Ralph, Ghery’s response is somewhat correct, however I’d like to add several points. The definition of criterion B in 61000-6-2 allows degradation during the immunity test. It also states that, “No change of operating state or stored data is allowed.” Thus, if communications are interrupted as a result of the ESD forcing a reboot, corrupting stored data, etc.; the EUT is non-compliant. Further, if the manufacturer has not specified a permissible performance loss (test plan is helpful here); it is appropriate to consult the user manual, product specifications and/or derive the minimum performance level“ from what the user may reasonably expect from the apparatus when used as intended.” This opens it up to interpretation! What is the impact of a 1-minute loss of communications, is it no impact, a minor annoyance or is it likely to set off an unpleasant chain reaction or cause a hazardous condition? I’m afraid that under the condition you describe, compliance may not be clear cut. Here’s a summary of my interpretations: 1) EUT completely unaffected by ESD – compliant. 2) EUT shows degradation as a direct result of ESD, self-recovers immediately, operating state and stored data is unaffected – compliant. 3) EUT shows degradation as a direct result of ESD, operating state and stored data are unaffected, EUT self-recovers but not immediately. Manufacturer has defined a permissible performance level either in general or as a result of ESD or transient electromagnetic phenomena. Observed degradation is acceptable within the manufacturer defined parameters – compliant. 4) EUT shows degradation as a direct result of ESD, operating state and stored data are unaffected, EUT self-recovers but not immediately. Manufacturer has defined a permissible performance level either in general or as a result of ESD or transient electromagnetic phenomena. Observed degradation is not acceptable within the manufacturer defined parameters – non-compliant. 5) EUT shows degradation as a direct result of ESD, operating state and/or stored data are affected. – non-compliant. 6) EUT shows degradation as a direct result of ESD, operating state and stored data are unaffected, EUT does not self-recover. – non-compliant. 7) EUT shows degradation as a direct result of ESD, operating state and stored data are unaffected, EUT self-recovers but not immediately. Manufacturer has not defined a permissible performance level either in general or as a result of ESD or transient electromagnetic phenomena. Minimum performance level is determined from EUT documentation and/or from what the user may reasonably expect from the apparatus when used as intended. Observed degradation is not acceptable within the parameters of minimum acceptable performance – non-compliant. 8) EUT shows degradation as a direct result of ESD, operating state and stored data are unaffected, EUT self-recovers but not immediately. Manufacturer has not defined a permissible performance level either in general or as a result of ESD or transient electromagnetic phenomena. Minimum performance level is determined from EUT documentation and/or from what the user may reasonably expect from the apparatus when used as intended. Observed degradation is acceptable within the parameters of minimum acceptable performance –compliant. 9) EUT releases smoke as a result of ESD infusion, shows no signs of life after test – non-compliant. 10) EUT shows degradation as a direct result of ESD, operating state and stored data are unaffected, EUT self-recovers but not immediately. Manufacturer has not defined a permissible performance level either in general or as a result of ESD or transient electromagnetic phenomena. Minimum performance level is determined from EUT documentation and/or from what the user may reasonably expect from the apparatus when used as intended. Observed degradation is acceptable within the parameters of minimum acceptable performance however tester is having a lousy day – non-compliant. Douglas G. Frazee Regulatory Compliance Manager Lucent Technologies PSAX Division [email protected]
From: Pettit, Ghery [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2003 11:13 AM To: 'Ralph McDiarmid'; 'EMC-PSTC' Subject: RE: Performance Criterion Ralph, If a product self-recovers without operator intervention, then you can say it meets criterion B. The manufacturer has the ability within these criteria to define the acceptable loss of function, as well. If 1 minute is an acceptable time for the self-recovery, the product passes. If operator intervention was required, then a clear failure of criterion B would exist. Ghery Pettit From: Ralph McDiarmid [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 5:01 PM To: 'EMC-PSTC' Subject: Performance Criterion I have a question about Performance Criterion B as described in EN61000-6-2. Scenario: A product temporary looses communication over a network connection during an EMC disturbance like an ESD event. It self-recovers and resumes communication after about a minute. Question: Is the above event considered an acceptable loss of performance or a loss of functionality? If it is a loss of functionality, even a temporary one, then I would say that is fails Criterion B, but meets Criterion C. I don't think it a question of loss of performance in this example. Is this a correct interpretation? Thanks, Ralph McDiarmid, AScT Compliance Engineering Group Xantrex Technology Inc.
