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EMC Test Systems & LaplaCells

Laplace Instruments Logo 

Laplace Instruments provides a broad range of solutions for the EMC, RF and ESD

From diagnostics tools to complete EMC Compliance setups. 

Laplace Instruments is your source for test equipment that will enable you to self test and self certify your own products. Whether it is emissions or immunity, we have an integrated test system to suit. Our systems are used worldwide and offer effective 'real world' solutions for EMC measurements without the need for major investment in resources.

 

EMC Test Systems Index

EMC Test Cells - LaplaCells

Large Loop Antenna

RF Synthesizer

RF System Amplifier

Spectrum Analyzer


Laplace Instruments EMC Test Cells

LaplaCell600/3

LaplaCell600/6

 

EMC Compliance Test Cell

 

30 MHz to 3 GHz or 6 GHz

 

 

LaplaCell 600

 

Immunity
IEC61000-4-3

N42.32-2006 Section 8.2

N42.33-2006 Section 8.2

N42.34-2006 Section 8.2

N42.35-2006 Section 8.2

 

Emissions
EN, FCC, As/NZ, and CISPR

 N42.32-2006 Section 8.5

N42.33-2006 Section 8.5

N42.34-2006 Section 8.5

N42.35-2006 Section 8.5

The cell provides the core of a totally integrated system which will deliver a complete, computer controlled Emissions and Immunity test package.

You can easily self certify & self calibrate your own test cell

The cell is a stainless steel fabrication with continuously welded joints all round, giving a totally RF shielded enclosure which is completely maintenance free and will not degrade with time.

The main body of the cell is made from 18 swg sheet giving a very strong unit but with an overall weight of only 100 kg. 

The EUT usable area is contained within a Polypropylene enclosure. 

All calibration & correction factor data for Emissions & Immunity provided to you.

40 Watts Maximum

20 V/m Field Strength (standard model, higher available)

 

600/3 EUT Size: 23.64" x 23.64" x 23.64"

60cm x 60cm x 60cm

600/3 Usable EUT Test Volume: 30.7" x 32.3" x 34.2"

78cm x 82cm x 87cm

LC600 Drawing

 

DATA

 

Immunity Data

This is the view of the rear of an LC600/3. On the left is the filter block access door, on the right is the main access to the EUT volume. The cell is shown here with its main access door open.

Lc600 with main door open

LaplaCell 600
LaplaCell 600 Video LaplaCells

LaplaCell300/2

LaplaCell 300/6


EMC Compliance Test Cell

 

30 MHz to 3 GHz or 6 GHz

 

LaplaCell 300

 

LaplaCell

 

 

Immunity
IEC61000-4-3

 

Emissions
EN, FCC, As/NZ,

and

CISPR standards

Data

 

The cell provides the core of a totally integrated system which will deliver a complete, PC controlled Emissions and Immunity test package.

 

Data

 

 Immunity Data

You can easily self certify and self calibrate your own test cell

The cell is a stainless steel fabrication with continuously welded joints all round, giving a totally screened enclosure which is completely maintenance free and will not degrade with time.

The main body of the cell is made from 18swg sheet giving a very strong unit but with an overall weight of only 100kg. 

The EUT usable area is contained within a Polypropylene enclosure. 

All calibration & correction factor data for Emissions & Immunity provided to you.

40 Watts Maximum

30 V/m Field Strength (standard model, higher available)

EUT Size: 11.8" x 11.8" x 11.8"

30cm x 30cm x 30cm

 

Usable EUT Test Volume: 20.0" x 18.9" x 16.1"

51cm x 48cm x 41cm

LaplaCell 300 

Rear view of an LC300/2 showing the main door for access to the EUT volume. On the right is the access for the filter block terminations.

Lc300-2 Rear View

LC300/2, view showing the typical layout of an LC300/2 filter block output. Cables from the EUT in the volume of the cell are terminated here.

Lc300-2 Filter block terminations

Immunity
IEC61000-4-3 sets the requirements for RF immunity testing. It specifies fields of up to 10V/m over the range 80MHz to 1GHz and provides minimum performance requirements. The LaplaCell range fully meets these requirements and when used in conjunction with the Laplace synthesizer and power amplifier, provides a complete integrated solution .

Emissions
EN, FCC, As/NZ, and CISPR standards all require the use of an OATS (Open Area Test Site) for the measurement of emissions. This is a demanding requirement in terms of space, resources, calibration and expertise. The LaplaCell range provides an ideal alternative solution, delivering equivalent OATS performance without OATS problems.

LaplaCell Dual Septum

Uniformity: The balanced septum design ensures good uniformity, even when compared with the "industry standard" GTEM type. The above views make this obvious.

Impedance: The aim of a test cell is to emulate an OATS test. Free space impedance as applies to OATS sites is 377 ohm. Conventional test cells are 50 ohm systems. The unique design of the LaplaCell matches the incoming 50 ohm impedance to around 200 ohm inside the cell, a much closer match to free space impedance.

RF Immunity Test Setup

Block Diagram of system

 

Construction
The cell is a stainless steel fabrication with continuously welded joints all round, giving a totally screened enclosure which is completely maintenance free and will not degrade with time. The main body of the cell is made from 18swg sheet giving a very strong unit but with an overall weight of only 100kg. The EUT usable area is contained within a Polypropylene enclosure. No internal parts of the cell are accessible to the user. The door is fitted with a clear glass window and a fine grade stainless steel mesh for EM screening. Both the glass and the mesh can be easily removed for cleaning. The periphery of the door mates with a mesh wire EMC gasket in the door frame so that the integrity of the screening is maintained. In the door frame a micro-switch is located to detect when the door is not fully closed. At the nose of the cell, an N type connector and a 5 way DIN connector provide the RF input/output and connections to the internal field sensor respectively.
The RF connector is used as an input from an RF power amplifier for immunity testing. For emissions testing this connector is connected to an emissions analyzer.
The 5 way DIN connector provides power to the internal sensor and the DC level back from the sensor to the field control system (normally provided by the RF1000).
Also wired via this connector is the door interlock signal.

Internal sensor.
This sensor is built into the design of the cell. It is arranged so as to provide an output matched to the field strength as measured in the EUT volume.
Full scale of 2 volts corresponds to 10V/m on standard cells.
Alternative models are calibrated to higher field strengths.
The field sensor requires a supply of 5V at 20mA.
Each cell is shipped fully calibrated for sensor output vs field strength.

The standard I/O arrangement comprises:

  • Mains supply. IEC input with Mains outlet for EUT (UK, European (Schuko), US or Australian/New Zealand connector. Specify at time of ordering)

  • Signals. 12 way Wago quick release terminal block rated at 240V ac 6A each line.

  • Connections for internal illumination and camera

Each line is pi-filtered with 5nF to ground. For High Speed data transmission lines, which may be compromised by this capacitance, an alternative common mode inductively filtered system can be provided.

A key point is that the I/O facilities can be customized to suit individual requirements at minimal cost.
For those EUTs which normally have long I/O cables, the impedance of the filter can be matched to simulate the long length. Again, these requirements can be designed to order.

 

Lower Termination Block

View of connection panel for external cabling.

Emissions
Details of the Antenna factor calibration are shown below.

The nominal A.F. is the correction applied to results from the cell to convert them to levels as measured on a three meter OATS. This calibration is obtained by measurements of an Emissions Reference Source (which is a transfer standard from NPL in London) in 12 (effectively 27) locations throughout the EUT volume. The 4 highest readings are averaged to provide the calibration data. The total range of A.F. is 33dB which is identical to the range found on typical EMC antennas for use in OATS.

To check the uniformity of the cell, the second plot compares the highest reading and the 4th lowest readings with the A.F. data. This shows excellent correspondence of the A.F. with the highest readings, and results within 10dB at all frequencies for the lowest readings. These low reading explains why standard procedure in test cells of all kinds is to move the EUT around the cell and measure the emissions in at least 4 locations.

Antenna Factor


Highest / Lowest Ant. Factors

 

The final chart shows the maximum deviation between the calibrated A.F. and the worst position within the cell.

 

Max Deviation Ant. Factor

 

EUT input/output facilities
Comprehensive I/O filter facilities are provided at the rear of the cell. A cable duct between the EUT volume and the filter unit is designed so that cable entry is quick and easy. Inside the filter unit a connection panel with mains socket and a quick connect terminal block are provided. The terminal block can accept up to 12 connections. An additional connector provides an interface for internal lighting and a camera. (Optional extras)

Within the body of the filter unit each connection is RF filtered, then terminated on a matching set of connectors See diagrams.

 

 

Upper Termination Block

Upper part of I/O filter unit showing termination facilities for EUT.

 

Specification

LaplaCell 300/2

LaplaCell 600/3&6

Maximum EUT Size:

30 x 30 x 30 cm

60 x 60 x 60 cm

Usable EUT volume:

51 x 48 x 41 cm

78 x 82 x 87 cm

Calibrated frequency range:

30MHz - 3GHz

30MHz - 3GHz

Max RF power in:

40W

40W

Power for 10V/m:

10W

20W

Field @ max RF in:

30V/m

20V/m

Auxiliary Power Requirement: 

15V dc 110-240V ac

15V dc 110-240V ac

Range Switching:

2 bands, switched (local & remote switching)

Screening attenuation

>60dB

Internal damping:

Ferrite absorbers

EUT Power Dissipation:

100W max

EUT cooling:

Optional forced air system

Immunity mode

RF Power input impedance:

50ohm

Input VSWR:

Better than 2:1

Input connector:

N type

Field uniformity:

<6dB within EUT volume ( < ± 3dB )

Max input power:

40W

Sensor output level:

0 - 2V corresponding to internal field strength

Calibration data:

Supplied with each cell

Sensor supply:

12V DC, 100mA max

Emissions mode 

Output Impedance:

50 ohm

Output connector:

N type

Calibration:

Correlated to 3m OATs (NPL)

I/O facilities

Integrated filter panel for power and signal connections into the cell.

Basic unit offers...

-Mains IEC connector

 

-10 way terminal block (10 amp max)

Additional interconnections may be specified at time of ordering.

Monitoring

Options:

Internal lighting

 

Internal video camera

Interlocks:

Door fitted with safety switch

General

LaplaCell 300/2

LaplaCell 600/3&6

Mounting:

Table top

Floor, fitted with castors

Size, L x H x W:

2.3 x 1.0 x 0.87 m

3.2 x 1.6 x 1.3 m

Door aperture:

35 x 35 cm

81 x 52 cm

Total weight:

200kg

400kg

EUT weight (max):

20kg

100kg

Outer construction:

Stainless steel

Internal EUT chamber:

Polypropylene

Septum:

Double tapered wire guided


Laplace RF Signal Synthesizer

RF6000 

RF Signal Synthesizer

 

80 MHz to 6.0 GHz

 

Laplace RF6000 Synthesizer

 

Immunity
IEC61000-4-3

 

Data

The Laplace range of synthesisers are designed to take the hassle out of testing to IEC61000-4-3.
All aspects of the testing process are controlled by an intelligent Windows software program, included with the hardware.
IEC61000-4-3 immunity testing requires that the EUT (equipment under test) operates satisfactorily when subject to a strong electromagnetic field.
This requires a scan at a certain fixed level (specified by the standard) of field strength. The scan will comprise a series of steps in frequency. Each step is speci-fied as a percentage of current frequency value.
This percentage is variable from 0.5% to 5%.
At each step, the frequency is held, the level adjusted to achieve the required field strength as measured by the field sensor, a prescribed modulation mode is initiated and then the conditions held for a dwell time.

The EUT should be monitored to de-tect faulty operation during the test.

RF Synthesiser.. Does the work for you.
The RF6000 and RF3000 immunity test synthesisers and controllers include a signal generator matched to the RFI immunity requirements of IEC61000-4-3. Features such as sine and pulsed modulation, programmable start and stop frequencies, frequency step, and dwell time are provid-ed as standard.

The RF3000 covers the range 30MHz to 3GHz.
The RF6000 covers the range 30MHz to 6GHz.

Both include powerful Windows RFSynth3 control software with USB port interface.

When used with the LaplaCell range of test cells, these synthesisers provide full automatic con-trol of field level and all that is needed to provide an automated radiated RF immunity test facili-ty. Advanced features such as pre-scanning, display of EUT status against applied field level and full Windows compatibility are standard.

These synthesisers also have all the facilities required for test chamber applications, with an op-tional serial port specifically provided for remote RF sensor connection. Fully compatible with industry standard isotropic RF field probes and sensors, including Holaday, Narda and Radisense.

RF3000 

RF Signal Synthesizer

 

80 MHz to 3.0 GHz

 

Laplace RF3000

 

Immunity
IEC61000-4-3

Data

PC controlled RF synthesizer for immunity testing matched to the requirements of IEC61000-4-3 and featuring automatic scanning to pre-programmed schedules.

To make the best use of the immunity test facilities for both compliance testing and product investigations, several useful features have been developed.

These include:

  • Powerful EUT monitoring with real time display correlated to field strength and frequency.

  • Sweep can be continuous or 'pause on fault' or 'stop on fault'. Additional EUT excitation output, either pulsed or continuous.

  • Flexible single frequency search mode. Automatic ramping of field strength and fine control of frequency.

The system is controlled from any PC via a Windows software package and serial port. No additional interface cards are required.


RFIC-4-6

RF Signal Synthesizer

DC to 100 Hz

Laplace RFIC-4-6

Conducted Immunity
IEC61000-4-6

 

Data

The Laplace model RFIC conducted immunity system
comprises three parts

RFIC-4-6 synthesiser and interface unit. This
includes PC Windows software for all control
and monitoring requirements.
RF0250 power amplifier.
A comprehensive range of CDNs.

This system will test EUTs to more than the 10V stress level required by industrial standards. The x46xx range of CDNs cover all standard cable types with the unique benefit of versatility, each type being configurable to suit several different cables.
In addition, the system will operate with "Enhanced" CDNs which offer closed loop control for better stress level accuracy, more efficient use of RF

Laplace RF Power Amplifiers

Power Amplifiers


RF Power Amplifiers

Data

The RF power amplifier range from Laplace is specifically designed for EMC Immunity testing. These are compact units with characteristics matched to the requirements of IEC standards.

These RF amplifiers utilize fully isolated linear MOSFET or advanced GaAs FET devices, which provide high gain, wide dynamic range and excellent third order intercepts. High efficiency and reliable operation are achieved by employing unique RF combining circuits, RF microstrip networks, sophisticated thermal design, custom machined housing and heavy duty components. The high power RF amplifiers undergo extensive burn-in prior to final test and inspection. The amplifiers all feature 50ohm input & output impedance, thermal and mismatch protection, standby switch and internal fan assisted cooling.
 Model

Frequency Range

 Linear Power (W)

Saturated Power (W)
RF0250 100KHz - 250MHz 15 25
RF1100 20MHz - 1GHz 10 24
RF1170 30MHz - 1GHz 30 70
RF1200 1GHz - 2GHz 10 12
RF1240 1GHz - 2GHz 25 40
RF1300 1GHz - 3GHz 6 8

LETIS


Automatic Amplifier Switcher


Laplace LETIS


Data

Frequency range 30MHz - 6GHz

RF Input/output impedance 50 ohm

RF Input/output connectors N type

RF power rating 60W

RF Signal connectors BNC

Interlock signals 4 way DIN (metal/screened)

Connectivity:

Cell/antenna to: PA1, PA2, Receiver/analyzer

Synthesizer RF to: PA1, PA2

Synthesizer interlock to: PA1, PA2

Insertion loss (RF) 1dB max

Control Auto: USB

Man mode: Paddle switch

Indication LED indicators .

Power 110/230V 50/60Hz IEC input

Size (W x H x D) 31 x 11 x 26

Weight 3.5kg


SA1020

RF Pre-Amplifier

 

SA1020

 

18dB Gain

 

5KHz to 500MHz

Data

Bandwidth (3dB point)

10KHz - 1000MHz

Gain

20dB

Gain accuracy

<1dB for above range

Noise (typical)

3dB (degradation of S/N ratio)

Max safe input

0dBm (220mv)

Input impedance

50R

Max output into 50R

0.5 volt pk-pk

Output impedance

50R

Power

9V PP3 battery

Physical size

115 x 107 x 50mm

Weight 200 grams (including battery)

Connectors

50ohm BNC


Laplace EMC Spectrum Analyzers

SA3000

 

Spectrum Analyzer

10 kHz to 3.0 GHz

 EMC Analyzer

 

Laplace SA3000 

 

Emissions
EN, FCC, As/NZ

and CISPR standards

 Data

The Laplace SA3000 EMC analyzer provides an exceptionally cost effective tool to manufacturers and others who wish to measure EMC emissions from their products. Entirely controlled from an intuitive Windows software package, the analyzer can enable a self-test and self-certification strategy to be adopted with confidence.


The software is a true Windows program which means that results can be easily transferred to printer and disk and to other applications such as Word and Excel.


A full range of compatible accessories are available, including compact test cells and antennas, all fully calibrated to 3GHz.


SA1002

 

10 kHz to 1.0 GHz 

EMC

 Spectrum Analyzer

Emissions

SA1000 Spectrum Analyzer


EN, FCC, As/NZ,

& CISPR Standards

Data

The SA1002 is an exceptionally well featured EMC analyzer designed to match the requirements of all common EMC standards and includes..

  •  10KHz-1GHz frequency range

  •   200Hz (opt), 9KHz, 120KHz and 1MHz RBW

  •   Peak, Quasi-peak and Average detectors

  •   Precision frequency measurement at all points in any scan.

  •   Instant zoom capability to any point in a scan.

  •   Audio demodulator (FM and AM)

  •   USB interface, just plug and go!

  •   Optional pre-selector for conducted emissions.

  •   Optional tracking generator output.

Software is at the heart of any EMC test system. The Laplace RF emissions software is a fully integrated Windows compliant package. It not only directly controls all aspects of the analyzer,
it sets the test conditions such as input device, antenna correction and insertion loss. It also includes unique features which can cancel ambient signals, calibrate your radiated test site (in
conjunction with an ERS) and provide instant zoom anywhere in the scan.
This software is specifically designed for ease of use by non- EMC expert staff, but retains many exceptionally advanced features.
Finally...The Laplace range is fully supported worldwide. Help lines and lifetime software support are included for all our customers.

Laplace Large Loop Antenna

RF300

 Large Loop Antenna

Fully Calibrated

9KHz - 30MHz

Laplace RF300 Loop Antenna 

Fully compliant with CISPR15

Luminaire Test (EN55015)

Data

The RF300 is a fully compliant and calibrated 2 metre diameter triple Van Veen Loop. This antenna is specifically manufactured in accordance with CISPR16 for the compliance testing of luminaires as required by EN 55015.
The RF300 is complete with 3 axes loops and all cables and loop selector patch panel.
The supporting structure features a rigid non-metallic PVC frame designed for ease of assembly yet reducing to a compact size for transportation and storage.
The current sensors fitted to each loop feature a fully screened passive inductor design that avoids any issues related to overload or compression.
An optional calibration loop (RF300C) is available. This includes a stand and pivot adaptors to enable use with vertical and horizontal loops. Use of the calibration loop ensures that on-site calibration can be achieved, thus eliminating any effects due to the surroundings. Note that a suitable signal source with 1v rms, 50 ohm output is required (not included with the RF300C).


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