EMC/EMI Testing, Support, and Certification Services
Northwest EMC To Host Seminar
February 19 2010
Northwest EMC is hosting a complimentary seminar celebrating the 1-year anniversary of our Brooklyn Park, Minnesota facility. The seminar is scheduled for Friday, May 7th.
Please join us for a day of technical presentations featuring Bill Kimmel of Kimmel & Gerke Associates, Dan Hoolihan of Hoolihan Consulting, and Greg Kiemel of Northwest EMC. Refer to the program listed below for presentation details.
A Certificate of Training will be provided to those who attend all presentations.
| When: | Friday, May 7th from 9:00am – 5:30pm |
| Where: | Northwest EMC, Inc. |
| 9349 W. Broadway Ave. | |
| Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55445 | |
| Directions: | Yahooo Map |
Program:
| Time | Topic | Presenters |
| 9:00AM | Facility Opens – Morning Refreshments | |
| 10:00AM | Design Tips & Troubleshooting | Bill Kimmel, Kimmel & Gerke Associates |
| 11:30AM | Lunch | Hosted by Northwest EMC |
| 1:00PM | IEC 60601-1-2 Update | Dan Hoolihan, Hoolihan Consulting |
| 2:30AM | Standard Update & Wireless | Greg Kiemel, Northwest EMC |
| 4:00PM-5:30PM | Beer Garden | Hosted by Northwest EMC |
Please contact Alee Langford, Customer Service/Sales Manager for more information. 503-943-3122 or email at alangford@nwemc.com.
VCCI pushes back their implementation date for Radiated Emissions above 1GHz
January 11 2010
December 14, 2009
VCCI Council will start enforcement of radiated emissions above 1GHz beginning October 1, 2010. However, for one year until September 2011 it will be optional to conform with the above 1GHz requirements. Nevertheless, the VCCI encourages members to ship products conforming to the 1GHz+ requirement beginning October 1, 2010 as if there were no 1-year grace period.
Reasons for 1-year grace period:
VCCI gave the following reasons for the 1-year grace period:
- EU Official Journal issued on August 21, 2009 says that the valid period of EN55022:1998, European equivalence of CISPR22 Edition 3, is extended to September 30, 2011. With this extension manufactures can select either CISPR22 Edition 3 or Edition 5 for product conformity until September 30, 2011.
- Similarly US FCC has announced that conformity assessment test can be based either on ANSI C63.4-2009 or ANSI C63.4-2003
- Under such circumstances it is necessary for VCCI Council to establish the 1-year grace period for avoidance of creating potential technical barrier to trade against overseas product to be distributed in Japan and, at the same time, for affording Japanese manufacturers flexibility in choice of marketable products in the grace period.
VCCI notice
September 4 2009
VCCI recently set their members the following notice:
Dear VCCI members –
This is to remind you that the following previous notice given in V-3/2009.04 Technical Requirements will actually be enforced as stated.
“Enforcement of limits of conducted disturbance at the telecommunication ports is from 1st April 2010, and enforcement of EMI measurement above 1GHz is from 1st October 2010.”
Let us elaborate on this statement as follows to avoid any misunderstanding on your part. Note that “telecommunication ports” and “above 1GHz” are referred to as “category” in the explanation.
What is meant by this statement is that you are required to measure your ITE against the given limit for conformity verification report to be filed to VCCI on and after, not before, the given date per category. Also the limit will be inapplicable to products already filed to VCCI and distributed in the market before the enforcement date per category.
European Union Official Journal - EN 55022:1998 + cessation postponed until 1 October 2011
August 24 2009
EU Official Journal 21-08-2009
Commission communication in the framework of the implementation of Directive 2004/108/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility and repealing Directive 89/336/EEC (Text with EEA relevance)
(Publication of titles and references of harmonised standards under this directive) (2009/C 197/03)
The date of cessation of presumption of conformity for ‘EN 55022:1998 Information technology equipment — Radio disturbance characteristics — Limits and methods of measurement (CISPR 22:1997 (Modified))’ and its amendments ‘A1:2000 to EN 55022:1998 (CISPR 22:1997/A1:2000)’ and ‘A2:2003 to EN 55022:1998 (CISPR 22:1997/A2:2002)’ which was set out in the Commission communication published in the Official Journal of the European Union C 126 of 5 June 2009, is postponed until 1 October 2011.
Commission communication in the framework of the implementation of Directive 1999/5/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment and the mutual recognition of their conformity (Text with EEA relevance)
(Publication of titles and references of harmonised standards under this Directive) (2009/C 197/04)
The date of cessation of presumption of conformity for ‘EN 55022:1998 Information technology equipment — Radio disturbance characteristics — Limits and methods of measurement (CISPR 22:1997 (Modified))’ and its amendments ‘A1:2000 to EN 55022:1998 (CISPR 22:1997/A1:2000)’ and ‘A2:2003 to EN 55022:1998 (CISPR 22:1997/A2:2002)’ which was set out in the Commission communication published in the Official Journal of the European Union C 280 of 4 November 2008, is postponed until 1 October 2011.
Official Journal of the European Union
Northwest EMC Minnesota Facility is Open for Business!
June 1 2009
Northwest EMC, Inc. is pleased to announce that our newest facility in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota will be open for business on Monday, June 8, 2009. This facility boasts the only 10 meter chamber in the area along with a 3 meter emissions chamber, radiated immunity chamber and supporting labs to perform all commercial immunity and emissions tests.
To schedule testing, please click on the following link http://www.nwemc.com/testing-and-quotes/ to request a quote. If you would prefer, contact Kim Valleen or Alee Langford at 888-364-2387 to discuss your testing requirements.
We look forward to providing the Twin Cities and surrounding area with accurate, complete testing, reports and certifications. We believe you will appreciate our state-of-the art facility and equipment along with unsurpassed customer service and technical expertise.
Newly Formed MedRadio Service
May 21 2009
On March 20, 2009 the FCC adopted rules for the creation of the Medical Device Radiocommunication Service (MedRadio). (ET Docket No. 06-135). MedRadio will replace the existing Medical Implant Communications Service (MICS) formed in 1999. It remains under Part 95I and maintains most of the technical rules of the MICS service. MedRadio keeps the spectrum previously allocated for MICS (402-405 MHz), but adds additional adjacent spectrum (401-402 MHz and 405-406 MHz).
Advantages of MedRadio
MedRadio is based upon the existing MICS rules. It includes modified spectrum sharing requirements in the new wing bands (401-402 MHz and 405-406 MHz). Implants that are LBT-enabled can be used across the entire 401-406 MHz band. Body-worn devices that are LBT-enabled will be, with one exception, permitted to operate only in the new wing bands at 401-402 MHz and 405-406 MHz. Temporary body-worn transmitters can be used in the 402-405 MHz core band solely during a limited patient evaluation period in order to determine the suitability of a fully implanted device, provided that they fully comply with all other MedRadio rules applicable to the band.
Both implant and body-worn transmitters using non-LBT spectrum access methods (with reduced EIRP and duty cycle limits) will also be permitted in the new wing bands. In the core band, non-LBT operation will be limited to medical implant devices operating with a total channel emission bandwidth not exceeding 300 kilohertz centered at 403.65 MHz. The rules are generally harmonized with EU standards and other international requirements.
MICS vs. MedRadio
The FCC encourages the continuing use of the legacy MICS core band predominantly for life-critical applications, such as pacemakers and defibrillators. MedRadio is not a legal requirement until 90 days after publication in the Federal Register.
Links to FCC Rulemaking
Northwest EMC Announces Open House for Minnesota Facility!
March 5 2009
Northwest EMC is pleased to announce an open house of our newest facility in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. The open house is scheduled for May 1st.
Please join us in celebrating the progress of our state-of-the-art facility, which will include the only 10 Meter radiated emissions chamber in the area along with a 3 Meter emissions chamber, radiated immunity chamber and labs to perform all commercial immunity and emissions tests.
We invite you to visit at your convenience for facility tours and a chance to meet the Northwest EMC staff. If your schedule permits, technical presentations will be given throughout the day. Please refer to the preliminary program listed below for presentation details. If you only have time for lunch, please come have lunch with us. Our facility will be opened all day and appreciate any opportunity to meet you.
A variety of door prizes will be given away, including a 22” Flat Panel LCD HDTV and Blue Ray DVD players. Plan to attend for your chance to win.
| When: | Friday, May 1st from 8:30am – 4:30pm |
| Where: | Northwest EMC, Inc. |
| 9349 W. Broadway Ave. | |
| Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55445 |
Directions::
View Larger Map
Preliminary Program:
| Time | Topic | Presenters |
| 8:30AM | Facility Opens – Morning Refreshments | |
| 9:00AM | Northwest EMC Overview | Dean Ghizzone, Greg Kiemel, Tim O’Shea, Kim Valleen, Alee Langford |
| 10:00AM | CISPR 22 Update | Dan Hoolihan |
| 11:00AM | Wireless: TCB/CAB Notified Body Authorization | Greg Kiemel |
| 11:30AM | Lunch | Hosted by Northwest EMC, Inc |
| 1:00PM | Northwest EMC Overview | Dean Ghizzone, Greg Kiemel, Tim O’Shea, Kim Valleen, Alee Langford |
| 2:00PM | Chamber Vs. Oats | Greg Kiemel |
| 3:00PM | CISRP 11/IEC 60601-1-2 Update | Dan Hoolihan |
Click here to see photos of the progress
Please contact Alee Langford, Customer Service Manager for more information.
503-943-3122 or email at alangford@nwemc.com.
New Mandatory Amendment for EN 55022:2006
February 19 2009
Amendment A1:2007 to EN 55022:2006 (CISPR 22:2005/A1:2005) will be mandatory starting Oct 1, 2010. This amendment requires testing radiated emissions above 1 GHz
Also note that VCCI will require radiated emissions testing above 1 GHz starting April 1, 2010 using the same CISPR test methods and spec limits.
For new and existing products that are shipped into Europe after Sept 30, 2010, compliance to the new requirements found in A1:2007 is mandatory; otherwise customs could prevent entry into the EU. So for any of your current or future products that you plan to ship to Europe after Sept 30, 2010, you should test to the new standard and update your DoCs.
Northwest EMC is equipped with the laboratory equipment and chambers required to perform theses measurements.
Please feel free to contact us for more information: Alee Langford, Customer Service Manager. Phone Number:503-943-3122 or email at alangford@nwemc.com.
Northwest EMC’s Minnesota Facility is nearing completion!
January 6 2009
After months of hard work, we are excited to show off the progress that has been made on our new facility. Northwest EMC’s new testing facility, located in the Minneapolis, St. Paul area, is on track to open in the second quarter of 2009. We are very excited to be expanding into a new market and are looking forward to the opening. The new facility will be fully equipped for EMC and EMI testing, including a full 10m chamber and Northwest EMC’s proprietary software. Below are a few photos of the progress on the new facility.
Northwest EMC Begins Construction On New Midwest EMC Test Facility in Minneapolis St. Paul Area.
July 29 2008
After years of serving the west coast with EMC facilities in Washington, Oregon and California, Northwest EMC is expanding into the Midwest. The facility will be equipped with the latest EMC and EMI test equipment, including a full 10m test chamber and Northwest EMC’s proprietary software, which increases accuracy and decreases testing time.
“This expansion will help us to better serve the wireless, consumer electronics and medical device markets, and gives us a face-to-face presence with our clients in the Midwest. Our loyal Midwest clients have been commenting for years that they wish we were closer, so we finally decided to come to them. I am extremely excited for the opportunity to serve this market” said Dean Ghizzone, President of Northwest EMC.
Click here to see photos of the progress
