Innovative EMC testing with Hybrid Chambers: Advances in automotive standards

Abstract:

The advent of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) requires innovative electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing to ensure vehicle safety and reliability. This research introduces the Hybrid Chamber, a combination of a Semi-Anechoic Chamber (SAC) and a Vibrating Intrinsic Reverberation Chamber (VIRC), to identify and diagnose susceptibility issues under dynamic and controlled electromagnetic conditions.

A PhD thesis at the University of Twente explores this approach through theoretical and experimental studies, supported by patents such as NL19981010745 and the ISO standard ISO 11451-5:2023(en). The NEPIT doctoral network (https://nepit.eu/) promotes these efforts through European cooperation on new testing methodologies and modelling strategies. In addition, a Lifelong Learning Programme (https://www.utwente.nl/en/education/lifelong-learning/courses/lll-147-reverberation-chambers/) professionals with skills to apply these advanced testing methods.

This integrated framework of research, collaboration and education advances EMC testing for automotive systems, contributing to the development of safer, more reliable next-generation vehicles.

Innovative EMC testing with Hybrid Chambers: Advances in automotive standards

The rapid evolution of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in modern vehicles calls for breakthrough solutions to ensure electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). With the growing complexity of electronic systems in the automotive environment, maintaining seamless interoperability and reducing electromagnetic vulnerabilities has become crucial. A new wave of research and standardization is addressing these challenges through innovative testing methodologies and advanced infrastructure.

Hybrid Chambers: a revolution in EMC testing
At the forefront of EMC testing is the Hybrid Chamber, a versatile setup that combines the capabilities of a Semi-Anechoic Chamber (SAC) and a Vibrating Intrinsic Reverberation Chamber (VIRC). This dual test environment provides robust testing conditions to identify and mitigate susceptibility issues in electronic devices. Researchers can first use the VIRC to expose vulnerabilities under dynamic electromagnetic fields, then switch to the SAC for precise diagnostics using a controlled antenna array.

The concept of the Hybrid Chamber is actively investigated in a groundbreaking PhD thesis at the University of Twente, where both theoretical and experimental investigations deepen our understanding of electromagnetic field characteristics. The research focuses on field intensity, uniformity and dynamic behaviour during stirring processes, bridging the gap between simulations and practical applications.

Connecting research with practical impact
The thesis builds on important intellectual property rights, including patents such as NL19981010745, WO1999EP09216, EP1141733 (for VIRC) and US2012326933 (for electromagnetic field strength measuring devices). These patents form the technical basis of this advanced methodology.

NEPIT: Promoting innovation through collaboration
The NEPIT (Network for Electromagnetic Propagation, Interference, and Testing) project (https://nepit.eu/), a Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral network, plays a crucial role in advancing research and training in EMC. Led by Prof. Frank Leferink, NEPIT brings together leading experts from institutions across Europe, including Enschede, Magdeburg, Wrocław, Ancona, Dresden and Eindhoven. The project aims to train highly qualified engineers through an integrated doctoral training programme focused on the evaluation of propagation and interference, essential for future technological progress.

Industry acceptance through ISO standards
The relevance of reverberation chambers is further emphasized by their inclusion in the latest ISO standard for the automotive industry: ISO 11451-5:2023(en). Titled “Road vehicles — Vehicle test methods for electrical disturbances due to narrowband electromagnetic energy — Part 5: Reverberation chamber,” this standard reinforces their role as a crucial test fixture for EMC evaluation in modern vehicles.

Lifelong Learning: Meeting Industrial Needs
The increasing relevance of Reverberation Chambers, in particular through their inclusion in the ISO standard, has led to the development of a Lifelong Learning course at the University of Twente (https://www.utwente.nl/en/education/lifelong-learning/courses/lll-147-reverberation-chambers/).

A path forward for EMC excellence
The intersection of research, industry collaboration and standardization paves the way for more robust EMC solutions in automotive technology. As the demands of ADAS and other advanced systems continue to grow, the Hybrid Chamber and Reverberation Chamber methodologies represent a significant step forward in ensuring the reliability and safety of next-generation vehicles.

Through initiatives such as NEPIT, Lifelong Learning programs and the integration of these methods into ISO standards, the automotive industry is well positioned to address the challenges of an increasingly complex electromagnetic landscape. Engineers, researchers and industry leaders are invited to join us on this exciting journey, where innovation and practical application come together to shape the future of mobility.

Announcement: March 7 at the University of Twente at 2:30 PM – Public Defense of Vasiliki (Vasso) Gkatsi
This thesis addresses the growing electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) challenges posed by the increasing use of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) in complex and dynamic environments, with emphasis on the limitations of traditional rule-based EMC approaches. It advocates a risk-based EMC engineering framework, in line with the European EMC Directive, that focuses on identifying, analysing and mitigating potential risks to ensure equipment functionality in real-world conditions.

The work compares conventional and risk-based methods, and highlights significant shortcomings in current standards that underestimate electromagnetic vulnerabilities, especially in dynamic environments such as automotive systems. Through theoretical modeling, experimental validation and case studies, including the assessment of an EMC-compliant electric scooter, the thesis demonstrates the need for risk-based approaches for accurate EMC assessments.

This research, part of the EU-funded PETER project, integrates insights from EMC, reliability engineering, functional safety and risk management to provide a comprehensive framework for advancing EMC engineering practices.

Figure: Hybrid Room with a truck, (https://research.utwente.nl/en/publications/development-of-a-hybrid-semi-anechoicreverberation-chamber-for-ra)