Measurement and Characterization of Low-Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields
We provide measurement and characterization services for electromagnetic fields in the VLF (Very Low Frequency) range for electronic equipment, industrial systems, power supplies, converters, variable frequency drives, inverters and other systems that can generate unwanted electromagnetic emissions.
The measurements identify the presence, magnitude and distribution of the electric fields (E) and magnetic fields (H) associated with electronic equipment and power systems.
Our service uses specialized instrumentation to conduct field studies and support diagnostics, product development, electromagnetic interference investigation and EMI mitigation.
What Is a VLF Measurement?
The electromagnetic emissions produced by electronic equipment are not limited to traditional radio frequency bands.
Switching circuits, power supplies, inverters and power electronics systems can produce electromagnetic components at frequencies from a few kilohertz up to hundreds of kilohertz.
Low-frequency spectrum analyzers and survey meters allow us to measure electric and magnetic fields in this type of application.
The instrument can take measurements over a range of up to approximately 300 kHz, depending on the parameter and measurement configuration.
What Do We Measure?
Our service can include:
- Electric field.
- Magnetic field.
- Spatial distribution of the field.
- Field variation with distance.
- Comparison between different equipment configurations.
- Identification of areas with the highest emission.
- Evaluation before and after modifications.
- Measurements around cabinets and electronic equipment.
- Measurements near cables and conductors.
Industrial Applications
VLF measurements can be used in:
Power electronics
- Inverters.
- DC/DC converters.
- AC/DC converters.
- Switching power supplies.
- UPS.
- Chargers.
- Energy storage systems.
Industrial automation
- Variable frequency drives.
- Electric motors.
- Control panels.
- PLCs.
- Instrumentation systems.
- Automated industrial equipment.
Electronics development
Measurements can be taken at different stages of product development to identify emission sources before formal EMC testing.
Electric Field Measurement
The electric field can be evaluated around the equipment under test to determine the areas of highest field strength.
The measurement can be repeated at different distances to obtain information about the spatial distribution of the emission.
Magnetic Field Measurement
The magnetic field is especially important around:
- Transformers.
- Inductors.
- Power supplies.
- Converters.
- Power cables.
- Current-carrying conductors.
- Motors.
- Variable frequency drives.
The measurement helps locate areas with higher magnetic field levels.
What Is the Study For?
A VLF measurement can help answer questions such as:
Where is the interference coming from?
Which part of the equipment is generating the most emission?
Is the wiring contributing to the problem?
Did a shielding or grounding modification reduce the field?
Does the emission change when the switching frequency is changed?
Methodology
Depending on the project goal, the study can include:
1. Equipment inspection
Identification of potential emission sources.
2. Definition of measurement points
Measurement positions and distances are established.
3. Field measurement
Measurements are taken with the equipment operating under defined conditions.
4. Mapping
Areas with the highest field levels are identified.
5. Comparison
Different operating conditions or modifications are compared.
6. Technical report
Results, test conditions, photographs, tables and technical observations are documented.
A Diagnostics-Oriented Service
VLF measurement should not be confused with a full EMC certification test.
Its main value is to characterize and locate sources of electromagnetic emissions and provide information for diagnosis and mitigation.
Request an Evaluation
If you need to identify electromagnetic emissions produced by electronic equipment or an industrial system, Creativeit can carry out a VLF field study and develop a measurement strategy according to the characteristics of your project.
Request a quote for VLF electromagnetic field measurement.
