EMCWerte

EMCWerte is a term used in the field of electromagnetic compatibility to refer to numerical values that describe how a device behaves with respect to electromagnetic interference. In German-language documentation, EMCWerte (singular: EMC-Wert) are used to summarize a product’s performance in both emission and immunity tests, and they play a key role in design, testing, and certification processes.

Emission values describe how much interference a device emits to its surroundings. They are typically categorized into conducted emissions (on power lines) and radiated emissions (airborne signals). Measured values are expressed in units such as dBμV (or dBμV at a specified distance for radiated emissions) and follow standardized measurement procedures to enable comparison across devices and products.

Immunity values describe the device’s tolerance to external electromagnetic disturbances. These values specify the levels of interference the equipment can withstand without malfunction, covering a range of disturbance types such as radiated and conducted RF fields, electrical fast transients, surges, and electrostatic discharge. Immunity levels are commonly given in units like V/m or A/m for field and current-related tests, and in kV for ESD tests, with exact levels defined by applicable standards.

Standards and measurement: EMCWerte derive from international and regional standards, such as CISPR and IEC/EN 61000-4-x for immunity and CISPR 16 or EN 55022/55024 for emissions. Compliance testing is conducted in accredited laboratories, using specified test setups, environments, and instrumentation to ensure reproducibility.

Application and significance: Engineers use EMCWerte to guide shielding, filtering, cabling, and layout decisions, aiming to meet regulatory requirements and obtain certifications (such as CE marking in the European Union). The values are also featured in technical documentation and product datasheets to communicate EMC performance to manufacturers, regulators, and customers.