FCC Bulk Current Injection Probes for Conducted EMC Immunity Testing

Bulk Current Injection: RF Immunity Testing of Cables and Wiring Harnesses

Electromagnetic immunity testing is an essential part of electronic component and system development and qualification. In automotive, aerospace and industrial electronics, electronic equipment must operate reliably even when exposed to high-frequency electromagnetic disturbances.

Bulk Current Injection (BCI) probes from Fischer Custom Communications (FCC) provide solutions for injecting RF disturbance currents into cables and wiring harnesses. The product portfolio covers different frequency ranges and EMC immunity testing applications.

EMCO Elektronik supports engineers and EMC test laboratories in selecting suitable BCI probes based on test requirements, frequency coverage and cable harness geometry.

How Does the Bulk Current Injection (BCI) Method Work?

The Bulk Current Injection method uses an inductive coupling probe to inject high-frequency disturbance signals into electrical cables or wiring harnesses. The BCI probe is positioned around the cable bundle under test, without requiring a direct galvanic connection to the individual conductors.

The injected RF currents are used to evaluate how connected electronic components and systems respond to conducted electromagnetic disturbances.

The BCI method is particularly relevant to EMC immunity testing where defined RF disturbances must be applied to cable connections. The specific test procedure, calibration and monitoring of disturbance levels depend on the applicable test method.

Three FCC BCI Probes for Different Frequency Ranges

Fischer Custom Communications offers different BCI probes designed for various testing requirements. Three selected models illustrate the range of available solutions:

• FCC F-120-9A – 10 kHz to 230 MHz: BCI probe for conducted immunity testing. FCC identifies IEC/EN 61000-4-6 as an associated test standard.
• FCC F-140 – 100 kHz to 1 GHz: Broadband BCI probe for inductive RF current injection. ISO 13766-2 is listed as an associated test standard.
• FCC F-150 – 800 MHz to 2.1 GHz: Compact high-frequency BCI probe for applications requiring higher-frequency injection, including testing according to ISO 11452-4.

The three models differ primarily in their operating frequency ranges and intended test applications. Selecting the appropriate BCI probe also requires evaluating the technical conditions of the specific test setup.

The referenced standards are associated with the models according to the supplier information. Suitability for a particular standards-compliant test must be assessed using the applicable test procedure and product specifications.

Typical Applications in Development and EMC Testing Laboratories

BCI probes are used wherever engineers need to investigate the behavior of electronic components and systems exposed to conducted RF disturbances.

Typical application areas include:

• Automotive EMC: Immunity testing of electronic components and associated wiring harnesses.
• Aerospace: Investigation of the electromagnetic immunity of electronic systems and their cabling.
• Industrial electronics: Evaluation of electronic assemblies and systems exposed to injected RF disturbances.
• Research and development: Analysis of electronic equipment behavior during development and qualification.
• EMC test laboratories: Immunity investigations according to the applicable test procedures.

Probe selection must consider both the electrical requirements and the mechanical constraints of the test setup.

Calibration Fixtures for Reproducible Test Conditions

Fischer Custom Communications provides matching calibration fixtures for selected BCI probe models. These accessories support test equipment preparation and the calibration procedures required by the applicable test method.

Calibration is an important part of BCI testing because RF disturbance levels must be established or characterized under defined conditions.

The appropriate calibration fixture and calibration procedure depend on the BCI probe model and the test method being applied.

Key Criteria for Selecting a BCI Probe

Selecting a suitable BCI probe involves more than identifying the required frequency range. Several parameters should be considered when evaluating an EMC test setup:

• Frequency range: Coverage of the frequencies specified by the applicable test procedure.
• RF power handling: Suitability for the required RF power and current levels.
• Test standard: Compatibility with the requirements and conditions of the applicable test method.
• Cable harness geometry: Mechanical suitability for the diameter and configuration of the cables under test.
• Calibration accessories: Availability of a calibration fixture suitable for the probe model and test procedure.
• Technical specifications: Evaluation of the electrical and mechanical characteristics provided by the manufacturer.

Final model selection requires comparing the specific test requirements with the manufacturer's technical specifications.

EMCO Elektronik Supports Your BCI Probe Selection

With the BCI probes from Fischer Custom Communications, EMCO Elektronik offers solutions for different conducted EMC immunity testing requirements.

Whether you are developing electronic components, equipping an EMC test laboratory or preparing compliance testing, EMCO Elektronik provides technical support for product selection, considering frequency range, applicable standards, RF power handling and cable harness geometry.

Contact EMCO Elektronik to discuss your specific testing requirements and identify a suitable BCI probe together with the necessary calibration accessories.