What Tests Are Included in EN50498?

The EN50498 standard mainly includes four test categories aimed at comprehensively evaluating the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of in-vehicle electronic products:

- Broadband Radiated Emissions Test

- Narrowband Radiated Emissions Test

- Conducted Transient Emissions Test

- Conducted Transient Immunity Test

Broadband Radiated Emissions Test

This test focuses on electromagnetic radiation generated by the product in the 30 MHz to 1000 MHz frequency range. The device under test must operate in a representative working mode and in its maximum emission state.

- In the 30 MHz to 75 MHz range, the quasi-peak limit is 62 - 52 dBµV/m, linearly decreasing.

- From 75 MHz to 400 MHz, the limit is 52 - 63 dBµV/m, linearly increasing.

- In the 400 MHz to 1000 MHz range, the quasi-peak limit is fixed at 63 dBµV/m.

This test is akin to detecting a noisy "mini speaker" to check whether its "volume" at various frequencies exceeds the allowable limits and whether it might interfere with nearby "listeners" (i.e., other electronic devices). If emissions exceed the limits, the product may interfere with car radio signals, resulting in audible static or noise during playback.

Narrowband Radiated Emissions Test

This test covers the same 30 MHz to 1000 MHz frequency range.

- In the 30 MHz to 75 MHz range, the average limit is 52 - 42 dBµV/m, linearly decreasing.

- From 75 MHz to 400 MHz, the limit is 42 - 53 dBµV/m, linearly increasing.

- In the 400 MHz to 1000 MHz range, the average limit is fixed at 53 dBµV/m.

Unlike broadband testing, this test emphasizes detecting emissions in specific narrow frequency bands—like picking out unusual "noises" in a sea of general static. If narrowband emissions exceed the limits, they may interfere with automotive communication systems and affect Bluetooth connectivity stability.

Conducted Transient Emissions Test

This test evaluates transient disturbances conducted through power lines.

- For 12V vehicle systems, the maximum positive pulse amplitude allowed is +75V, and the maximum negative is -100V.

- For 24V vehicle systems, the maximum positive pulse amplitude allowed is +150V, and the maximum negative is -450V.

For example, if an in-car charger emits excessive transient noise during charging, it could interfere with the vehicle’s power line and affect the performance of other electronic systems.

Conducted Transient Immunity Test

Based on the ISO 7637-2 standard, this test assesses a product's immunity to transient disturbances from the vehicle power supply. It includes testing pulses 1, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, and 4.

The product only needs to meet Class D immunity level to be considered compliant. Class D means that after the test, one or more functions may malfunction, but the product can return to normal operation after a manual restart.

For instance, during testing, a car audio system might suddenly go silent or stutter, but if it resumes normal function after a manual restart, it meets the Class D requirement.

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