How to perform an ISO 11452-4 BCI (Bulk Current Injection) substitution test[edit]
This application note explains how the ISO 11452-4 BCI (Bulk Current Injection) substitution 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[edit]
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
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Note:
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If the current unit is shown as mA, it can be changed to dBmA by clicking Units, select Current and click Edit to change this.
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Define the test level[edit]
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 levels are set up as a correction file in RadiMation®.
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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 mA for different frequency bands (see 'ISO 11452-4 BCI test severity levels ').
In this example the levels for test severity level 1 are configured.
Ensure that the correction file has a Frequency column and a Current column with the unit set to mA.
- File
- Save correction Save the test level as a correction file on disk.
This correction file will be used during the calibration and EUT testing.
Calibration procedure[edit]
The calibration procedure is necessary to characterize losses in the setup and determine the correct power level for injection.
Calibration equipment[edit]
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Note:
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When calibrating at high levels ensure that enough adequate attenuation is used to shield the current sensing device from damage.
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Note:
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When calibrating using amplifiers rated with more power than the calibration setup can tolerate, ensure that enough adequate attenuation is used after the amplifier to prevent damaging levels from reaching the setup.
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The configuration of the calibration test setup should include the following equipment:
| # |
Device name |
Tab in test site configuration window |
note
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Signal Generator |
Devices 1 |
The signal generator to use
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Amplifier |
Devices 1 |
The amplifier to use
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Coupler |
Devices 1 |
The directional coupler to use
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Forward power meter |
Devices 1 |
The forward power sensor to use
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Power meter |
Devices 2 |
The power meter or analyzer for measuring current
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Injection clamp |
Devices 2 |
The bulk current injection (BCI) clamp
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Calibration jig |
Devices 2 |
The jig used for the current injection calibration
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| Cables
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| ① |
Cable current -> power meter |
Cables |
Cable with a correction file specified for cable loss
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| ② |
Cable current -> power meter |
Cables |
Cable with specified loss of the used attenuator
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| ③ |
Cable current -> power meter |
Cables |
Cable with a correction file specified for cable loss
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Configure the calibration[edit]
The BCI test covers four primary frequency bands. The following settings can be configured according to ISO 11452-4 requirements:
The minimal requirements related to the step sizes are found in ISO 11452-1, 5.6 Table 2.
| Band |
Frequency range
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| Band 1 |
0.1 MHz - 1 MHz
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| Band 2 |
1 MHz - 3 MHz
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| Band 3 |
3 MHz - 200 MHz
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| Band 4 |
200 MHz - 400 MHz
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These four bands can be configured and performed in one calibration. The calibration can be started by selecting:
- Calibration
- System calibration
- Conducted immunity
This example shows an example of the configuration for required for the calibration.
 Start
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The start frequency of the calibration (e.g., 1 MHz).
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| End
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The stop frequency of the calibration (e.g., 30 MHz).
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| Step
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The frequency step, in this case, 1%.
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| Test level
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The test level, in this case current.
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| Variable
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The variable test level, select the correction file created earlier.
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| Tolerance
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The regulation tolerance.
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| Calibration method
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The power measurement that should result from the calibration: Forward power.
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| Test equipment
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The calibration test equipment.
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| Test engineer
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The engineer performing the calibration.
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Calibration result[edit]
Once calibration is complete, the engineer will save the results in a calibration (.CAL) file.
EUT Testing[edit]
EUT Testing equipment[edit]
The configuration for EUT testing should contain the following devices:
| # |
Device name |
Tab in test site configuration window |
note
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Signal Generator |
Devices 1 |
The signal generator to use
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Amplifier |
Devices 1 |
The amplifier to use
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Coupler |
Devices 1 |
The coupler to use
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Forward power meter |
Devices 1 |
The forward power sensor
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Injection clamp |
Devices 2 |
The bulk current injection clamp
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Configure the EUT test[edit]
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
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| Band 1 |
0.1 MHz - 1 MHz
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| Band 2 |
1 MHz - 3 MHz
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| Band 3 |
3 MHz - 200 MHz
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| Band 4 |
200 MHz - 400 MHz
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| Start
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The start frequency of the test. For example 0.1 MHz.
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| End
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The stop frequency of the test. For example 1 MHz.
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| Frequency Step
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The frequency step.
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| Dwell Time
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The dwell time.
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| Frequency Change Mode
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Constant.
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| Modulation
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Configure the required modulation.
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| Test equipment
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The equipment needed for the conducted immunity test.
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| Location Type
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Injection clamp.
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| Test Level
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Specify the current substitution method.
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| Inputs
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No inputs are needed.
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To configure any required modulation settings click Config next to the modulation settings, click the applicable tab, and enter the modulation settings as specified in ISO 11452-1.
| Activate modulation
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Check this checkbox to enable the required modulation.
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| Frequency
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The frequency.
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| Depth
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The modulation depth.
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| Also apply modulation out of the dwell-time period
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Check this checkbox to enable modulation outside the dwell-time.
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At TestLevel click Add to add a new Test level and select TestLevel - Current substitution method
| Description
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The description of the test level.
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| Calibration file
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Select the calibration file to use for this band.
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| Test level
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Variable current, and specify the correction file for the applicable test level.
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| Calibration method
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Select Forward Power.
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| Tolerance
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Specify the tolerance to use.
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4
When all bands are configured press Start Test to run the EUT test.
EUT Test Result[edit]
Once the test is finished, the results of this test are stored in the EUT file and available as one of the performed Tests in the EUT file. Selecting the corresponding test result and pressing on Info will show the test results again.
Conclusion[edit]
The RadiMation® Conducted Immunity multiband test can be used to perform the ISO 11452-4 BCI substitution test.
