Reproducibility of BCI Test Results in Automotive EMC Testing

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Bernd Deutschmann, Johannes Illenberger, Gunter Winkler
​​​​​​​TU Graz

Poster-Abstract

The characterization of electromagnetic immunity is a critical step in qualifying electronic components for use in motor vehicles. Among the various testing methods, the Bulk Current Injection (BCI) method, as defined in the ISO11452-4 standard, is widely used and often required by automotive manufacturers for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing of electronic control units (ECUs). However, achieving reliable and reproducible test results remains a significant challenge, particularly when tests are conducted across different EMC laboratories. Variations in the test setup and execution can lead to inconsistencies in both the measurement process and the interpretation of results. One of the primary challenges is the difficulty in setting up the test environment consistently, such as the installation of the cable harness. Furthermore, the standard does not provide clear guidelines on several critical setup parameters that can significantly influence the final test results, such as the alignment of the DUT relative to the reference ground plane or the positioning of the cable harness within the coupling clamp.

This poster presents key findings from a research project that investigates the reproducibility of BCI test results, focusing on the impact of minor variations in the test setup. The study evaluates the influence of several parameters on the test outcomes, based on experimental measurements and analysis.