Key Changes in ECE R.10 Revision 007: New Regulatory Criteria for Automotive EMC Testing

Addition of Reverberation Chamber Method for ESA Immunity Testing (ISO 11452-11)

The latest revision of ECE R10 marks a significant milestone by officially incorporating the reverberation chamber method, as outlined in ISO 11452-11, as an alternative approach for electromagnetic immunity testing of electrical/electronic sub-assemblies (ESAs). Although ISO 11452-11 has been available for several years, some automotive OEMs have already integrated the reverberation chamber method into their internal testing protocols. However, this is the first time this product standard formally acknowledges the reverberation chamber as an alternative to traditional EMC testing methods like anechoic chambers.

This inclusion is expected to drive broader acceptance and adoption of the reverberation chamber method across the automotive industry. The reverberation chamber offers several advantages, including a more uniform and statistically robust electromagnetic field environment, greater repeatability, and suitability for testing complex or large ESAs that may pose challenges in conventional setups. As more manufacturers and regulatory bodies become familiar with its benefits, the reverberation chamber method is anticipated to grow in popularity and could eventually become the benchmark for EMC immunity testing.

Extension of the Frequency Range for Radiated Immunity Test up to 6 GHz

The frequency range for radiated immunity testing has now been extended up to 6 GHz. Previously, the upper limit was lower, but the rapid integration of high-frequency technologies and radio mobile services, has made this extension essential. By testing up to 6 GHz, manufacturers can ensure that vehicles and their components are robust against electromagnetic disturbances from the latest sources, significantly enhancing overall EMC performance in today’s complex RF environments.

However, this change presents significant challenges for testing laboratories. Specialized equipment—such as broadband amplifiers and antennas, capable of operating up to 6 GHz—is required, and many EMC labs, especially those focused on automotive testing, have historically been equipped only for lower frequency ranges. As a result, not all labs currently have the necessary infrastructure to perform these higher-frequency tests, leading to a potential short-term gap in testing capacity across the industry. Furthermore, the trend toward even higher frequency testing is likely to continue, as some automotive OEMs are already specifying extended frequency ranges in their internal standards. This evolution signals an industry-wide move toward more advanced EMC testing capabilities, requiring both manufacturers and test labs to invest in upgraded equipment and expertise to keep pace with new technologies and evolving regulatory requirements.

Emission Measurement Instrumentation: Potential Use of FFT

The regulation now allows for the use of Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) based measurement techniques for both conducted and radiated emissions. FFT-based receivers can significantly accelerate the measurement process and improve the detection of possible emissions. This update reflects advancements in test instrumentation and aligns with recent CISPR standards, enabling more efficient and reliable compliance testing.

Introduction of Limits for Vehicles Charged in Non-Residential Environments

New emission limits have been introduced for vehicles charged in non-residential environments, such as public charging stations or commercial facilities. These settings often involve higher power levels and denser electromagnetic environments compared to residential charging. The new limits are designed to ensure vehicles do not cause excessive electromagnetic interference (EMI) in these environments, thereby protecting other equipment and infrastructure from potential disruptions.

Precision for Minimum Charging Current in AC and DC Charging Mode Emission Tests

The revision provides greater precision regarding the minimum charging current required during emission tests for both vehicles and ESAs in AC and DC charging modes. This clarification ensures that emission measurements are conducted under representative and consistent operating conditions, leading to more reliable and comparable test results. It also helps manufacturers design their products to meet regulatory requirements more effectively.

Modification of PM (Pulse modulation) requirements during radiated immunity testing

The prior pulse modulation requirement, previously referred to as "PM," has undergone significant refinement with the new definition of PM2 and PM3. PM2 reflects adjustments to the original method to enhance precision and better address specific testing needs, ensuring a more robust assessment of electromagnetic compatibility. In addition, PM3 has been introduced as a new requirement for select frequency bands to simulate potential radar waves. This addition is designed to ensure that testing can effectively evaluate the impact of radar-like signals on vehicle components, thereby improving the relevance and accuracy of radiated immunity tests in modern automotive environments.

Precision of Alternative Methods for Large Vehicle Immunity Test (Annex 6)

Annex 6, which covers alternative methods for immunity testing of large vehicles, has been updated to provide greater precision and clarity. Large vehicles, such as buses and trucks, present unique challenges for EMC testing due to their size and complexity. The revised annex offers more detailed guidance on test setups, procedures, and acceptance criteria, ensuring that immunity tests for large vehicles are both practical and robust.

Alignment of Charging Setup (“Z-Folding” of Cable) with ISO/CISPR Standardization

The regulation now aligns the setup for charging cables, specifically the "Z-folding" method, with ISO and CISPR standards. Proper cable arrangement during EMC testing is crucial for obtaining accurate and repeatable results. By harmonizing with international standards, the regulation facilitates global compliance and reduces the risk of inconsistent test outcomes due to variations in cable setup.

Failure Criteria for New Technologies: ADS, Emergency Calling, and Acoustic Alerting Systems

Failure criteria have been established for advanced vehicle technologies, including Automated Driving Systems (ADS), emergency calling systems (eCall), and Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS). These systems are critical for vehicle safety and regulatory compliance. The updated criteria ensure that EMC testing adequately addresses the unique functional requirements and failure modes of these systems, supporting the safe deployment of innovative vehicle features.

Important Clarifications

• Requirement for Minimum Number of Operating Conditions in Driving and Charging Modes: The regulation now specifies a minimum number of operating conditions that must be tested in both driving and charging modes. This requirement ensures that EMC assessments cover a representative range of real-world scenarios, improving the reliability and relevance of test results and helping to identify potential EMC issues that may only arise under specific conditions.
• Introduction of Flow Charts for Charging Modes to be Tested for Each Annex: Flow charts have been introduced to clarify which charging modes need to be tested under each annex of the regulation. These visual aids simplify the test planning process and help ensure that all relevant scenarios are covered. The use of flow charts also reduces the risk of misinterpretation or omission of required tests, supporting more consistent and comprehensive compliance assessments.
• Precisions for Trolleybuses: Specific clarifications and updates have been made regarding the EMC requirements for trolleybuses. Now, it is clearly stated, AC/DC mains portion of the vehicle propulsion system is excluded from the scope of this Regulation. 

Editorial Changes and Updated Definitions:

Editorial changes have been made throughout the regulation to improve consistency and clarity. In addition, definitions for key terms such as functional safety, emergency systems, automated driving systems (ADS), residential environments, and acoustic alerting systems have been updated. These changes help ensure that the regulation is clear, unambiguous, and aligned with current industry terminology and practices.

Summary

Each of these changes reflects the evolving landscape of vehicle technology and the increasing complexity of EMC challenges in modern vehicles. The updates in ECE R10 revision 7 aim to ensure that vehicles remain safe, reliable, and compliant in a rapidly changing electromagnetic environment.