Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is a critical aspect of electronic device design, ensuring that devices function correctly in their intended electromagnetic environment without causing unwanted interference. The GTEM cell has emerged as a popular alternative to the traditional anechoic chamber for radiated emissions and immunity testing, especially for smaller devices.
Key Takeaways:
- GTEM cells offer a compact and cost-effective solution for EMC testing.
- Anechoic chambers, while ideal, can be large and expensive.
- Both GTEM cells and anechoic chambers provide high shielding attenuation against electromagnetic interference.
- GTEM cells are particularly suitable for pre-compliance testing.
Table of Contents
What is a GTEM Cell?
A GTEM cell, or Gigahertz Transverse Electromagnetic cell, is a frequency-extended variant of the traditional TEM cell. Designed specifically for EMC applications, GTEM cells are used for calibrating antennas, field probes, and testing electronic devices such as mobile phones. They are entirely mobile and come in various sizes, from desktop-sized to as large as 2 meters high1.
Advantages of GTEM Cells
- Compactness: GTEM cells are small enough to fit on a desktop, making them ideal for labs with limited space.
- Mobility: They are completely mobile, allowing for flexibility in testing locations.
- Efficiency: GTEM cells can perform both emissions and immunity testing in a single shielded environment.
- Cost-effective: They reduce the need for large amplifiers and eliminate the need for any measurement of reflected power.
Anechoic Chambers: The Traditional Choice
An anechoic chamber is a room designed to prevent reflections of electromagnetic waves. It is typically used for EMC testing to ensure that electronic devices don’t interfere with each other. The walls of an anechoic chamber are lined with absorbent material, which prevents the reflection of electromagnetic waves, creating a controlled environment for testing2.
Advantages of Anechoic Chambers
- Precision: They offer a highly controlled environment for EMC testing.
- Versatility: Suitable for both pre-compliance and full-compliance testing.
- Advanced Technology: Some chambers use advanced absorber technology, such as the Frankosorb Absorbers, which are fireproof and can last for at least 25 years3.
GTEM Cells vs. Anechoic Chambers
While anechoic chambers are the ideal environment for EMC testing, they can be large and expensive. For projects that only require pre-compliance testing, GTEM cells present an excellent alternative. They are compact, cost-effective, and offer a high degree of flexibility in testing4.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is EMC (Electro Magnetic Compatibility)?
- EMC ensures that electronic devices function correctly in their intended electromagnetic environment without causing interference.
- What are Radiated Emissions?
- Radiated emissions refer to the unintentional release of electromagnetic energy from an electronic device.
- What is Radiated Immunity?
- Radiated immunity is the ability of a device to operate as intended in the presence of electromagnetic interference.
- What is an anechoic chamber?
- An anechoic chamber is a room designed to prevent reflections of electromagnetic waves, used for EMC testing5.
Conclusion
In the realm of EMC testing, both GTEM cells and anechoic chambers have their unique advantages. While anechoic chambers remain the gold standard for comprehensive EMC testing, GTEM cells offer a compact and cost-effective alternative, especially for smaller devices and pre-compliance testing.
External Resources:
Footnotes
- Fuseco Article on GTEM Cells ↩
- NIST Research on Anechoic Chambers ↩
- Frankonia EMC Chambers ↩
- LinkedIn Article on EMC Chamber vs GTEM Cell ↩
- Fuseco FAQs ↩
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