Lightning, HIRF, and EMP Testing

Lightning Testing

At Elite, we generate industry standard electrical transients as well as custom develop the methods and equipment to provide almost any electrical transient wave shape required. We utilize state-of-the-art generators with high power amplifiers and dedicated burst generators. Our industry recognized lightning experts can custom build R-C circuits to produce specialized pulses or high voltage, long duration electrical surges.

Maximum high voltage/current capabilities:

• Open circuit (voltage) transients–Maximum voltage: 50KV
• Short circuit (current) transients–Maximum current: 20,000Amps

Commercial Aerospace/Military Secondary Effects Lightning

Elite’s lightning test equipment includes the capabilities to conduct testing for RTCA DO-160 Section 22 and Boeing D6-16050-4 for all waveforms up to Level 5 for Single Stroke, Multi-Stroke, and Multi-Burst.

Military Test Specifications
CS115, CS116
DEF STAN 59-41
Specialty waveforms for the Joint Strike Fighter and F-22.

CE Mark/ International Lightning Surge Transients
EN 61000-4-4   Electrical Fast Transients
EN 61000-4-5   Surge 1.2 x 50 / 8 x 20 us
EN 61000-4-12   Damped Oscillatory 1 MHz

Telecommunications Surge Testing
Type A Telecom Surge
Type B Telecom Surge
Power Line Surge

Power line lightning protection
IEEE ANSI C63.41
100kHz Ring wave 6kV, 500A
1.2us/50us, 8us/20us Comb. Wave 6kV, 3kA

ANSI C37.90.1
1 MHz Oscillatory, SWC Test Wave 3KV OC
Fast Transient SWC Test Wave 5 KV OC

HIRF Testing

Elite’s powerful collection of amplifiers can deliver High Intensity. Radiated Field (HIRF) testing in excess of 200V/m throughout the range of 10kHz to 40GHz, and higher levels at other ranges.

Anechoic Chamber Testing
In our anechoic chambers, Elite engineers can deliver field strength levels at 1 meter separation in excess of

200V/m from 10kHz-40GHz CW, SW, or AM
600V/m from 400MHz-1000MHz CW, SW, or AM
1000V/m-1500V/m from 1GHz-18GHz PM

Mode Tuned Reverberation Chamber Testing
In our mode tuned chambers, Elite engineers can deliver field strength levels in excess of

400V/m from 10kHz-40GHz CW, SW or AM
1000V/m from 400MHz-1000MHz CW, SW, or AM
3000V/m-3500V/m 1GHz-18GHz PM

Note that the test fields described have been achieved at Elite during chamber evaluations and for through experience with client testing. The specific field level performance of the chamber for large test items may be affected by the interaction of the test item and chamber. RF field loading imparted by the test item may reduce the achievable field strength.

Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Testing

Elite's new Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) simulator is designed to test in accordance with MIL-STD-461 RS105 at pulse amplitudes up to (and in excess of) 50,000V/m.  With this unique test capability, Elite is one of a select few independent EMC labs capable of performing the full range of MIL-STD-461 tests all under one roof. 

Elite's radiated EMP transient pulse simulator has a plate separation of 1.2 meters with a plate area of 1m x 2m.  In addition to achieving the 50,000V/m maximum field, the simulator pulse meets the stringent wave shape requirements of 2.5ns rise time and 28ns decay.

Elite's EMP simulator is typically called to service for testing military equipment, but more recently it's been tasked to test equipment used on the electric power grid. EMP test methods for power grid electronics include IEC 61000-4-25 and related specifications. 

For information on Elite's EMP testing services, contact our sales department.

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