Test lab ensures compliance

Mark Abrahamson works with EMC equipment. Courtesy of TÜV SÜD America.

Q: How are you involved with electromagnetic compatibility and environmental compliance testing?

A: I am involved with client management, testing, and test documentation of EMC and environmental testing for automotive, military, aerospace, and other compliance customers. Also, a major part of my work has been involved with keeping up with new and updated directives and standards by developing new test methods, then documenting with new procedures and work instructions.

Q: What regional shifts have you seen in test technology?

A: In TÜV SÜD America’s central region, we have seen an increase in automotive testing for the EC Directive 2004/104/EC. Therefore, we are seeing more new test products being developed to address these tests. Our aerospace testing has not experienced such a dramatic shift.

Q: What trends have you observed in the industry?

A: There appears to be an increase in new design activity in the automotive and aerospace industries, most likely as a result of the high gas prices. Some of these new products are low-emission diesels, more E85/flex fuel vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, along with many new vehicle safety devices. The aerospace industries are developing more fuel-efficient engines, larger aircraft, and more sophisticated electronics controls.

Q: What kinds of automotive test services do customers typically request?

A: Most automotive customers are manufacturers of electronic subassemblies (ESA) and request testing per EC Directive 2004/104/EC for radiated emissions and immunity and conducted immunity and emissions. Radiated emissions are tested with the CISPR 25: 2002-ALSE method for broadband and narrowband emissions. Radiated immunity is tested according to ISO 11451-2: 2001/2/3, and conducted immunity emissions are tested according to ISO7637-2: 2002.

Q: Within aerospace, which certifications are addressed by TÜV training services? What are some common compliance hurdles?

A: Our training academy addresses AS9100 (Aerospace Quality Management System Certification), AS9120 (Aerospace Stockist Distributors System Certification), and RTCA/DO-160 (Environmental/Electromagnetic Compatibility Certification Test). We recommend corrective actions that need to be resolved from AS9100 or AS9120 audits for certification, and we consult on environmental and EMC certification test failures, which require rework and retest of products.

Q: The TÜV name is associated with public safety, quality, and environmental protection. How do these traits translate into aerospace and automotive engineering?

A: We contribute to public safety through testing and certification of aerospace and automotive materials, components, and products for electrical and mechanical safety. We also provide services for occupational health and safety management systems.

We offer quality management system training and certifications for aerospace AS9100 and AS9120, and for automotive ISO/TS 16949. Environmental and EMC certification testing and lean and six-sigma training are available as well.

On the environmental side, we have training for the 2000/14/EC Directive for outdoor noise, WEEE and RoHS services, ISO 14001 environmental management system certification, and verification of greenhouse gas emissions.