Future-proof immunity for automotive assemblies

With the launch of the System 5200, Schaffner EMC can now supply a future-proof solution for testing the immunity of automotive subassemblies.

With the launch of the System 5200, Schaffner EMC can now supply a future-proof solution for testing the immunity of automotive subassemblies.

Schaffner has been at the forefront of the pioneering work to establish EMC tests for motor vehicle electronics, and the company's System 5000 has long been the industry's standard tester for immunity.

The test specifications of System 5000 exceed the conditions set down in the relevant standards on every score.

This results in the requisite flexibility for the user and the necessary test margins.

The pulse parameters are so broadly dimensioned that many company-specific test specifications are covered automatically, eliminating the need to take any additional action.

Now the System 5200 adds to the functionality of the overall test system by adding facilities for testing immunity to complex voltage variations, magnetic field tests and immunity to sinusoidal bursts.

Like the System 5000, the new unit is controlled by Schaffner's Autostar test management platform, which contains a huge library of both international EMC standard tests but also a huge repertoire of manufacturer-specific tests.

Many individual manufacturers' tests may require a change of hardware within the system.

For example, there are three different DC sources available for use with the System 5200.

Autostar includes a complete library of the hardware available, and automatically indicates which hardware should be installed for any specific test.

This makes the System 5200 ideal for automotive contractors who may be working on projects for more than one manufacturer.

System 5200 is based on the established 19in mainframe plus modules architecture of its companion system.

There is a choice of two CANbus-controlled basic chassis, each of which contains all power supply components, cooling fans, control and signal bus boards, and protected I/O circuitry.

The NSG 5202 variant adds to the basic NSG 5201 by including the transformer subassembly required for sinusoidal burst testing.

Crucial to the operation of the System 5200, the function generator card controls all sources, battery simulators and amplifiers under control of the Autostar software.

The arbitrary waveform generator converts test program definitions from Autostar and generates all output signals required in the form of a -10 to +10V control signal suitable for controlling signal sources.

Basic functions such as sinewave, squarewave, triangle wave and ramping are stored in nonvolatile RAM for fast response.

Other modules than can be housed within the System 5200 mainframe include: the DCS 5230 DC switch capable of handling 70V/75A; the AMP 5240 power amplifier which can deliver up to +/-15V and 5A, removing the need for an external battery simulator; and the CSW 5250 sinusoidal burst module which contains all the necessary circuitry for pulse superimposition.

In addition, the configuration of the system can be expanded with the addition of magnetic field antennas for field testing.

Either simple current loops or Helmholtz coils are used, depending on the relevant test standard.

The power amplifier has a control input to monitor the field.

The Autostar software supplied with the System 5200 is a complete test management, reporting and evaluation system.

The package runs on any Pentium-class PC from 233MHz upwards, and with Windows 95 or better, connected to the mainframe by either RS232 or GPIB.

It manages the entire test process, automatically recognising and testing all installed modules at startup, controlling all programmed tests and producing comprehensive reports if required.

Alternatively, operation of the system can be deskilled, providing simple pass/fail testing for continuing compliance.

System 5200 is available now from Schaffner EMC Ltd.

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