EN 55032 and EN 55035 Testing Laboratory

Why Do Multimedia Products Need en 55032 and EN 55035?

IT, audio-video, broadcast, and multimedia equipment exported to the European Union are usually evaluated for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) under the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. For most multimedia equipment, EN 55032 is used for emissions, and EN 55035 is used for immunity. Together, these two form the core testing basis for the ce emc technical documentation.

1.EN 55032: Electromagnetic compatibility of multimedia equipment - Emission requirements. It replaces the older EN 55022 (IT equipment) and EN 55013 (audio/video and broadcast receivers), unifying the limits for conducted and radiated disturbances.

2.EN 55035: Electromagnetic compatibility of multimedia equipment - Immunity requirements. It replaces the older en 55024 (IT immunity) and EN 55020 (audio/video immunity), covering anti-interference testing items such as ESD, radio frequency, transients, and surges.

Which Products Require EN 55032 and EN 55035?

EN 55032 and EN 55035 are mainly intended for Multimedia Equipment (MME). Common products include:

1.Information Technology Equipment (ITE): Computers, laptops, servers, printers, routers, switches, and storage devices.

2.Audio-Video (AV) Equipment: Televisions, audio systems, amplifiers, set-top boxes, projectors, microphones, and mixing consoles.

3.Broadcast Receivers: Radios, satellite receivers, and digital set-top boxes.

4.Smart Terminals: Gaming consoles, streaming boxes, smart screens, video doorbells, and smart speakers with displays.

5.Composite Wireless Products: Smart home devices, industrial HMIs, and conference systems integrating Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/5G modules with AV/IT functions.

Note: Home appliances, lighting, automotive electronics, and industrial equipment may be subject to other EMC standard families (such as EN 55014, EN 55015, CISPR 25, and the en 61000-6 series). Standard determination should be performed before selecting a laboratory.

en 55032 testing Items

Professional laboratories typically conduct the following items based on the product's ports and usage environment:

1.Conducted Emission: 150 kHz–30 MHz, measuring disturbances at the power supply terminals using a LISN/AMN. It is divided into Class A (industrial/commercial) and Class B (residential) limits, with Class B being stricter.

2.Radiated Emission: Typically 30 MHz–6 GHz, scanning spatial radiation in a semi-anechoic chamber using a receiver and antenna. High-frequency and wireless products can undergo extended evaluation based on their configuration.

3.Harmonic Current: Evaluated according to EN 61000-3-2, applicable to switching power supplies and adapter products.

4.Voltage Fluctuations and Flicker: Evaluated according to EN 61000-3-3, assessing the impact on the public power grid.

5.Port and Configuration Determination: Multiple USB, HDMI, Ethernet, and antenna ports are tested under representative operating modes to avoid missing major radiation sources.

EN 55035 Testing Items

Immunity testing isn't just about "turning the machine on." It involves applying interference in a shielded room or anechoic chamber according to the IEC 61000-4 series and recording performance criteria:

1.Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) (IEC 61000-4-2): ±4 kV contact discharge, ±8 kV air discharge, simulating discharge from the human body or metal objects.

2.Radiated RF Immunity (IEC 61000-4-3): Typically 80 MHz–6 GHz at 3 V/m or 10 V/m, verifying that the device does not freeze or restart under interference from Wi-Fi, mobile phones, or base stations.

3.Electrical Fast Transient/Burst (EFT) (IEC 61000-4-4): ±2 kV for power lines, ±1 kV for signal lines, simulating relay or switch transients.

4.Surge (IEC 61000-4-5): Differential/common mode combinations on power lines, simulating lightning induction and power grid switching.

5.Conducted RF Immunity (IEC 61000-4-6): 150 kHz–80 MHz injected through cables, verifying port filtering and grounding.

6.Voltage Dips and Interruptions (IEC 61000-4-11): Simulating the self-recovery ability after power grid drops and short interruptions.

7.Power Frequency Magnetic Field and Supplementary Items (if applicable): IEC 61000-4-8 is added for magnetically sensitive instruments, legacy displays, or specific sensors.

Performance Criteria: Results are recorded according to A/B/C criteria: A means normal performance throughout, B means temporary degradation with self-recovery, and C means human intervention is required. Specific criteria are determined based on product functionality, standard versions, and customer requirements.

What Should an EN 55032 / EN 55035 Testing Laboratory Possess?

When selecting a laboratory, don't just look at their claim of "capable of testing." Focus on verifying the following key areas:

Qualifications and Standard Scope

Prioritize checking for CNAS (based on ISO/IEC 17025) and CMA; for exports, look for ILAC-MRA and A2LA qualifications. You must open the qualification schedule to confirm that EN 55032, EN 55035, and the referenced IEC 61000-4 series are within the accredited scope.

Anechoic Chambers and Shielded Facilities

1.3-Meter Semi-Anechoic Chamber: Used for pre-screening and formal Radiated Emission (RE) testing of most IT/AV equipment and small complete units.

2.10-Meter Semi-Anechoic Chamber: Used for large complete units, strict grade comparisons, and large-scale low-frequency radiation testing.

3.Shielded Room: Used for conducted emissions, harmonics, and partial immunity testing.

4.Fully Anechoic Chamber / Immunity Chamber: Used for Radiated Susceptibility (RS) and high field strength testing.

Note: Regular NSA, SVSWR, site validation, and instrument calibration should be performed.

Instruments and Frequency Band Coverage

Facilities must have EMI receivers, spectrum analyzers, various antennas, LISNs, ESD guns, EFT/surge/RF/power frequency generators, power amplifiers, etc. Radiated testing should at least cover up to 6 GHz, and should be extended based on actual operating frequency bands for products with Wi-Fi 6E/7 or 5G.

Testing Process

1.Product Questionnaire: Assessing functions, power supply, wireless modules, interfaces, sales regions, target Class, and whether joint CE/fcc/RED certification is required.

2.Standard Determination: Confirming EN 55032 + EN 55035, and whether supplementary technical files for EN 61000-3-2/3-3, RED, LVD, or RoHS are needed.

3.Pre-testing Assessment: Anechoic chamber RE scanning + key EMS items, outputting a risk checklist.

4.Design Rectification: PCB/shielding/filtering/firmware immunity strategies; modifying the power supply or structure if necessary.

5.Formal Testing: JJR Lab conducts full EMI + EMS testing, running the device according to the mass production prototype configuration.

6.Reporting and Compliance Support: Issuing CNAS/ISO 17025 reports, assisting in the preparation of EMC technical documentation, Declaration of Conformity (DoC), and ce marking usage recommendations.

Reference Cycle: Simple pre-testing takes 1–3 working days; formal full testing usually takes 5–10 working days. If multiple rounds of rectification are required, rescheduling will depend on the rectification complexity. Specific delivery times are subject to prototype readiness and chamber availability.

Recommendations for Product Testing Failures

1.Radiated Emissions Exceeding Limits: Typically caused by switching power supplies, clocks, high-speed HDMI/USB cables, or ungrounded metal seams. Early solutions include adding shielding covers, common mode chokes, optimizing trace routing, and improving interface filtering.

2.Conducted Emissions Exceeding Limits: Caused by insufficient input EMI filters or improper parameters of Y capacitors / common mode inductors. Re-test by changing the LISN layout.

3.ESD Restart / Screen Artifacts: Caused by metal casings lacking low-impedance grounding, buttons/USB lacking TVS diodes, or excessively large gaps. Ensure equipotential bonding between discharge points and the casing.

4.RF Immunity Freezing: Caused by poor isolation between Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and the main controller on the same board. Optimize by moving antennas away from sensitive circuits; add a software watchdog, but do not use it to cover up hardware defects.

5.EFT / Surge Damage: Caused by the absence of gas discharge tubes, TVS, or varistor solutions at the front end of the power supply. Re-select protection components based on port ratings.