New developments in CISPR standards

CISPR Publication Levels

The International Special Committee on Radio Interference (CISPR = “Comité International Spécial des Perturbations Radioélectriques) is a technical committee of the International Electro-technical Commission established in 1933 to protect radio reception from interference. The committee has sub-committees that fulfill both product and basic standardization roles.

The 3 levels of CISPR publications:

Basic Standards:
(CISPR sub-committee A)
The CISPR 16 series, made up of 17 parts. It defines apparatus, methods, uncertainty, and test facilities.

Generic Standards:
(CISPR sub-committee H)
The IEC 61000-6 series for both emission measurements and immunity testing. The emission series was restructured in Edition 3; Part 6-3 now comprises residential environments only, commercial and light-industrial environments were moved to the new Part 6-8. Industrial environments remain in Part 6-4. Sets limits via an interference model

Product Standards:
(CISPR sub-committees B, D, F, I)
Product and product-family standards for both emission measurements and immunity testing. Provides product-specific requirements, such as operation and arrangement of the EUT, measurement methods, and uncertainty, and permitted deviations for limits.

CISPR 11, corresponding to European standard EN 55011, is a critical standard for regulating the emission of radio-frequency disturbances from a wide range of electrical equipment. It ensures that industrial, scientific, medical, and domestic appliances adhere to safe levels of RF emissions, thus protecting other electronic devices from interference. The standard's scope, extending from 0 Hz to 400 GHz, reflects its comprehensive nature, while specific provisions address the complexities of equipment with integrated radio communication capabilities. This meticulous approach to standardization underscores the importance of balancing technological advancement with electromagnetic compatibility.

The CISPR 12 standard, in Europe published as EN 55012, is a critical document for ensuring that electromagnetic emissions from vehicles, boats, and devices with internal combustion engines do not interfere with radio reception in the residential environment. It sets forth limits for emissions in the frequency range of 30 MHz to 1,000 MHz, acknowledging that these limits may not suffice for newer radio transmissions or receivers within 10 meters of the source.

CISPR 14-1, corresponding to European standard EN 55014-1, is a key standard for ensuring electromagnetic compatibility of household appliances, electric tools, and similar apparatus. It outlines the emission requirements for radio-frequency disturbances in the broad frequency range of 9 kHz to 400 GHz. Notably, this standard applies to equipment powered by any source, including AC, DC, and batteries.

CISPR 15, corresponding to European standard EN 55015, is a standard that outlines the requirements for the control of radiofrequency emissions from various lighting equipment. It specifies the types of equipment covered, such as lighting equipment, UV and IR radiation equipment, and emergency signs, as well as those that are excluded, like components not intended to be user-replaceable and equipment operating in ISM frequency bands. The standard covers a broad frequency range from 9 kHz to 400 GHz and clarifies that no measurements are needed at frequencies without specified limits. It also addresses multi-function equipment, stating that it must comply with the relevant clauses of this document or other standards when different functions are in operation. Notably, the standard's radiated emission requirements do not apply to intentional radio transmissions or their related spurious emissions.

CISPR 25 is a critical standard for the automotive industry, setting forth the limits and methods for measuring radio disturbances to protect on-board receivers in vehicles. It covers a broad frequency range and applies to a variety of vehicles and components, ensuring that electronic systems like GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth function without interference from other vehicle parts. The standard outlines collaborative agreements between vehicle and component manufacturers to maintain controlled emission levels, safeguarding the functionality of on-board systems. Notably, it excludes protection against RF emissions and voltage fluctuations, which are covered by ISO standards, emphasizing its focused scope on preventing radio frequency interference within vehicles.

CISPR 32, corresponding to European standard EN 55032, is an important standard for multimedia equipment, ensuring that devices comply with regulations to protect the radio spectrum. It distinguishes between two classes of equipment, Class A and Class B, each with specific requirements. The standard aims to prevent interference that could disrupt a wide range of radio services by establishing rigorous testing procedures. This ensures that multimedia devices are tested for emissions in a consistent and reliable manner, safeguarding the quality and reliability of radio communications.

CISPR 36 is a consolidated standard that specifies the limits and measurement methods for electric and hybrid electric road vehicles. It aims to protect off-board receivers within a residential environment from electromagnetic disturbances in the frequency range of 150 kHz to 30 MHz. This standard is crucial for ensuring that the proliferation of electric vehicles does not interfere with the normal operation of electronic devices used in close proximity to them.