RadiMation Application Note 160

How to perform an ISO 11452-4 BCI (Bulk Current Injection) test

This application note explains how the ISO 11452-4 BCI (Bulk Current Injection) test can be performed with RadiMation^®.

The ISO 11452-4 standard is used to test the immunity of automotive electronic components to conducted RF (radio frequency) disturbances injected into the wiring harness. The test frequency typically ranges from 1 MHz to 400 MHz, using both continuous and amplitude-modulated signals. The test ensures that the electronic devices can withstand the RF disturbances without performance degradation or failure.

The exact requirements and test methods for the BCI test are specified in the ISO 11452-4.

Necessary equipment

The following devices are required to run the calibration, verification, and EUT (Equipment Under Test) test:

• Signal generator
• Amplifier
• Coupler

• Forward power meter
• Current sensor
• Sensor power meter / Analyser
• 50 Ohm load
• 50 Ohm attenuator
• Current injection device
• Current injection calibration jig
• Cable drivers with corrections

Define the test level

The ISO 11452-4 BCI test requires test levels to be defined for different frequency ranges. The test level may vary depending on the application class or specific test plan, and these limits are set up as a correction file in RadiMation^®.

Create a correction file for the test level by selecting the menu:

    File

       New

          Correction First, create a correction file in RadiMation^® and specify the applicable test level for the BCI test based on the test requirements. The levels are typically specified in terms of current in dBμA for different frequency bands (see 'ISO 11452-4 BCI test level limits').

Ensure that the correction file has a Frequency column and a Current column with the unit set to dBμA.

Store the correction file for the test level by selecting the menu:

    File

       Save correction Save the test level as a correction file on disk.

This correction file will be used during the calibration, verification, and EUT testing.

Calibration procedure

The calibration procedure is necessary to characterize losses in the setup and determine the correct power level for injection.

Calibration equipment

The configuration of the calibration test setup should include the following equipment:

#	Device name	Tab in test site configuration window	note
	Signal Generator	Devices 1	The signal generator to use
	Amplifier	Devices 1	The amplifier to use
	Coupler	Devices 1	The directional coupler to use
	Forward power meter	Devices 1	The forward power sensor to use
	Power meter	Devices 2	The power meter or analyzer for measuring current
	Current probe	Devices 2	The current monitoring probe used with a transfer factor applied
	Injection clamp	Devices 2	The bulk current injection (BCI) clamp
	Calibration jig	Devices 2	The jig used for the current injection calibration
Cables
①	Cable from current probe to power meter	Cables	Cable with a correction file specified for cable loss
②	Cable from signal generator to injection clamp	Cables	Cable with specified loss of the used attenuator
③	Cable from injection clamp to current probe	Cables	Cable with a correction file specified for cable loss

Configure the calibration

The BCI test covers three primary frequency bands. The following settings can be configured according to ISO 11452-4 requirements:

Band	Frequency range	Step size
Band 1	1 MHz - 30 MHz	1 %
Band 2	30 MHz - 200 MHz	1 %
Band 3	200 MHz - 400 MHz	0.5 %

These three bands should be calibrated individually. Calibration can be started by selecting:

    Calibration

       System calibration

          Conducted immunity

This example shows the configuration for Band 1; similar configurations can be created for the other bands.

Start

The start frequency of the calibration (e.g., 1 MHz).

End	The stop frequency of the calibration (e.g., 30 MHz).

Step	The frequency step, in this case, 1%.

Test level

The test level, in this case current.

Variable

The variable test level, select the correction file created earlier.

Tolerance

The regulation tolerance.

Calibration method

The power measurement that should result from the calibration: Forward power.

Test equipment

The calibration test equipment.

Test engineer

The engineer performing the calibration.

Calibration result

Once calibration is complete, the engineer will save the results in a calibration (.CAL) file. A separate calibration file will be generated for each frequency band.

EUT Testing

EUT Testing equipment

The configuration for EUT testing should contain the following devices:

#	Device name	Tab in test site configuration window	note
	Signal Generator	Devices 1	The signal generator to use
	Amplifier	Devices 1	The amplifier to use
	Coupler	Devices 1	The coupler to use
	Forward power meter	Devices 1	The forward power sensor
	Power meter	Devices 2	The analyzer for measuring current
	Current probe	Devices 2	The current probe with transfer factor applied
	Injection clamp	Devices 2	The bulk current injection clamp

Configure the EUT test

To perform the EUT test, configure the conducted immunity multiband test by selecting from the menu:

    Tests

       Conducted Immunity

          Multiband

The following bands should be configured:

Band	Frequency range	Step size
Band 1	1 MHz - 30 MHz	1 %
Band 2	30 MHz - 200 MHz	1 %
Band 3	200 MHz - 400 MHz	0.5 %

Start

The start frequency of the test. For example 10 kHz.

End	The stop frequency of the test. For example 1 MHz.

Frequency Step

The frequency step, see Table III.

Dwell Time

The dwell time.

Frequency Change Mode

Constant.

Modulation

Configure Pulse Modulation with 1 kHz and 50% duty cycle.

Test equipment

The equipment needed for the conducted immunity test.

Location Type

Injection clamp.

Test Level

Specify the current substitution method. Also add a "Measured Current Limit"

Inputs

No inputs are needed.

To configure the pulse modulation settings click Config next to the modulation settings, click the PM tab, and enter the pulse modulation settings as specified in ISO 11452-4.

Activate modulation

Check this checkbox to enable the pulse modulation.

Frequency

The PM frequency 1 kHz.

Duty Cycle

A duty cycle of 50%.

Also apply modulation out of the dwell-time period

Check this checkbox to enable modulation outside the dwell-time.

At TestLevel click Add to add a new Test level and select TestLevel - Current substitution method

Description

The description of the test level.

Calibration file

Select the calibration file to use for this band.

Test level

Variable current, and specify the correction file for the applicable test level.

Calibration method

Select Forward Power.

Tolerance

Specify the tolerance to use.

When all bands are configured press Start Test to run the EUT test.

EUT Test Result

Once the test is complete, the results are stored in a .LOG file. The test results can be reviewed by selecting the corresponding test from the list and clicking Info.

Conclusion

Using RadiMation^®, you can effectively perform the ISO 11452-4 BCI test, ensuring compliance with automotive RF immunity standards and ensuring product robustness in the presence of RF interference.

[[Category Application Note]]

International Organization for Standardization

Bulk Current Injection

The ability of an EUT to be immune to incoming electromagnetic interference. This is equivalent to the term susceptibility that is used by some standards.

Radio Frequency

Equipment Under Test

CALibration

The ability of an EUT to be immune to incoming electromagnetic interference. This is equivalent to the term susceptibility that is used by some standards.