The EN 50147-1 standard, titled "Anechoic chambers - Part 1: Shielding effectiveness measurement," is a critical European technical specification that defines how to test the electromagnetic isolation of specialized testing rooms. This standard ensures that electronic devices can be tested for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) without outside interference. The Role of Shielding Effectiveness
The primary goal of EN 50147-1 is to provide a uniform procedure for measuring Shielding Effectiveness (SE). In the world of electronics, anechoic chambers act as "black boxes" where no external radio signals (like cell service or TV broadcasts) can enter, and no internal signals can escape. This isolation is vital because:
Accuracy: It ensures that any electromagnetic emissions detected during a test are coming strictly from the device under test (DUT).
Regulation: Manufacturers must prove their products don't interfere with other tech; the chamber must be "quiet" enough to see those tiny signals clearly. Technical Methodology en 50147-1 pdf
The standard outlines specific steps for validating a chamber's performance, typically focusing on a frequency range from 9 kHz to 40 GHz (though often tailored to specific needs). The testing involves:
Reference Measurement: Placing a transmitting and receiving antenna with no barrier between them to establish a baseline signal strength.
Shielding Measurement: Placing the transmitter outside the chamber and the receiver inside (or vice versa) to see how much the signal is attenuated by the walls. The EN 50147-1 standard, titled "Anechoic chambers -
Comparison: The SE is calculated as the ratio (in decibels, dB) between the reference signal and the attenuated signal. A high-quality chamber often requires an SE of 100 dB or more. Importance in Industry
Without the rigorous testing mandated by EN 50147-1, laboratories could not guarantee the validity of their EMC certifications. As wireless technology becomes more prevalent—with 5G and IoT devices filling the airwaves—the integrity of these shielded environments is more important than ever. The standard provides the mathematical and procedural framework to ensure that "quiet" really means quiet, allowing for the safe development of the technology we use every day.
The EN 50147-1 standard provides a harmonized procedure for measuring the shielding attenuation of anechoic chambers and shielded enclosures. This standard is critical for validating that a test environment is adequately isolated from external electromagnetic interference, which is essential for accurate EMC testing. Report Overview: EN 50147-1:1996 Unlocking the Standard: Your Complete Guide to the
This is the section most users search for. The standard outlines two primary methods:
The procedure involves measuring the signal level transmitted through the shield over a frequency range (typically 10 kHz to 40 GHz) and calculating the difference from a reference calibration.