Brose opens new test centre to measure EMC

The Brose Group has invested one million euros (Rs 8 crore) in a state-of-the-art test centre in Würzburg to measure electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

The automotive industry faces a number of challenges arising from the increasing vehicle electrification and digitalisation. The number of electric and electronic components in passenger cars is continuously rising. In addition to controlling information and entertainment units such as internet or navigation devices, they also perform safety-relevant functions such as the ESP anti-skid control (electronic stability program). "A modern medium-size vehicle contains almost 40 electric motors," says Thomas Schindler, vice-president (electronics), Brose Group. "We already begin testing in the early development phase of the product whether these motors interfere with each other or with other vehicle functions."

The centrepiece of the 120 square metre test centre is its anechoic chamber equipped with metal shielding. The specialists test vehicle components using extremely high field levels of up to 200 voltmeters and a transmitting power of 1000 watts on a high-performance antenna. A mobile phone, for example, must not exceed 60 volts per metre and has a maximum transmitting power of two watts. The receiver, signal generator and computer to control the measuring equipment are located in front of the chamber. The EMC centre also has a test bench for electrostatic discharging and a room to test electrical impulses for electronics such as cooling fan modules or door control units.

Photograph: At the accredited test centre in Würzburg, Brose test engineers test annually up to 100 products in the areas of business door and seat systems and engines for their electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). The measurement results are already at an early stage in the product development and design.