Spurious emission is often a term heard in the world of communication and electronic devices. This term is usually used in the context of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing.
Spurious emission which is the main component of EMC testing applies to the context of technical regulations and certification of electronic devices. In Indonesia, this test applies to obtain certification from the Directorate General of Digital Infrastructure (DJID).
But are you familiar with the term spurious emission? This article will discuss in full about spurious emission from the definition, how it is tested, the importance of the test, to the process of becoming part of obtaining DJID certification.
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Table of Contents
What is Spurious Emission?
Radio waves (RF) emitted by an electronic device or communication device have spurious emissions. Spurious emission is a frequency that is outside the main frequency, so its emission is not needed or does not function in the communication process of the main device.
Spurious emission usually occurs due to harmonic, parasitic, or unintentional interference from electronic equipment. Limits on these emissions have been set by governing bodies such as the FCC and ETSI.
Example of spurious emission: An FM radio transmitter is supposed to emit a frequency of 101.5 MHz, but there is also a weak frequency emitted at 202.3 MHz. The so-called spurious emission is the weak frequency at 202.3 MHz.
How is Spurious Emission Tested?
Spurious emission testing is done to ensure that the device does not emit signals outside of the specified limits. The tool used for this test is a spectrum analyzer which is usually available in certified test laboratories. Here are the general, spurious emission testing steps:
- The device is turned on in standard operational mode and then configured.
- Monitor the frequency of signals coming out of the wider main frequency.
- Analyze whether any signals outside the main operational band fall into the spurious category.
If there are signals that fall into the spurious category, then analyze whether or not the signal exceeds the permissible threshold.
Why is Spurious Emission Testing Important?
Spurious emission should be done to determine the limits of unnecessary signal emission. If not controlled, the effects can be detrimental. Here are some of the things that will happen if spurious emission is not limited:
Reduce communication quality
Noise on legitimate communication channels can be caused by uncontrolled spurious emissions. This will cause a reduction in the quality of the transmitted voice, data, or image.
Interference with other devices
Interference with other nearby devices can be caused by electronic devices that emit spurious emissions. Interference from leaked signals at the transmitter can disrupt GPS, WIFi, or even flight systems.
Threatens the safety of critical systems
Interference from stray emissions can jeopardize safety in medical devices, emergency communications, and aviation systems, as it interferes with the transmission of important signals.
Spurious Emission in the DJID Certification Process
Spurious emission measurement is one of the main testing components in the process of obtaining DJID certification in Indonesia. Any device that emits radio waves such as Bluetooth, RFID, NFC, or WiFi technology is required to obtain this certification.
Certification applicants need to understand the technical aspects of spurious emission testing as early as the product design stage. Since devices do not meet the predetermined thresholds, the certification application must be rejected or revised.
The maximum transmitting power thresholds for spurious emissions in various frequency ranges have been specified in the Ministerial Decree (KEPMEN) of the Ministry of Communications and Digital (KOMDIGI) No. 260 of 2024. This limit aims to ensure that the device continues to work optimally without interfering with other systems.
To ensure your DJID certification process runs smoothly, you can contact Dimulti Indonesia as Type Approval Certification Services for ICT Products. Our team will help you ensure that your product’s spurious emission test is still within the specified limits so that it passes DJID certification.
