Progress Toward a World Standard for Control of Ignition Radiation

Abstract

C.I.S.P.R. (International Special Committee On Radio Interference) Subcommittee D (formerly named Working Group 4) has been engaged in the development of suppression techniques, measurements, and limits for impulsive ignition noise since 1960. Beginning with at least seven uncoordinated national specifications then, negotiation and coopera­ tion have today resulted in a Standard which has the potential of being adopted for use in every industrial country in the world. Uses of radio and TV have bloomed during devel­ opment of the C.I.S.P.R. Standard adding complexity to the task. Major developments are highlighted, together with a brief history of the Standard and an explanation offered how the work of the Subcommittee assists the flow of international trade. Introduction In the length of time required for you to take one breath, the engine in your car will probably fire 250 times — a perfect spark transmitter with the potential to interfere with communications unless sup­ pression is provided. Actually, radio interference is not a recent phenomenon; the first known case was re­ ported in 1902 when the noise of a two-cylinder auto­ motive engine was first detected [l].** But radio transmissions, whether of desired signal or of interference have no regard for inter­ national boundaries. Thus international control is vital and therein lies the central role of C.I.S.P.R. International standards (such as that designed to control ignition interference) affect international business relations, flow of trade, and profits. This is a welcome opportunity to review the special aspects and abilities of the world automotive industry from the special viewpoint of radio frequency interference.