Antenna factors of the new EUROTEM cell for fully compliant emission and immunity testing

Abstract

The EUROTEM(R) is a patented compact symmetrical TEM device with 4 striplines which are surrounded by a fully absorber-lined ferrite enclosure. Due to the broad band nature of the device, it is well suited for radiated emissions and immunity testing, compliant with the standards. In order to perform compliance measurements, the corresponding antenna factors have to be determined. Correlation to OATS measurements must be established. The EUROTEM devices are scaleable and can be built in different sizes. The range of test objects starts at printed circuit boards all the way up to two metre high racks. For large test objects, the arrangement can be fitted into an existing fully absorber-lined room. This arrangement is called EUROTEM-Antenna. By this retrofit, the conventional antenna mast and the typical EMC antennas are substituted with the EUROTEM antenna leading to savings in driving power and consequently in considerable cost savings for the amplifier. In contrast to the 10 year old GTEM technology, the EUROTEM is equipped with polarisation switching. The test object will be put on a turntable in the same manner as in any open area test site or absorber chamber. There is no rotation through the three spatial axes which is required using a GTEM cell and the corresponding manipulator. The EUROTEM is superior to the conventional technology by showing better field quality, better suppression of the non-TEM field components and in particular the better cost efficiency factor.