.1.7 carrier-to-interference ratio minimum level difference measured at the output of an active equipment between the wanted signal and
− intermodulation products of the wanted signal and/or unwanted signals generated due to non- linearities,
− harmonics generated by an unwanted signal,
− unwanted signals that have penetrated into the operating frequency range,
− unwanted signals that have been converted to the frequency range to be protected (operating frequency range)
3.1.8 control port point at which a cable for the control signal is connected to the equipment
DC power port point at which a cable for the DC power supply is connected to the equipment
Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specification standard defining interface specifications for cable modems and cable modem termination systems for high- speed data communication over cable networks
Note 1 to entry: DOCSIS contains a European technology option commonly known as EuroDOCSIS that accommodates the cable spectrum planning practices and channel plans mainly deployed in European cable networks
Electromagnetic-active equipment includes both passive and active devices that transmit RF signals These devices are classified as electromagnetic-active because they can generate electromagnetic disturbances or may be affected by such disturbances, impacting their performance.
3.1.12 electromagnetic disturbance electromagnetic phenomenon which may degrade the performance of a device, equipment or system, or adversely affect living or inert matter
Note 1 to entry: An electromagnetic disturbance may be an electromagnetic noise, an unwanted signal or a change in the propagation medium itself
EMI degradation of the performance of an equipment, transmission channel or system caused by an electromagnetic disturbance
Note 1 to entry: In French, the terms "perturbation électromagnétique" and "brouillage électromagnétique" designate respectively the cause and the effect, and should not be used indiscriminately
Note 2 to entry: In English, the terms "electromagnetic disturbance" and "electromagnetic interference" designate respectively the cause and the effect, but they are often used indiscriminately
ESD transfer of electric charge between bodies of different electrostatic potential in proximity or through direct contact
3.1.15 enclosure port physical boundary of the equipment through which electromagnetic fields may be transmitted
3.1.16 equipment directly connected to receiving antennas equipment of which the input terminal can have a connection to a receiving antenna at least via a cable
Note 1 to entry: That means that the input of the equipment is supplied with the original frequencies as they were received by the antenna
3.1.17 external immunity ability of a device, equipment or system to perform without degradation in the presence of electromagnetic disturbances entering other than via its normal input terminals or antennas
3.1.18 first satellite intermediate frequency range output frequency range of the outdoor unit which is comprised of the frequency band between 950 MHz and at least 3,5 GHz or parts thereof
3.1.19 immunity (to a disturbance) ability of a device, equipment or system to perform without degradation in the presence of an electromagnetic disturbance
3.1.20 immunity level maximum level of a given electromagnetic disturbance incident on a particular device, equipment or system for which it remains capable of operating at a required degree of performance
3.1.21 immunity limit specified minimum immunity level
3.1.22 immunity margin ratio of the immunity limit to the electromagnetic compatibility level
In-band immunity refers to the equipment's ability to resist disturbances at any frequency of the desired signals present at the interfaces and utilized internally This includes input/output frequencies, intermediate frequencies (IF), and video bands, ensuring reliable performance under various conditions.
3.1.24 individual receiving system system designed to provide television and sound signals to an individual household
Indoor signal lines refer to connections that remain within a building and are safeguarded by additional equipment to prevent outdoor interference An example of this includes the links between switching and transmission equipment located within the same facility.
3.1.26 internal immunity ability of a device, equipment or system to perform without degradation in the presence of electromagnetic disturbances appearing at its normal input terminals or antennas
3.1.27 mains immunity immunity from mains-borne disturbance
3.1.28 mains powered equipment active equipment directly connected to the mains via a separate mains line and fed with the mains voltage
3.1.29 multimedia network equipment equipment containing broadcast and telecommunication functions
3.1.30 operating frequency range passband for the wanted signals for which the equipment has been designed
3.1.31 outdoor signal lines lines leaving the building and being subjected to outdoor interference
Out-of-band immunity refers to the equipment's ability to resist disturbances caused by signals that fall outside the desired frequency bands This includes protection against interference at input/output frequencies, intermediate frequencies (IF), and video bands, ensuring reliable performance in various operational environments.
3.1.33 passive equipment equipment (e.g splitters, tap-offs, system outlets, etc.) not requiring a power supply in order to operate and/or not carrying out signal processing in a certain frequency range
3.1.34 port particular interface of the specific equipment with the external electromagnetic environment:
Enclosure port AC/DC power supply port –––––––– EQUIPMENT –––––––– RF network port
Antenna input port –––––––– UNDER –––––––– Telecom signal port
Earth port –––––––– TEST –––––––– Control port
1 phenomenon by which energy in the form of electromagnetic waves emanates from a source into space
2 energy transferred through space in the form of electromagnetic waves
Note 1 to entry: By extension, the term "electromagnetic radiation" sometimes also covers induction phenomena
RF network port point at which a coaxial cable for the wanted RF signal is connected to the equipment but excluding direct connection to the antenna
RF signal port antenna input port or RF network port
Screening effectiveness refers to the capability of a device or system to reduce the impact of external electromagnetic fields or to minimize the emission of electromagnetic radiation from within the device or system.
3.1.39 signal port point at which a cable for the wanted signal is connected to the equipment
3.1.40 spurious signals unwanted signals in the frequency range of interest
3.1.41 telecom network equipment equipment from which telecom networks are built
Note 1 to entry: Telecommunication network equipment is operated under a licence granted by a national telecommunications authority and provides telecommunications between network termination points (NTPs) (i.e excluding terminal equipment beyond the NTPs)
3.1.42 telecom signal port point at which a cable for the wanted telecom signal is connected to the equipment
3.1.43 test levels preferential range of test level for ESD or fast transient test
3.1.44 transient (adjective and noun) pertaining to or designating a phenomenon or a quantity which varies between two consecutive steady states during a time interval short compared with the time-scale of interest
Unwanted signals refer to those signals that fall within and outside the operating frequency range and are not classified as desired signals When assessing immunity to these unwanted signals, it is essential to simulate them using two sine-wave test signals.
3.1.46 wanted signal signal simulated during measurements using a sinewave test signal having the frequency within the operating frequency range and the appropriate level
3.1.47 well-matched matching condition when the return loss of the equipment complies with the requirements of
A well-screened test setup should maintain a radiation level at least 20 dB below the expected radiation level of the equipment under test when terminated with a matched load Additionally, both the test setup and the equipment must receive the same input signal level.
Symbols
This document utilizes specific graphical symbols, which are either sourced from IEC 60617 (all parts) or derived from symbols defined within the same standard.
Graphical symbol Reference number and title Graphical symbol Reference number and title
EUT Equipment under test Transmitting antenna
Low pass filter IEC 60617 (SO1245)
Abbreviations
For the purposes of this document, the following abbreviations apply
CATV Community Antenna Television (system)
COFDM Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex
DOCSIS Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specification
EMC electromagnetic compatibility emf electromotive force
EuroDOCSIS European technology option of Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specification
LNB low noise broadband-converter
MATV Master Antenna Television (system)
QPSK quadrature phase shift keying
SMATV Satellite Master Antenna Television (system)
XDSL x Digital Subscriber Line ("x" stands for different versions)
This subclause only lists the abbreviations used in the English version of the document The German and French versions may include different abbreviations For specific details, please refer to section 3.3 of each language version.
General operating conditions
Measurements should be conducted at the equipment's rated performance and standard room temperature, unless specified otherwise If necessary, additional measurements must be taken at both the highest and lowest rated ambient temperatures.
The equipment shall be tested including all those sub-assemblies with which it would normally be used
All operating conditions and configurations that are only temporarily present while adjustment or service is being made shall not be tested.
Disturbance voltages from equipment
4.2.1 Disturbance voltages from equipment in the frequency range from 150 kHz to 30 MHz
The method described is applicable to the measurement of disturbance voltages from equipment in the frequency range of 150 kHz to 30 MHz on the mains line
The measured voltage includes narrowband interference and broadband interference such as that produced by semiconductor rectifiers
Disturbance voltage measurements must be conducted in a screened room following the EN 55013 method, using a sinusoidal carrier as the desired signal The disturbance voltage injected into the mains by the equipment under test should be measured across all relevant frequencies using a specified artificial mains network A measuring receiver equipped with a quasi-peak detector is required for broadband measurements, while an average detector is necessary for narrowband measurements.
4.2.1.3 Measurement of mains terminal disturbance voltages
The equipment under test shall be operated in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations and tested under conditions that maximise the disturbance voltages
All RF ports must be terminated with non-radiating loads that match their nominal impedance The supply voltage should be adjusted to fall within the specified rating At a minimum, measurements should be conducted at the nominal input voltage, as well as at both the lower and upper limits of the specified input voltage range.
The results shall be expressed in terms of dB(àV) and shall comply with the limits given in Table 2
4.2.2 Disturbance voltages from equipment at the AC mains frequency and its harmonics
If the input current rating is within the scope of EN 61000-3-2:2006, the limits and test methods of this standard shall apply
4.2.3 Measurement of input terminal disturbance voltage
This measurement is relevant for equipment directly connected to receiving antennas or to satellite outdoor units (e.g channel converter, DBS tuner etc.)
The measurement shall be performed according to the method described in EN 55013 where "antenna terminal" should be intended as "input terminal" of the equipment under test
The disturbance voltage levels of the tested equipment at the local oscillator frequency, its harmonics, and other relevant disturbance frequencies must be quantified as input terminal disturbance voltage in dB(àV) These levels should adhere to the limits specified in Table 3 and Table 4.
Radiation from active equipment
The techniques outlined are suitable for measuring radiation emitted by active equipment across signal frequencies, local oscillator frequencies, their harmonics, and other pertinent frequencies.
In the frequency range 5 MHz to 30 MHz, the "coupling unit" method is used
In the frequency range 30 MHz to 1 000 MHz 4) , the "absorbing clamp" method 5) of EN 55013 is used
In the frequency range 950 MHz to 25 GHz, the "substitution" method is used
For equipment with an upper frequency limit of 1 000 MHz, the absorbing clamp method is used up to
1 000 MHz For equipment with a lower frequency limit of 950 MHz, only the substitution method is used
For accurate measurements, it is essential that measurement cables, coupling devices, and terminations are properly matched and well-screened If achieving these conditions is not possible, necessary corrections must be applied to the results Additionally, test equipment should have a 75 Ω impedance or be equipped with suitable matching pads.
An appropriate site, whether indoors or outdoors, must be selected for measurements For indoor settings, it is essential to choose a spacious room where reflective and absorbing objects are either strategically positioned or removed to prevent any impact on the results.
Measurements shall be made at the following ports:
The upper frequency limit may vary slightly due to different channel spacing plans, potentially reaching up to 1 006 MHz instead of the standard 1 000 MHz This standard notation of 1 000 MHz is designed to accommodate these minor deviations.
The "absorbing clamp" method ensures consistent and reliable measurements, making it a preferred choice In contrast, measurements derived from TEM cell or Triaxial techniques are influenced by environmental factors and should be avoided.
• the mains lead (if any);
• all single or multiple wire connections (if any)
Measurements shall be made at the following frequencies: a) single channel equipment:
1) at the vision and sound carrier frequencies;
2) at any other frequency where disturbance can occur; b) wideband equipment:
This article examines the radiation pattern across various operating frequency ranges, focusing on both the highest and lowest vision carrier frequencies within each utilized band, as well as a selection of intervening frequencies that provide a realistic depiction of the radiation characteristics.
2) at any other frequency where disturbance can occur; c) frequency converters:
When assessing output ports and mains leads, it is essential to evaluate them at the input and output vision and sound carrier frequencies, as well as at all local oscillator fundamental frequencies Additionally, attention should be given to any local oscillator harmonics and other frequencies where disturbances may arise.
2) input ports: i) at all local oscillator fundamental frequencies; ii) at selected local oscillator harmonics, or other frequencies (as above)
4.3.3.1 Measurement of radiation in the frequency range 5 MHz to 30 MHz
For the measurement of radiation in the frequency range 5 MHz to 30 MHz the coupling unit method shall be used to measure the conducted emissions from the equipment under test
This method closely resembles the current injection technique outlined in EN 61000-4-6; however, it differs in that it measures conducted emissions without injecting disturbing currents into the connected cables.
In this frequency range, an absorbing or injection clamp can be utilized, provided it possesses similar properties to the 150 Ω coupling units This option is particularly useful when coupling units cannot be implemented due to limitations such as the number of conductors in a cable or the installation size The measurement setup and calibration factors should be detailed in the manual accompanying the clamp.
The following equipment is required:
• one or more signal generators for the wanted signals;
• an RF measuring receiver or spectrum analyser covering the frequency range of interest;
• appropriate coupling units (according to EN 61000-4-6);
• well-screened terminating loads and cables
To ensure accurate measurement results, all equipment in the measurement setup must be properly shielded In particular, coaxial coupling units should be engineered to achieve a screening effectiveness exceeding 100 dB.
It shall be ascertained that the level of background interfering signals (ingress) is at least 10 dB below the relevant limit, otherwise the result may be significantly affected
The test equipment layout is illustrated in Figure 1, where the equipment under test is positioned 10 cm above a metallic ground plane measuring 1 m × 2 m Coupling units are integrated into the cables, with the desired signal generator linked to the coupling unit that feeds into the equipment under test The RF measuring receiver is to be connected sequentially to the measuring output of each coupling unit, and it is essential that the cables connecting the coupling units to the equipment under test are kept as short as possible.
Figure 1 - Measurement set-up for radiation measurements in the frequency range
5 MHz to 30 MHz using the "coupling unit" method
Cables connected to the input and output of the equipment should not exceed 30 cm in length, and any mains lead must also be bundled to a length of 30 cm Additionally, it is essential to maintain a minimum distance of 3 cm between the leads or cables and the ground plane.
The mains lead (if any) is not connected to a coupling unit but shall be provided with absorbing devices to avoid the influence of disturbance voltages on the mains lead
The tested equipment must function according to the manufacturer's specifications while operating under conditions that optimize radiation The test should utilize the maximum rated output level, as indicated on the equipment or its accompanying data sheet provided by the manufacturer.
The signal generator is calibrated to the desired test frequency, and its output level is configured to the maximum specified operating level of the equipment.
The measuring receiver is successively connected to all coupling units All unused ports shall be terminated For each measuring frequency, the maximum reading is noted
The readings on the measuring set shall be corrected according to the coupling attenuation of the used coupling units
For coupling units with R = 75 Ω, the coupling attenuation is 3 dB
In this case, a measuring receiver of 75 Ω impedance shall be used
NOTE Alternatively coupling units with R = 100 Ω can be used for measuring receivers with 50 Ω input impedance In this case the coupling attenuation is about 5 dB (4,77 dB)
The radiation level of the equipment under test shall be expressed in terms of power in dB(pW) and shall comply with the limits given in Table 5
4.3.3.2 Measurement of radiation in the frequency range 30 MHz to 1 000 MHz using the "absorbing clamp" method 4.3.3.2.1 Equipment required
The equipment required for the "absorbing clamp" method is listed below:
• a signal generator covering the frequency range of interest and of sufficient output power;
• an absorbing clamp conforming to EN 55016-1-1;
• a measuring set of appropriate impedance covering the frequency range of interest;
• a measurement cable of length at least λ/2 (at the lowest frequency of interest) plus 0,6 m and of appropriate impedance;
• screened terminating loads of appropriate impedance and design;
• all necessary coupling devices of an appropriate design;
• a mains filter able to remove extraneous noise from the mains supply in the frequency range of interest;
• absorbing devices such as ferrite rings sufficient to suppress signals from the equipment under test on its input and mains leads;
The measurement set-up and equipment layout for the "absorbing clamp" method (30 MHz to 1 000 MHz) is shown in Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4
The equipment under test shall be placed at a height of approximately 1 m above the ground on a non- metallic support on which the absorbing clamp can be accommodated and moved
For accurate measurements of local oscillator radiated power without requiring an input signal, it is essential to terminate the input with a well-screened load For details on measuring local oscillator power at the outdoor unit's input, refer to section 4.3.3.4.
Immunity of active equipment
Any RF signal entering the equipment may produce interference Unwanted signals can appear at the output of the equipment when disturbance frequencies are entering because of poor immunity:
• generate intermodulation products with the wanted signal and other signals being distributed or transfer their modulation through crossmodulation to the wanted signal,
• beat with oscillator signals or their harmonics or with other signals being distributed,
• fall in the nominal frequency ranges of the equipment
The assignment of the frequency range 790 MHz to 862 MHz for broadband wireless services necessitates consideration of a modified electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) environment for both active and passive cable network equipment As wireless base stations and user devices communicate, the resulting radio signals can lead to in-band disturbances, as they may produce higher field strength levels than those previously experienced by cable network equipment.
As a result of this changed situation additional requirements on immunity of active equipment are specified
Performance criterion A (according to EN 61000-6-1:2007) shall be applied:
The equipment must function properly during testing, with no decline in performance or loss of functionality permitted below the manufacturer's specified performance level when used as intended.
The performance level may be replaced by a permissible loss of performance No change of actual operating state or stored data is allowed.”
This standard defines the immunity level as the threshold of electromagnetic disturbance that causes a barely noticeable interference at the output of the tested equipment, given that a specified operating level is applied at its input or output.
It is assumed that the just perceptible interference corresponds to an in-channel RF wanted-to-unwanted signal ratio of:
– 60 dB for AM-VSB-TV and FM radio,
– 35 dB for FM-TV and DVB-S/QPSK,
– 35 dB for digitally modulated TV and data signals (DVB-C/QAM, DVB-T/COFDM) when measured at the output of the equipment under test
The minimum requirement for the RF signal-to-noise ratio (S D,RF /N) of digitally modulated TV and data signals, including terrestrial and cable transmissions, is set at 32 dB for 256 QAM modulated signals at the system outlet, as specified in EN 60728-1:2008, Table 11, with an additional surplus of 3 dB This standard also encompasses the requirements for 64 QAM and COFDM signals, acknowledging that these signals may operate with lower minimum signal levels.
NOTE 2 For compliance testing, it is not necessary to measure the actual level of immunity, but only to ensure that the immunity requirements of Clause 5 are complied with
4.4.3 Measurement of the external immunity to ambient fields
4.4.3.1 Out-of-band immunity (modulated interfering signal)
Out-of-band immunity test is only relevant to active equipment where in-band immunity is not required
For the disturbance frequency range 150 kHz to 80 MHz, measurements shall be made with the injection method described in EN 61000-4-6
For the disturbance frequency range 80 MHz to 3,5 GHz, measurements shall be made on a test site using the radiated field method described in EN 61000-4-3 (extended to 3,5 GHz, using suitable antennas)
For the frequency range 3,5 GHz to 25 GHz, methods of measurement are investigated for inclusion in a future amendment or revised edition
Measurements for single channel equipment must be conducted using a disturbance field at frequencies that lie outside the nominal frequency ranges of the equipment being tested In the case of converters, the disturbance field should be applied at frequencies that are outside both the input and output nominal frequency ranges.
NOTE EXAMPLE VHF broadband amplifier; bandwidth 40 MHz to 450 MHz
Figure 7 - Frequency allocation for out-of-band immunity measurement of active equipment with nominal upper frequency limit ≤ 1 000 MHz
NOTE EXAMPLE IF amplifier; bandwidth 950 MHz to 1 750 MHz
Figure 8 - Frequency allocation for out-of-band immunity measurement of active equipment with nominal lower frequency limit ≥ 950 MHz
Measurements for broadband equipment should be conducted using a disturbance field at frequencies that are outside the nominal frequency ranges of the equipment being tested The desired channels for testing must be selected at specific center frequencies that are within the nominal frequency ranges of the equipment under evaluation.
For equipment that does not have a nominal frequency range (e.g power supplies, control units), measurements shall be carried out in the whole specified disturbance frequency range
4.4.3.1.3 Equipment with nominal upper frequency limit ≤ 1 000 MHz
Test channels with bandwidth 8 MHz at centre frequencies: 48 MHz, 100 MHz, 176 MHz, 480 MHz, 680 MHz, 850 MHz
4.4.3.1.4 Equipment with nominal lower frequency limit ≥ 950 MHz
Test channels with bandwidth 27 MHz at centre frequencies: 970 MHz, 1 220 MHz, 1 470 MHz, 1 720 MHz, 1 970 MHz, 2 220 MHz,
2 470 MHz, 2 720 MHz, 2 970 MHz, 3 220 MHz, 3 470 MHz
In all cases, the measurement of the out-of-band immunity of equipment involves an evaluation of the effects of the disturbance field on the normal output signal
The equipment under test shall be operated at its nominal power supply voltage and under typical conditions, whether manual or automatic
All unused inputs and outputs shall be correctly terminated using screened termination loads Any manual controls shall be adjusted to give maximum gain and the correct amplitude/frequency response
The wanted signal generator shall be set to the wanted channel frequency f v
The output level of the wanted signal generator is adjusted to give the specified maximum level at the output of the equipment under test
The disturbing field is represented by two discrete carriers, which are unwanted signals that are 6 dB below the reference level specified in Table 7 and are separated by a frequency of 1 MHz The reference frequency for these unwanted signals is determined as the arithmetic mean of their individual frequencies.
This standard defines the external immunity level as the threshold of electromagnetic disturbances outside nominal frequency ranges that cause noticeable interference at the output of the tested equipment, given that the maximum output level specified by the manufacturer is present.
The signal generator must be calibrated to meet the specified test conditions, with the output signal level of the equipment under test measured using a measuring receiver or spectrum analyzer.
The measuring receiver or spectrum analyser must be tuned to the two amplitude interference products (fv-1 MHz and fv+1 MHz) within the desired channel Simultaneously, the output levels of the unwanted signal generators are adjusted to achieve an RF carrier-to-interference signal ratio that meets the performance criterion specified in section 4.4.2.
The equipment under test shall be rotated in all planes and the minimum output level of the unwanted signal generator shall be noted at each measuring frequency
Harmonics of the disturbing signals shall not be taken into account
In the case of equipment provided with automatic level control, care shall be taken to keep the wanted signal level and pilot levels constant
The results are presented as the lowest voltage level in dB(àV) (emf) up to 80 MHz, or as the lowest field strength level in dB(àV/m) for frequencies above 80 MHz, in accordance with the performance criterion specified in section 4.4.2 These results must adhere to the relevant limits outlined in Table 7.
4.4.3.2 In-band immunity (unmodulated interfering signal)
Measurements for disturbance frequencies ranging from 150 kHz to 80 MHz should be conducted using the injection method outlined in EN 61000-4-6, ensuring that the disturbing frequencies align with the in-band definition.
For the disturbance frequency range 80 MHz to 3,5 GHz, measurements shall be made on a test site using the radiated field method described in EN 61000-4-3 (extended to 3,5 GHz, using suitable antennas)
For the frequency range 3,5 GHz to 25 GHz, methods of measurement are investigated for inclusion in a future amendment or revised edition
The test equipment required for the measurement of the in-band immunity of equipment is listed below:
• a signal generator covering the frequency range of interest and representing the respective wanted signal, as well as pilot-signal generators, as required;
• a power RF generator covering the frequency range of interest and of sufficient output power to feed the transmitting antenna and/or stripline (unwanted signal);
• a measuring receiver or spectrum analyser;
• suitable combiners, test cables and terminating loads all of which shall be well-matched and well- screened
NOTE Test equipment for connection to the unit under test should be of 75 Ω impedance or provided with appropriate matching pads
Measurements will be conducted using a continuous wave (CW) disturbance field, with a frequency set at 2 MHz ± 0.5 MHz from the desired signal The selected test frequencies aim to provide a realistic assessment of in-band immunity across the nominal frequency range For channel-selective equipment, both the desired signal frequency and the disturbance frequencies will be chosen to remain within the desired channel.
For broadband equipment testing, it is essential to utilize specific center frequencies that align with the equipment's operational band Additionally, the unwanted signal must be positioned 2 MHz ± 0.5 MHz away from the desired signal.
4.4.3.2.4 Equipment with nominal upper frequency limit ≤ 1 000 MHz
Wanted signal frequencies: 27 MHz, 48 MHz, 144 MHz, 176 MHz, 300 MHz, 470 MHz, 680 MHz,
4.4.3.2.5 Equipment with nominal lower frequency limit ≥ 950 MHz
Wanted signal frequencies: 970 MHz, 1 220 MHz, 1 470 MHz, 1 720 MHz, 1 970 MHz, 2 220 MHz,
2 470 MHz, 2 720 MHz, 2 970 MHz, 3 220 MHz, 3 470 MHz
L min Minimum immunity level as defined in 5.4.1.2
NOTE EXAMPLE Broadband amplifier; bandwidth 40 MHz to 862 MHz
Figure 9 - Frequency allocation for in-band immunity measurement of active equipment with nominal upper frequency limit ≤ 1 000 MHz
L min Minimum immunity level as defined in 5.4.1.2
NOTE EXAMPLE IF amplifier; bandwidth 950 MHz to 3 500 MHz
Figure 10 - Frequency allocation for in-band immunity measurement of active equipment with nominal lower frequency limit ≥ 950 MHz
In all cases, the measurement of the in-band immunity of equipment involves an evaluation of the effects of the disturbance field on the normal output signal
The equipment under test shall be operated at its nominal power supply voltage and under typical conditions, whether manual or automatic
All unused inputs and outputs shall be correctly terminated using screened terminating loads Any manual controls shall be adjusted to give maximum gain and the correct amplitude/frequency response
To ensure proper testing, a wanted signal must be applied to the input at the lowest specified level In cases where the manufacturer does not specify an input level, the wanted signal should be set at 70 dB(àV) for general use and 59 dB(àV) for digitally modulated signals within the frequency range of 790 – 862 MHz.