This guide provides an overview of EN 50147-1:1996, a European standard for measuring the shielding effectiveness of electromagnetic enclosures. Scope & Purpose
Official versions of the standard (often listed as BS EN 50147-1 in the UK or DIN EN 50147-1 in Germany) can be purchased from national standards bodies: en 50147-1 pdf
EN 50147-1 is the European standard titled "Anechoic chambers – Part 1: Shield attenuation measurement." It specifies a uniform method for measuring the shielding effectiveness (SE) of an anechoic chamber’s enclosure. This guide provides an overview of EN 50147-1:1996
While specific performance levels can vary by project, high-quality shielded rooms often aim for the following minimums based on EN 50147-1 protocols: EN 50147-1:1996 - Shield attenuation measurement Scope Why is this important
1. Scope
Why is this important? Without a verified shielding attenuation, your radiated emissions and immunity tests are meaningless. External interference can corrupt your measurements, and internal signals can leak out, violating regulatory limits. This article provides a deep dive into EN 50147-1, explains how to obtain the PDF legitimately, and breaks down the technical requirements you need to know.
The standard is praised for its realistic vibration profiles. Unlike stationary battery standards, EN 50147-1 accounts for the harsh harmonic vibrations of a vehicle chassis. The thermal cycling tests are also rigorous, demanding performance in temperature ranges typically from -40°C to +85°C (depending on the specific test), ensuring reliability in diverse climates.