Electromagnetic compatibility in accordance with the EMC Directive and EMVG

Electromagnetic compatibility ensures that all devices (equipment) function satisfactorily in an electromagnetic environment. By means of the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU (formerly 2004/108/EC) and the associated EMC Act (EMVG), a country-specific supervisory authority has been established in the European Union to monitor this functionality together with the technical requirements.

Electromagnetic compatibility also means that each device itself must not cause electromagnetic interference during operation, for example by interfering with other devices.

The EMC Directive was transposed into German law in 2008

The main focal points of the EMVG are

  • Enforcement of Directive 2014/30/EU
  • Definition of the scope for action at national level (Federal Network Agency as market regulator)
  • Protection of public telecommunications networks / defined frequency ranges
  • Simplification of the so-called placing on the market
  • Simplification of commissioning
  • Definition of the obligations of market participants (cost regulation, administrative offenses)

The Act and the Directive do not apply to equipment covered by the Act on Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment. This includes radio equipment that is not commercially available and products/equipment used for aeronautical and military purposes.

Important: Equipment that can be purchased in the European Union under the EMVG must bear the CE mark. From April 20, 2016, everyone in the supply chain will be responsible for providing all the necessary documents for a product in a language that can be understood throughout the EU. If the EMC Directive applies, the product must be tested in an EMC laboratory. The manufacturer is obliged to keep the test report for ten years, as it also forms the basis for CE marking.

Example: If WLAN and Bluetooth are used simultaneously in a room, the frequency used in each case is decisive. Bluetooth, for example, operates in the 2.4 gigahertz band, but so does WLAN in the standard settings – the result is unsatisfactory functionality.

Solution: Today’s WLAN hardware also offers frequencies from five gigahertz and higher. Changing the frequency in the settings ensures smooth operation of both wireless technologies.

The Federal Network Agency controls and monitors the release of the different frequencies.

Information on frequencies can also be found under RFID – Frequencies and influencing factors.

Image source: © Martin Roell / License: CC-by-sa/2.0