Element Materials Technology invest in Links LED technology for use in the Universal Shielding Inc. EMC test chamber. This industry leading ‘Quiet Light’ technology, developed and manufactured in the U.S., is tested to MIL-STD-461G. Using Links LED lights in EMC shielded and anechoic chambers will avoid any unwanted EMI and support a low ambient RF environment.
Element Materials Technology are a global provider of Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) services. Their mission is to ensure products, materials, processes, and services, are safe, compliant, and fit-for-purpose. Constellation Lighting supplied a series of modular, low-EMC LED lights to boost light quality in the EMC Chamber whilst meeting stringent low-EMC emission requirements.
Acoustic Test Equipment
EMC test chambers, also known as anechoic chambers, are an enclosure designed to provide high levels of shielding against electromagnetic interference. Derived from Latin, ‘anechoic’ means ‘without echo’ to completely absorb reflections of either sound or electromagnetic waves. Test chambers are used to test electronic devices for compliance with regulatory standards, such as EMC standard MIL-STD-461G.
A U.S. Department of Defence standard, MIL-STD-461G describes how to test equipment for electromagnetic compatibility. To verify proper functioning of electronic equipment, this military standard describes how to test both radiated and conducted radio frequency (RF) emissions and immunity.
The challenge for an anechoic chamber manufacturer is to ensure all equipment used for each build does not add any noise. Lighting is an essential facet of any EMC test chamber but can cause problems for test engineers. The flow of electricity through a traditional lightbulb element produces noise, as do LED transformers, which are a form of power supply.
Quiet Lighting Technology
Working with senior EMC Test Engineer, Duane Nieson, Links LED lights were installed within their anechoic chamber to both improve working conditions for test engineers and to control EMI. On supplying pictures of his test bench, engineer Duane commented, “I can now see what I’m doing.”
Why Links LED? It’s Constellation’s driverless LED technology that makes all the difference. Not only do driverless lights mean low-heat generation and a long life – a good 11 years – but also minimal noise emission.
Prior to installation, Elements performed in-house tests of Links LED for radiated emissions, as per MIL-STD-461G. Elements required more than just a MIL-STD limits pass, the EMC test engineers needed confidence in the equipment, ensuring no additional noise would be added to the existing noise floor of the chamber.
The Future is Bright
Elements ordered Links LED for self-installation, “the light assemblies were easy to install and wired to the AC supply via external filters on the top of the chamber.” Links LED is a modular lighting system with each module producing a high output of over 7,000 lumens whilst consuming only 65 watts of power.
Each module is easily connected to another – up to a maximum of 9 modules – using a single power input connector. Links LEDs are built to last, with an expected operating life of 100,000 hours without fault. Furthermore, this LED technology is IP67 rated to prevent water and debris ingress for use in the most demanding environments.
Robust in potentially explosive atmospheres, Links LED are built to EU ATEX Directive and UL 8444 recognized in the USA and Canada and come with Constellation Lighting’s 10-year warranty.
Acoustic Test Equipment
EMC test chambers, also known as anechoic chambers, are an enclosure designed to provide high levels of shielding against electromagnetic interference. Derived from Latin, ‘anechoic’ means ‘without echo’ to completely absorb reflections of either sound or electromagnetic waves. Test chambers are used to test electronic devices for compliance with regulatory standards, such as EMC standard MIL-STD-461G.
A U.S. Department of Defence standard, MIL-STD-461G describes how to test equipment for electromagnetic compatibility. To verify proper functioning of electronic equipment, this military standard describes how to test both radiated and conducted radio frequency (RF) emissions and immunity.
The challenge for an anechoic chamber manufacturer is to ensure all equipment used for each build does not add any noise. Lighting is an essential facet of any EMC test chamber but can cause problems for test engineers. The flow of electricity through a traditional lightbulb element produces noise, as do LED transformers, which are a form of power supply.
