CISPR Standards for EMC: An Overview and Updates

Daniel Hoolihan

Constant changes to CISPR standards must be monitored for modifications that affect EMC.

Standards pertaining to electromagnetic emissions and immunity with respect to radio communications are in flux. Affected parties should monitor developments.

The Comite International Special des Perturbations Radioelectriques–in English the International Special Committee on Radio Interference, and known best by its abbreviation, CISPR–is a special committee under the sponsorship of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Its membership comprises the national committees of the IEC, just as an ordinary IEC technical committee does, as well as a number of other international organizations interested in the reduction of radio interference. CISPR was founded in 1934, the same year, as it happens, that the Federal Communications Commission was instituted in the United States.

CISPR Subcommittees

CISPR has six active subcommittees that have survived the evolution of committee organization over the past 70 years. The current roster consists of:

• Subcommittee A–Radio interference measurements and statistical   methods.
  
• Subcommittee B–Interference relating to industrial, scientific, and medical  (ISM) radio-frequency apparatus, to other (heavy) industrial equipment, to overhead power lines, to high-voltage equipment, and to electric traction.
  
• Subcommittee D–Interference relating to motor vehicles and internal combustion engines.
  
• Subcommittee F–Interference relating to household appliances, tools, lighting equipment, and similar apparatus.
  
• Subcommittee H–Limits for the protection of radio services.
  
• Subcommittee I–Electromagnetic compatibility of information technology equipment, multimedia equipment, and receivers.
  

The previously existing Subcommittee C on interference relating to overhead power lines, to high-voltage equipment, and to electric traction was folded into Subcommittee B in 2001. The defunct Subcommittees E (on interference relating to radio receivers) and G (on interference relating to information technology equipment [ITE]) were incorporated into Subcommittee I that same year.
 

History; the Early Documents

CISPR standards are oriented primarily toward electromagnetic emissions and electromagnetic emission measurements. Some, however, address the issue of immunity. More than 30 CISPR standards publications have been issued. Not all are still in active use; a few have been superseded by newer CISPR standards.

The CISPR publications numbered 1 through 9 are no longer available. They are described here for background.

CISPR Publication 1. Specification for CISPR Radio Interference Measuring Apparatus for the Frequency Range 0.15 Megacycle per Second (Mc/s) to 30 Mc/s. The sole object of this standard, first published in 1961, was to protect sound broadcast services within this frequency range. It was withdrawn in 1977 and replaced by CISPR 16, described later in this article.

CISPR Publication 2. Specification for CISPR Radio Interference Measuring Apparatus for the Frequency Range 25 MHz to 300 MHz. Also published in 1961, this standard was considered an extension of CISPR Publication 1 into a higher frequency range. Amendment 1 to CISPR 2 was released in 1969; it added the measurement of interference power from mains-operated appliances, a new measuring technique. The second edition of Publication 2 was released in 1975 and then withdrawn in 1977 to be replaced by CISPR 16.

CISPR Publication 3. Specification for CISPR Radio Interference Measuring Apparatus for the Frequency Range 10 kHz to150 kHz. Released in 1975, this publication extended the CISPR 1 apparatus to a lower frequency range. The quasi-peak type of voltmeter was retained as the principal measuring device, but other forms of voltmeter were allowed. CISPR 3 was withdrawn in 1977 and replaced by CISPR 16.

CISPR Publication 4. CISPR Measuring Set Specification for the Frequency Range 300 MHz to 1000 MHz. The first edition was published in 1967 and extended the frequency range of receiver characteristics from 300 to 1000 MHz. Then CISPR Publication 4A was released in 1975 as a first supplement to CISPR 4; it added two new sections to the document. The augmented standard was withdrawn in 1977 and replaced by CISPR 16.

CISPR Publication 5. Radio Interference Measuring Apparatus Having Detectors Other Than Quasi-Peak. This was first published in 1967. The three other types of detectors discussed were root-mean-square (rms), average, and peak. Withdrawn in 1977, this publication, too, was superseded by CISPR 16.

CISPR Publication 6. Specification for an Audio-Frequency Interference Voltmeter. Released as a first edition in 1976, this detailed a special device that could take measurements at the outputs of radio receivers and could also be used to assess the performance of audio systems subjected to continuous and impulsive noise. It was withdrawn in 1977 as well, and superseded by CISPR 16.

CISPR Publication 7. Recommendations of CISPR. This was first released in 1966. A second edition followed in 1969, which contained only recommendations 2/1, 4-8, 10-13, 15, 18/1, 19, 20, 21/1, 22/1, 23, 24/2, 25/2, 26-31, 32/1, 34, 35, 36/1, and 37-39.

The publication of formal CISPR recommendations began at the CISPR meeting in Brussels in 1956. The recommendations were carried forward and confirmed or approved at the CISPR meeting in Stresa, Italy, in 1967. In June 1973, Amendment 1 was released, which cancelled recommendations 5, 10, 12, 13, 20, 27, 28, 31, and 35. It replaced recommendation number 11 with 11/1, 18/1 with 18/2, 21/1 with 21/2, 22/1 with 22/2, 23 with 23/1, 24/2 with 24/3, 29 with 29/1, 30 with 30/1, and 32/1 with 32/2.

CISPR Publication 7A, titled First Supplement to CISPR Publication 7, was issued in 1973. It added recommendations 40-49. CISPR Publication 7B, released in 1975 and titled Second Supplement to CISPR Publication 7, added recommendations 2/2, 18/3, 22/3, 29/2, 32/3, 39/1, 40/1, 46/1, 47/1, and 50-54. The CISPR 7 recommendations were withdrawn that same year and replaced by CISPR 16-3.

CISPR Publication 8. Reports and Study Questions of the CISPR (Approved or Confirmed at the Plenary Session of the CISPR in Stresa in 1967). This publication was released as a second edition in 1969. Divided into two parts, it contained 23 reports in the first part and 36 study questions in the second.

The distribution of formal CISPR reports and study questions began in 1956. The information in this publication carries either the 1956 date or the date of a subsequent meeting; however, in every case, the report or study question was reviewed and confirmed or approved at the Stresa meeting in 1967. Amendment 1 to CISPR 8, published in May 1973, cancelled reports 1, 2, 3, 5, 11, 15, 20, 26, and 27. It replaced Report 21 with 21/1 and Report 31 with 31/1.

CISPR Publication 8A was released in 1973. Titled First Supplement to CISPR Publication 8, it added reports 39-44, all of which had been approved at the CISPR meetings held in Leningrad in 1970. Finally, CISPR Publication 8B was published in 1975 as the Second Supplement to CISPR Publication 8. It included six new reports (37/1, 39/1, 45, 46, 47, and 48) and 13 additional study questions (36/2, 49/1, 57/1, 68, 69/1, and 70-77). The reports and study questions contained in the second supplement had been approved by CISPR at either the 1970 Leningrad meeting or the meeting convened in West Long Beach, NY, in 1973. All of the CISPR 8 documents were replaced in 1975 by CISPR 16-3.

CISPR Publication 9. Limits of Radio Interference and Leakage Currents according to CISPR and National Regulations. Released in 1976 as a third edition, CISPR 9 included some measurement methods and limiting values of capacitance and energy for radio interference suppression capacitors. It was withdrawn in 1977.

Active Standards

The CISPR documents given numbers 10 and higher are no longer called publications but rather standards. They are in current use and are constantly being updated. This section focuses on the current version of each of the active CISPR standards.

CISPR 10. Organization, Rules and Procedures of the CISPR. The first edition of this was published in 1971 in order to bring together in one place all matters affecting the administrative aspects of CISPR. A second edition was published in 1976, and a third in 1980. Amendments to the third edition were published as a result of meetings at Stockholm (1982), Sydney (1985), and Campinas, Brazil (1988). The fourth edition was published in 1992. Two amendments have been released since then, one in 1995 and another in 2001.

CISPR 11. Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) Radio-Frequency Equipment–Electromagnetic Disturbance Characteristics–Limits and Methods of Measurement. One of the more well-known standards in the CISPR listing, this is a product family standard covering ISM equipment. It is the fundamental emissions standard for all electronic medical devices. It is maintained by Subcommittee B of CISPR. The latest edition is the fourth, which was released in March 2003.

CISPR 12. Vehicles, Motorboats, and Spark-Ignited Engine-Driven Devices–Radio Disturbance Characteristics–Limits and Methods of Measurement. The fifth edition of this standard was released in September 2001. Its main content is based on CISPR Recommendation 18/5. The standard is maintained by Subcommittee D. The limits in CISPR 12 are designed to provide protection for broadcast receivers in the frequency range of 30-1000 MHz when used in a residential environment.

CISPR 13. Sound and Television Broadcast Receivers and Associated Equipment–Radio Disturbance Characteristics–Limits and Methods of Measurement. The consolidated edition 4.1 of this, released in March 2003, includes Amendment 1 which was published two months earlier. The standard applies to the generation of electromagnetic energy from sound and television receivers for the reception of broadcast and similar transmissions and from associated equipment. It describes the methods of measurement applicable to sound and television receivers or associated equipment and specifies limits for the control of disturbances from such equipment. The frequency range covered extends from 9 kHz to 400 GHz.

CISPR 14-1. Electromagnetic Compatibility–Requirements for Household Appliances, Electric Tools, and Similar Apparatus–Part 1: Emission. Consolidated Edition 4.2 of this standard, released in October 2002, includes amendments 1 and 2. The standard applies to the conduction and radiation of radio-frequency (RF) disturbances from appliances whose main functions are performed by motors and switching or regulatory devices, unless the RF energy is intentionally generated or intended for illumination. It covers such equipment as household electrical appliances, electric tools, regulating controls employing semiconductor devices, motor-driven electromedical apparatus, electric toys, automatic dispensing machines and cinema or slide projectors. It is maintained by Subcommittee F of CISPR.

CISPR 14-2. Electromagnetic Compatibility–Requirements for Household Appliances, Electric Tools, and Similar Apparatus–Part 2: Immunity–Product Family Standard. Consolidated Edition 1.1 was released in November 2001. This standard covers the electromagnetic immunity of appliances and similar apparatus for household and similar purposes that use electricity, as well as electric toys and electric tools, the rated voltage of the apparatus being no more than 250 V for single-phase equipment to be connected to phase and neutral, and 480 V for other apparatus. It specifies the immunity requirements in relation to continuous and transient conducted and radiated electromagnetic disturbances, including electrostatic discharge, for the relevant equipment. The apparatus may incorporate motors, heating elements, or these in combination, may contain electric or electronic circuitry, and may be powered by the mains, by batteries, or by any other electrical power source. Immunity requirements in the frequency range of 0 Hz to 400 GHz are covered. This standard also is maintained by Subcommittee F.

CISPR 15. Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Disturbance Characteristics of Electrical Lighting and Similar Equipment. The current version of this standard is Consolidated Edition 6.2, including amendments 1 and 2, which was released in October 2002. It covers the emission, radiated and conducted, of RF disturbances from all lighting equipment having the primary function of generating or distributing light intended for illumination purposes and intended either for connection to the low-voltage electricity supply or for battery operation. It covers as well the lighting part of multifunctional equipment one of whose primary functions is illumination; independent auxiliaries exclusively for use with lighting equipment or ultraviolet or infrared radiation equipment; neon advertising signs; street and flood lighting intended for outdoor use; and transport lighting, such as is installed in buses and trains. The standard encompasses the frequency range of 9 kHz to 400 GHz. It is maintained by Subcommittee F.

CISPR 16-1-1. Specification for Radio Disturbance and Immunity Measuring Apparatus and Methods–Part 1-1: Radio Disturbance and Immunity Measuring Apparatus–Measuring Apparatus. CISPR 16 is one of the most frequently referenced CISPR standards. It has recently been restructured into a more user-friendly version that was published in November 2003. The main reason to reorganize CISPR 16, which originally consisted of four parts and now has 14, was to create smaller, subject-related, self-contained documents that would be easier for the regulated community to use and administrators to maintain. The changes were approved by Subcommittee A, which has maintenance responsibility for CISPR 16.

Part 1-1 of CISPR 16 is designated a basic standard, and specifies the characteristics and performance of equipment to be used for measuring radio disturbance voltage, current, and fields in the frequency range of 9 kHz to 18 GHz. The requirements encompass the measurement of both broadband and narrowband types of radio disturbance. Quasi-peak, peak, average, and rms types of measuring receivers are covered. In addition, there are specifications for spectrum analyzers, scanning receivers, and audio-frequency voltmeters.

CISPR 16-1-2. Specification for Radio Disturbance and Immunity Measuring Apparatus and Methods–Part 1-2: Radio Disturbance and Immunity Measuring Apparatus–Ancillary Equipment–Conducted Disturbances. This part of CISPR 16 is designated a basic standard and specifies such ancillary apparatus as artificial mains networks, current and voltage probes, and coupling units for current injection on cables.

CISPR 16-1-3. Specification for Radio Disturbance and Immunity Measuring Apparatus and Methods–Part 1-3: Radio Disturbance and Immunity Measuring Apparatus–Ancillary Equipment–Disturbance Power. Also a basic standard, this part of CISPR 16 details the characteristics and calibration of the absorbing clamp for the measurement of radio disturbance power in the frequency range of 30 MHz to 1 GHz.

CISPR 16-1-4. Specification for Radio Disturbance and Immunity Measuring Apparatus and Methods–Part 1-4: Radio Disturbance and Immunity Measuring Apparatus–Ancillary Equipment–Radiated Disturbances. This part again is a basic standard. It specifies such ancillary equipment as antennas and test sites, transverse electromagnetic (TEM) cells, and reverberating chambers, and covers the frequency range of 9 kHz to 18 GHz.

CISPR 16-1-5. Specification for Radio Disturbance and Immunity Measuring Apparatus and Methods–Part 1-5: Radio Disturbance and Immunity Measuring Apparatus–Antenna Calibration Test Sites for 30 MHz to 1000 MHz. This basic standard calls out the criteria for calibration test sites that can be used to perform antenna calibrations, along with the test antenna characteristics, calibration site verification procedure, and site compliance criteria.

CISPR 16-2-1. Specification for Radio Disturbance and Immunity Measuring Apparatus and Methods–Part 2-1: Methods of Measurement of Disturbances and Immunity–Conducted Disturbance Measurements. This, another basic standard, specifies the methods of measurement of conducted disturbances in the frequency range of 9 kHz to 30 MHz.

CISPR 16-2-2. Specification for Radio Disturbance and Immunity Measuring Apparatus and Methods–Part 2-2: Methods of Measurement of Disturbances and Immunity–Measurement of Disturbance Power. This is a basic standard that specifies the method of measurement of disturbance power using an absorbing clamp in the frequency range of 30 MHz to 1 GHz.

CISPR 16-2-3. Specification for Radio Disturbance and Immunity Measuring Apparatus and Methods–Part 2-3: Methods of Measurement of Disturbances and Immunity–Radiated Disturbance Measurements. This also is a basic standard. It calls out the methods of measurement of radiated disturbances in the frequency range of 9 kHz to 18 GHz.

CISPR 16-2-4. Specification for Radio Disturbance and Immunity Measuring Apparatus and Methods–Part 2-4: Methods of Measurement of Disturbances and Immunity–Immunity Measurements. This part, too, is designated a basic standard. It details the methods of measurement of EMC immunity characteristics in the frequency range of 9 kHz to 18 GHz.

CISPR 16-3. Specification for Radio Disturbance and Immunity Measuring Apparatus and Methods–Part 3: CISPR Technical Reports. This part of CISPR 16 contains specific technical reports and information on the history of CISPR.

CISPR 16-4-1. Specification for Radio Disturbance and Immunity Measuring Apparatus and Methods–Part 4-1: Uncertainties, Statistics, and Limit Modeling–Uncertainties in Standardized EMC Tests. This is a technical report that provides guidance on the treatment of uncertainties to people involved in the development or modification of CISPR EMC standards. This part of CISPR 16 may be regarded as a handbook for use by standards developers in incorporating uncertainty considerations into future CISPR standards.

CISPR 16-4-2. Specification for Radio Disturbance and Immunity Measuring Apparatus and Methods–Part 4-2: Uncertainties, Statistics, and Limit Modeling–Uncertainty in EMC Measurements. This is a basic standard that details how measurement uncertainty is to be taken into account in determining compliance with CISPR limits.

CISPR 16-4-3. Specification for Radio Disturbance and Immunity Measuring Apparatus and Methods–Part 4-3: Uncertainties, Statistics, and Limit Modeling–Statistical Considerations in the Determination of EMC Compliance of Mass-Produced Products. Another technical report, this part contains recommendations on the statistics of disturbance complaints and the significance of CISPR limits, as well as specific reports. Many of the historically important reports and recommendations that originally appeared in CISPR publications 7 and 8 can be found in this document.

CISPR 16-4-4. Specification for Radio Disturbance and Immunity Measuring Apparatus and Methods–Part 4-4: Uncertainties, Statistics, and Limit Modeling–Statistics of Complaints and a Model for the Calculation of Limits. This technical report describes the calculation of limits for disturbance field strength and disturbance voltage for measurements on a test site. It covers both radiated and conducted disturbances.

CISPR 17. Methods of Measurement of the Suppression Characteristics of Passive Radio Interference Filters and Suppression Components. The first and only edition of this standard was released in 1981. It describes methods of measuring the insertion loss of passive RF-suppression filters, which may consist of single elements, such as capacitors, inductors, or resistors, or of combinations of inductors, capacitors, and resistors of either the lumped or distributed type. Methods discussed include those for use in a laboratory or on a production line utilizing fixed-impedance terminations or worst-case terminations and others intended to be used in situ or in model installations. They provide for voltage and current loading. The standard is maintained by Subcommittee A of CISPR.

CISPR 18-1. Radio Interference Characteristics of Overhead Power Lines and High-Voltage Equipment–Part 1: Description of Phenomena. The current edition, which is the first, was issued in 1982. This standard describes the main properties of the physical phenomena involved in the production of disturbing electromagnetic fields by overhead lines and provides numerical values for such fields. It was prepared by Subcommittee C.

CISPR 18-2. Radio Interference Characteristics of Overhead Power Lines and High-Voltage Equipment–Part 2: Methods of Measurement and Procedure for Determining Limits. The first edition of this standard was released in 1986. Two amendments to 18-2 have been approved, one in 1993 and one in 1996. The standard and its amendments were prepared by Subcommittee C.

CISPR 18-3. Radio Interference Characteristics of Overhead Power Lines and High-Voltage Equipment–Part 3: Code of Practice for Minimizing the Generation of Radio Noise. The first, and current, edition was released in 1986. Based on CISPR Recommendation 57, this standard constitutes a code of good practice designed to reduce to a minimum the production of radio noise by power lines and equipment. A significant first amendment to the document was published in 1996. That 20-page amendment included a new clause on formulas for the predetermination of the radio-noise field produced by large conductor bundles (those having more than four subconductors) and by tubular conductors. It also introduced two annexes. CISPR 18-3 was prepared by Subcommittee C.

CISPR 19. Guidance on the Use of the Substitution Method for Measurement of Radiation from Microwave Ovens for Frequencies above 1 GHz. The first edition, issued in 1983, is still in effect. This is a CISPR report, that is, a statement issued for information purposes, giving results of studies on technical matters relating to CISPR. It was prepared by Subcommittee B.

CISPR 20. Sound and Television Broadcast Receivers and Associated Equipment–Immunity Characteristics–Limits and Methods of Measurement. This standard, currently in its fifth edition which was released in February 2002, describes the methods of measurement and specified limits applicable to sound and TV receivers and associated equipment with regard to their immunity to disturbing signals. It includes an amendment also released in 2002. CISPR 20 was developed and is maintained by Subcommittee I.

CISPR 21. Interference to Mobile Radiocommunications in the Presence of Impulsive Noise; Methods of Judging Degradation and Measures to Improve Performance. This is equivalent to CISPR Report 57. The first and only edition released (in 1985) was prepared by Subcommittee D.

CISPR 22. Information Technology Equipment–Radio Disturbance Characteristics–Limits and Methods of Measurement. This is one of the better-known CISPR standards. Its purposes are to establish uniform requirements for the radio disturbance levels of ITE, to fix limits of disturbance, to describe methods of measurement, and to standardize operating conditions and the interpretation of results. Developed by Subcommittee I, the standard was first released in 1985. The fourth edition appeared in 2003.

CISPR 23. Determination of Limits for Industrial, Scientific, and Medical Equipment. The first and only edition of this publication was released in 1987. It is equivalent to CISPR Report 61. The report is intended to review the position of CISPR limits for the protection of telecommunications from interference from ISM equipment; to clarify the roles of the International Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR) and CISPR in their collaboration in studies on the limits required for this purpose; and to summarize the various proposals for methods of specifying limits and derive from these a recommended method that will meet the objectives of CISPR and CCIR. This report deals only with radiation that occurs outside the bands designated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for ISM use and does not include consideration of data processing equipment. It was developed by Subcommittee B.

CISPR 24. Information Technology Equipment–Immunity Characteristics–Limits and Methods of Measurement. This standard establishes uniform requirements for electromagnetic immunity of ITE. The test methods are given in the referenced basic EMC immunity standards. CISPR 24 specifies applicable tests, test levels, product operating conditions, and assessment criteria. It has been amended twice, once in July 2001 and again in October 2002. It was prepared by Subcommittee G and will be maintained by Subcommittee I.

CISPR 25. Radio Disturbance Characteristics for the Protection of Receivers Used on Board Vehicles, Boats, and on Devices–Limits and Methods of Measurement. In its second edition, which was released in August 2002, this standard is designed to protect receivers from disturbances produced by conducted and radiated emissions arising in a vehicle. It is maintained by Subcommittee D.

CISPR/TR3 28. Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) Equipment–Guidelines for Emission Levels Within the Bands Designated by the ITU. This is a Type 3 technical report; that is, it is collected data of a different kind from data that are normally published as an international standard (for example, those reflecting the state of the art). It describes certain frequencies that are designated by the ITU for use as fundamental frequencies for ISM equipment. Typical levels of radiation that may be encountered within these frequency bands are included in this report to provide guidance for radio planning purposes. The report was published in 1997 and is maintained by Subcommittee B.

CISPR/TR 30. Test Method on Electromagnetic Emissions from Electronic Ballasts for Single- and Double-Capped Fluorescent Lamps. Now in its first edition, released in 2001, this technical report details an independent method by which the radio disturbance characteristics of electronic ballast for Class I fluorescent lamp luminaires may be compared against the requirements of CISPR 15. It is applicable specifically to equipment to be connected to 230-V, 50-Hz mains power networks. This document is maintained by Subcommittee F.

CISPR/TR 31. Database on the Characteristics of Radio Services. This is a technical report, released in October 2003, that covers the rationale behind the actual database covering the characteristics of radio services (which can be found on the IEC Web site at www.iec.ch/zone/emc). The objective of the database is to register those characteristics that are relevant for the derivation and specification of limits for disturbance emissions from electric or electronic equipment, systems, and installations. It is maintained by Subcommittee H.

CISPR 61000-6-3. EMC–Part 6: Generic Standards–Section 3: Emission Standard for Residential, Commercial, and Light-Industrial Environments. Released in December of 1996, this standard for emission requirements applies to electrical and electronic apparatus intended for use in the residential, commercial, and light-industrial locations, both indoor and outdoor, for which no dedicated product or product-family emission standard exists. Apparatus installed in the settings covered by this standard are considered to be directly connected to low-voltage public mains supplies or to a dedicated source that is intended to interface the apparatus with the low-voltage public mains supply. Disturbances in the frequency range of 0 Hz to 400 GHz are covered. The standard is maintained by the main CISPR committee.

Conclusion

The above summarizes the CISPR standards that are available on the IEC Web site. More information on the latest versions of these standards can be found at www.iec.ch. CISPR is actively working on several standards right now, both generating new ones and revising existing ones. Interested parties can monitor the progress being made by checking the IEC site under "work in progress."