Test chambers expand compliance offerings

New anechoic and EMC/sensors test chambers have recently been built by MBDA to enhance its electromagnetic engineering and technology EMC test capabilities. The upgraded facility forms part of MBDA's Environmental Engineering Department, marketed through its new Precision Solutions business, which offers commercial organisations access to a vast array of specialist expertise in the fields of electronic, electrical, electro-optical, and mechanical design, testing, manufacturing and assembly. The EMC facility is UKAS accredited and provides a comprehensive test, design advice, prediction and analysis and computational electromagnetics service to cover a wide range of specifications.

Very large systems or individual units can be accommodated in test chambers up to 1800m3 volume.

Capabilities include lightning/NEMP/ESD assessments, classical qualification EMC testing, transient/rad haz safety trials and design advice and prequalification testing.

The new EMC anechoic chamber is 11.5 x 6.5 x 5.2m with internal dimensions of 10.5 x 5.5m.

The walls are lined with TDK hybrid absorber utilising ferrite panels and styrofoam wedge absorbers, which attenuates fields from 30MHz to 40GHz.

The new EMC/sensors chamber is 11.5 x 5 x 5m with internal dimensions of 9.6 x 3.1m.

The walls are lined with AEMI pyramid absorber, attenuating fields from 30MHz to 100GHz.

Both rooms are fully 59-41 and 461E compliant and is equipped with removable penetration panels.

Access for test pieces is via 3 x 3m double doors, so both rooms are capable of accommodating both large and small systems and components.

Fully equipped 4 x 3m support rooms are located next to each chamber.

The facility also includes a reverberation, or mode stirred, chamber which is 8.4 x 4.2 x 5m and is constructed from a galvanised steel sandwich with a steel sheet floor.

It is equipped with a paddle stirrer (2m diameter x 1m deep) made from aluminium sheet.

This has the following characteristics: frequency range 200MHz to 40GHz; minimum pulsewidth 20us (typically 30us); minimum stirring ratio 20dB; and field strength up to 4500V/m.

A new support room has been panelled into the main chamber.