Comprehensive EMC Testing to UNECE Regulation No.10

Comprehensive EMC Testing to UNECE Regulation No.10

Ensuring Compliance for Vehicles and ESAs – Including Recent Amendments

As modern vehicles integrate increasingly complex electrical and electronic systems, compliance with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards is critical. UNECE Regulation No.10 governs both the emissions and immunity performance for complete vehicles and electrical/electronic sub-assemblies (ESAs). A state-of-the-art test laboratory must implement a rigorous test program covering all required test categories. Recent updates—specifically Amendment 1 and Amendment 2 of Revision 6—have introduced important clarifications in measurement procedures and documentation requirements, which are also addressed in this program. Absolute EMC works tirelessly to have solutions for you. Please always ask, and we can create something that matches the products you are testing.  

1. Testing for Vehicles in “Normal” Configuration

For vehicles not operating in the “REESS charging mode coupled to the power grid,” the regulation requires:

• Emission Tests:
• Radiated Emissions – Broadband:
• Test Method: Conducted according to Annex 4.
• Measurement Details: The test setup now requires clear delimitation of the measurement area using an ellipse (as amended in Annex 4, Amendment 2).
• Test Levels: For example, at a 10.0m (±0.2m) distance, limits are typically 32dBµV/m in the 30–75MHz band, with frequency-dependent increases above 75MHz.
• Radiated Emissions – Narrowband:
• Test Method: Defined in Annex 5.
• Test Levels: For instance, limits are around 28dBµV/m (at a 10m distance in the 30–230MHz band).
• Immunity Tests:
• Radiated Immunity:
• Test Method: Per Annex 6.
• Measurement Details: Amendment 2 revises the positioning of the measurement probes. For three- and four-wheeled vehicles, the probe is located 1.0m (±0.2m) behind the vehicle’s front wheel vertical centreline, while for two-wheeled vehicles, it is now set at 0.2m (±0.2m) behind the centreline (see Annex 6, Paragraph 3.3.4, Amendment 2).
• Test Levels: A field strength of 30V/m rms is applied over 90% of the 20–2000MHz band, with a minimum of 25V/m rms across the full range.

2. Testing for Electrical/Electronic Sub-Assemblies (ESAs) – Normal Configuration

ESAs must also be evaluated for both emissions and immunity:

• Emission Tests:
• Radiated Broadband Emissions:
• Test Method: Annex 7.
• Radiated Narrowband Emissions:
• Test Method: Annex 8.
• Immunity Tests:
• Radiated Immunity:
• Test Method: Annex 9.
• Transient Conducted Immunity (Electrical Fast Transients/Bursts):
• Test Method: Annex 10, using ISO 7637-2 as a reference.
• Test Levels: Specific pulse amplitude limits (e.g., +75V/–100V for 12V systems) as detailed in the regulation’s tables.

3. Additional Testing for “REESS Charging Mode Coupled to the Power Grid” Configurations

When vehicles or ESAs include a connection to the external power grid for charging, additional conducted tests are required:

• For Vehicles:
• Emission of Harmonics on AC Power Lines:
• Test Method: Annex 11.
• Referenced Standards:
• IEC 61000-3-2 for systems with an input current ≤?16?A per phase
• IEC 61000-3-12 for systems >16A per phase.
• Test Levels: Limits are specified in tables within the regulation.
• Voltage Fluctuations and Flicker:
• Test Method: Annex 12.
• Referenced Standards:
• IEC 61000-3-3 (rated current ≤16A)
• IEC 61000-3-11 (rated current >16A with conditional connection).
• Test Levels: For example, Pst ≤1.0, Plt ≤0.65, and voltage change limits as defined.
• RF Conducted Disturbances:
• On AC/DC Power Lines: Annex 13 (limits per IEC 61000-6-3)
• On Wired Network Ports: Annex 14.
• Immunity Tests for Vehicles:
• Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Immunity:
• Test Method: Annex 15, with test conditions of approximately ±2kV (open circuit) pulses with a 5ns rise time and 50ns hold time at a 5kHz repetition rate.
• Surge Immunity:
• Test Method: Annex 16, with:
• AC: ±2kV (line-to-earth) and ±1kV (line-to-line)
• DC: ±0.5kV.
• For ESAs in REESS Configuration:
• Emission Tests:
• Harmonics on AC Power Lines:
• Test Method: Annex 17; standards as for vehicles.
• Voltage Fluctuations and Flicker:
• Test Method: Annex 18; similar limits as for vehicles.
• RF Conducted Disturbances:
• On Power Lines: Annex 19
• On Network Ports: Annex 20.
• Immunity Tests:
• Radiated Immunity: Annex 9
• Transient Conducted Immunity: Annex 10, per ISO 7637-2.

4. Recent Amendments and Their Impact

Amendment 1 (Supplement 1, Entry into Force: 25 September 2020):

• Updates Paragraph 3.1.8 regarding the information document for vehicles. Manufacturers are now required to provide a detailed statement on frequency bands, power levels, antenna positions, and installation provisions for RF transmitters. This change ensures that even vehicles not equipped with an RF transmitter at the time of approval have documented plans for their potential installation, with evidence provided to show that vehicle performance is not adversely affected.

Amendment 2 (Supplement 2, Entry into Force: 8 October 2022):

• Revises measurement conditions in Annex 4. The updated figure clarifies the clear horizontal surface delimitation using an ellipse for the test area and specifies the dimensions for both 10m and 3m measurement setups.
• Amends Annex 6, Paragraph 3.3.4 to update the positioning for radiated immunity measurements. For three- and four-wheeled vehicles, the probe must be placed 1.0m (±0.2m) behind the vertical centreline of the front wheel, while for two-wheeled vehicles, it is now set at 0.2m (±0.2m) behind the centreline. This ensures more accurate and consistent immunity measurements across different vehicle types.

These amendments refine the test setup and documentation, ensuring improved consistency and clarity for laboratories and manufacturers.

5. Summary Table

The table below summarizes the required tests, applicable annexes, referenced standards, and test levels/limits—including notes on the recent amendments.

Conclusion

A modern EMC test laboratory must implement a detailed and rigorously documented test plan to meet UNECE Regulation No.?10 requirements. Both vehicles and ESAs must undergo a series of emission and immunity tests according to the specified annexes and international standards. The recent amendments—Amendment 1 and Amendment 2—further clarify the measurement setup and documentation requirements. Adhering to these updated provisions not only ensures regulatory compliance but also enhances the reliability and safety of automotive systems in real-world electromagnetic environments. Absolute EMC works tirelessly to have solutions for you. Please always ask, and we can create something that matches the products you are testing.  

References used in the article:

1. UNECE Regulation No.?10 – Revision 6
• E/ECE/324/Add.9/Rev.6, as published by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
• Amendment 1 (Supplement 1, Entry into Force: 25 September 2020), Document: ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2020/30.
• Amendment 2 (Supplement 2, Entry into Force: 8 October 2022), Document: ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/33.
2. IEC 61000 Series (Electromagnetic Compatibility Standards):
• IEC 61000-3-2: Limits for harmonic current emissions.
• IEC 61000-3-3: Limits for voltage fluctuations and flicker in public low-voltage supply systems.
• IEC 61000-3-11: Limits for voltage fluctuations and flicker under conditional connection.
• IEC 61000-3-12: Limits for harmonic current emissions for equipment with input current >16 A per phase.
• IEC 61000-6-3: Emission standard for residential, commercial, and light-industrial environments.
3. ISO 7637-2:
• Road vehicles – Electrical disturbances from conduction and coupling – Part 2: Electrical fast transient/burst immunity test.

These references provide the technical foundation for the test methods, limits, and procedures outlined in the article for UNECE Regulation No.10 EMC testing.