Advanced IEC Compliance Test Systems
Emissions Testing Solutions
California Instruments solutions ensure compliance with the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive, which is crucial for products sold in global markets. The EMC Directive 2014/30/EU aims to limit electromagnetic emissions from equipment to prevent interference with radio, telecommunication, and other equipment. It applies to all electrical and electronic devices, ensuring they do not generate excessive electromagnetic disturbances and are immune to such disturbances when used as intended1. Our systems provide compliance testing against IEC 61000-3-2, -3-3, -3-11, and -3-12, covering a wide range of emission requirements to help you meet these international standards.Immunity Testing Solutions
Our California Instruments brand solutions also ensure compliance with the EMC Directive, which governs the immunity of equipment to electromagnetic disturbances. The EMC Directive 2014/30/EU ensures that electrical and electronic equipment can operate without being affected by electromagnetic interference. Our systems provide compliance testing against IEC 61000-4-11, -4-13, -4-14, -4-17, -4-28, and -4-29, covering various aspects of immunity, including voltage dips, short interruptions, harmonics, interharmonics, and voltage fluctuations. By using our comprehensive immunity testing solutions, you can enhance the reliability and performance of your products in diverse electromagnetic environments.
CTSHL Series
- Complete Test Solution
- Conducted Emissions Testing
- IEC 61000-3-2
- IEC 61000-3-3
- IEC 61000-3-11
- IEC 61000-3-12
- Immunity Testing Options available
- User Friendly Software Interface
- Includes our Sequoia or Tahoe Series AC source and an IEC 60725 reference impedance
CTS Series 4.0
- Single and Three Phase HFTS
- Conducted Emissions Testing
- IEC 61000-3-2
- IEC 61000-3-3
- Immunity Testing Options available
- User Friendly Software Interface
- Includes the programmable AC source and reference impedance
Frequently Asked Questions
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What distinguishes the CTSHL and CTS 4.0 Series in harmonics and flicker testing?
The CTSHL Series is engineered for high-power compliance testing with support for up to 125 Arms per phase using Sequoia and Tahoe AC/DC sources. It integrates high-speed, no-gap data acquisition and supports waveform replay for audit-grade traceability. The CTS 4.0 Series offers a compact, modular platform for single-phase (3–5 kVA) and three-phase (15 kVA) testing, ideal for labs requiring flexible deployment across multiple test benches.
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Why choose AMETEK’s CTSHL or CTS 4.0 Series over other EMC test systems?
These systems combine precision, flexibility, and auditability. With matched impedance networks, deterministic acquisition, and full IEC coverage, they support both emissions and immunity testing. Engineers benefit from scalable configurations, software-only upgrade paths, and real-time diagnostics—making them ideal for both development and certification workflows.
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What are the key compliance challenges associated with IEC 61000-3-2 and how does the CTS system address them?
IEC 61000-3-2 specifies harmonic current limits for equipment ≤16 A per phase. The CTSHL and CTS 4.0 Series use high-resolution acquisition and matched impedance networks to ensure accurate harmonic profiling. Automated limit checking supports Class A, B, C, and D categories, with stability under dynamic load conditions.
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IEC 61000-3-3 flicker testing is notoriously sensitive. How does our system ensure repeatability and accuracy?
The CTSHL Series supports real-time flicker visualization and replayable test sessions, allowing engineers to isolate and reprocess borderline events. OMNI impedance networks ensure compliance with source impedance requirements, and PACS modules stabilize voltage delivery under load transitions. Metrics like Pst, Plt, dmax, dc, and dt are captured with high fidelity.
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How does the CTSHL system meet the requirements of IEC 61000-3-11 and -3-12 for high-current equipment?
These standards extend flicker and harmonic limits to equipment >16 A per phase. The CTSHL system integrates programmable impedance profiles and OMNI-3-75 networks to simulate real-world grid conditions. Engineers can configure test sequences to match regional voltage and frequency requirements, ensuring compliance under high-load scenarios.
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Which IEC standards are supported by these compliance test systems?
Supported standards include:
- Harmonics & Flicker: IEC 61000-3-2, -3-3, -3-11, -3-12
- Immunity: IEC 61000-4-11, -4-13, -4-14, -4-17, -4-28, -4-29
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What makes these systems suitable for pre-compliance and full certification workflows?
The CTS software suite supports exploratory testing with adjustable thresholds and locked-down certification profiles aligned with IEC limits. Timestamped metadata and replayable sessions enable traceability and audit readiness. Software-only upgrades ensure continued compliance with evolving standards.
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What kind of data acquisition and reporting capabilities are included?
Both systems use high-resolution, no-gap acquisition with direct PC bus access. All test data is stored for post-test analysis, compliance documentation, and audit trails. Reports are generated in Word and Excel formats, with customizable templates for lab workflows.
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What makes these systems user-friendly for EMC labs and engineers?
Engineers benefit from intuitive Windows™-based software, real-time PASS/FAIL monitoring, and high-speed data streaming. The CTSHL Series supports deterministic acquisition and waveform replay, enabling deep analysis of transient behavior and borderline failures.
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Can these systems be upgraded for future IEC standard changes?
Yes. Both systems offer software-only upgrade paths, allowing users to stay compliant with evolving standards without replacing hardware—protecting your investment over time.