I'm looking for a very brief summary from actual users of the practical pros and cons of using the newer TEM cells for immunity testing. Don't waste your time going over the basic physics behind TEM cells. You are welcome to submit comments directly to me without copying the entire group.
IMO the TEM cell is the preferred technique over the semi-anechoic/anechoic room wherever uniform field volume, EUT size, and the frequency range is compatible with the cell capabilities. Historically, older editions of 801-3 (1984) actually included drawings of stripline and TEM cells to facilitate their use. Now, there are the well known GTEM and other variants that extend the field requirements for larger EUTs up to 1 GHz. Reason - I'm considering buying a new dual septum variant on the TEM cell; the vendor makes some interesting claims about improved test uncertainty.... The entire unit takes 80 x 80 cm of floor space plus support equipment (a PC). This would handle the majority of our products, and pay for itself on the basis of the value in floor space over that required for a typical shielded room (assuming $100 per square foot). (I can't get additional space for a full shielded room for about 3 years.) Disclaimer - If curious, I direct you to the vendor's web site http://www.waynekerr.com for details. And, uh, don't pay too much attention to the fact that the vendor also uses a couple of our products to run the cell. (Substitute wolfish grin.) Regards, Eric Lifsey Compliance Engineer National Instruments
