One lab for all
EMC stands for “electromagnetic compatibility,” which is quite a mouthful. The term refers to a technical device’s ability not to interfere with other devices through unwanted electrical or electromagnetic effects and its resistance to interference from other devices. The phenomenon of electromagnetic interference is a familiar one in everyday life. For example, we may hear temporary “static” on the radio if another device, often an old one, is in use nearby.
PUT TO THE TEST
That’s why all STIHL products undergo EMC testing before they are launched on the market as part of the approval process. The tests demonstrate compliance with emission limits and resistance to interference from external electromagnetic effects, which is necessary for approval. Until recently, these costly and time-consuming measurements were carried out externally at STIHL. To make sure there are no unpleasant surprises in the form of failed tests at the end of a development project, the first prototypes are scrutinized very early on during the development process. This makes it possible to detect any problems with the electrical components and rectify them in good time. External testing is costly and time-consuming, so STIHL decided to set up an in-house EMC lab for the entire STIHL Group based on the existing radio chamber at STIHL Tirol. Operating our own lab in Tyrol has two major advantages: measurement results are available faster, and the teams involved can respond directly.
FROM RADIO TO EMC
Equipment purchases started in late 2022, followed by the conversion of the radio chamber in mid-2023. The first EMC tests got under way in Langkampfen in late 2023. Testing is performed during development of both cordless and corded tools. The lab is currently in the ramp-up phase, with individual topics and processes still being developed and fine-tuned. Measurements have already successfully been taken for the first few projects.
Robert Kugler (right) and Lukas Rotschopf are already a well-established team at the new EMC lab at STIHL Tirol. | Photo: STIHL Tirol
The lab’s centerpiece is the shielding chamber, where the emitted interference and interference resistance are measured fully automatically from a distance of three meters. The chamber is equipped with a turntable for 360-degree measurement and an adjustable antenna mast. The test stations for measuring emitted interference and interference resistance via cables are located in front of the chamber.
The tests are controlled by professional EMC software of the kind used by other large testing institutes. The scope of testing currently possible is based on classic EMC tests according to the household appliance standard (EN 55014 or CISPR 14), although tests from other product families are also possible. Because STIHL products, like others, also increasingly feature various wireless technologies, the lab has the equipment needed to establish a connection to the item being tested through technologies such as Wi-Fi, LTE, GSM or GPS and then perform tests under EMC conditions.
Workstations, measuring equipment, electronic components and various materials are also available for modifying the devices being tested. If all of the lab processes and tests continue to go smoothly, tests according to non-European standards or tests according to radio standards are also conceivable for the future
FOR THE WHOLE GROUP
In principle, all employees from the STIHL Group’s development departments have access to the lab’s capabilities. However, the lab is also part of a network with all other labs, as it is difficult to impossible for any one lab on its own to cover all the complex test scopes involving EMC and radio in terms of expertise and capacity. There are currently two colleagues working at the lab under the leadership of Robert Kugler. They will be happy to answer questions about tests and processes.
