EMC Evaluation Technology
Ensuring the Reliability of a Connected Society: Alps Alpine’s EMC Evaluation Technology and Pursuit of Global Standards
From televisions and radios to smartphones, our daily lives are supported by products that utilize radio waves, a type of electromagnetic wave. In recent years, advances in AI and IoT have further expanded the range of devices that utilize radio waves, such as smart home appliances and wearable technologies, making them an essential part of comfortable and convenient living.
Radio waves are also utilized by automobiles for various communications, including GPS in car navigation systems. In particular, the advancement of CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared & Services, Electric) and the growing role of software-based control is accelerating the demand for in-vehicle electronics with high-speed communications, making electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) more critical than ever.
To verify that devices operate properly even in such electromagnetic environments, Alps Alpine conducts tests in accordance with various international standards using EMC evaluation technology.
EMC Evaluation Technology Protecting Electronic Devices from Electromagnetic Interference
EMC refers to the ability of radio wave emitting electronic devices to operate without causing harmful interference to other devices, while also remaining unaffected by interference from external sources.
EMC evaluation assesses this capability along two axes: the impact caused to other devices (emission), and the impact received from other devices (immunity).
Emission testing measures the level of electromagnetic noise generated by a product under development. All electronic devices inevitably emit some level of electromagnetic noise, and if this interferes with other products and causes malfunctions, customers cannot use them with confidence. For this reason, products must comply with the Radio Act and the radio certification standards of each country.
In contrast, immunity testing evaluates a product’s resistance to external electromagnetic noise. These tests confirm that the product continues to operate correctly even when exposed to the various electromagnetic waves present in the environment. In this way, EMC evaluation is about balancing two key aspects: low noise emission and high noise immunity.
Alps Alpine conducts EMC evaluation on the automotive products it manufactures, including in-vehicle ECUs, sensors, communication modules, displays, and automotive audio systems, to ensure they can be used with confidence.
Strengths of Alps Alpine’s EMC Evaluation Technology
Alps Alpine possesses advanced EMC evaluation technology that complies with the testing standards of automotive manufacturers worldwide. The company has obtained OEM test laboratory accreditation from 5 automotive manufacturers and is capable of supporting each manufacturer’s proprietary test methods. The expertise accumulated through business with multiple manufacturers enables rapid responses to the latest testing requirements, delivering comprehensive EMC evaluations. A key strength of Alps Alpine is its ability to complete the entire process in-house, from EMC test plan development and test execution to report issuance, thereby contributing to shorter development lead times.
In addition, for consumer devices, the company is registered with the FCC and VCCI, enabling self-declaration of conformity with EMC regulatory requirements such as VCCI marking.
Reliability Through ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation
Alps Alpine is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by A2LA (American Association for Laboratory Accreditation), a USA-based accreditation body. The Sendai R&D Center (Furukawa) is registered under accreditation number #2015.01 and the Iwaki R&D Center is registered under #2015.02.
Both facilities first obtained ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation in 2003 and have continuously maintained this accreditation for approximately 20 years to date. This long-standing accreditation demonstrates a high level of testing expertise and a robust quality management system, enabling the issuance of reliable test reports as an internationally recognized testing laboratory.
EMC Evaluation Tests and Applicable Standards
Alps Alpine has in-house facilities capable of conducting all standard EMC tests.
-
Radiated Emissions
Test standard: CISPR 25Measures the strength of radio waves emitted from electronic devices
-
Conducted Emissions
Test standard: CISPR 25Measures the voltage and current of emissions generated by electronic devices via power and signal lines (communication lines)
-
Absorber-Lined Shielded Enclosure (ALSE)
Test standard: ISO11452-2Evaluates immunity by conducting irradiation tests using electric field coupling, targeting automotive electronic devices and wire harnesses
-
Bulk Current Injection (BCI)
Test standard: ISO11452-4Evaluates immunity by applying RF current to power and signal line harnesses for automotive electronic devices
-
Portable Transmitter
Test standard: ISO11452-9Evaluates the immunity of portable radios connected to wire harnesses for automotive electronics against strong magnetic fields
-
Immunity to Magnetic Fields
Test standard: ISO11452-8Evaluates immunity by exposing automotive electronics and wire harnesses to magnetic fields
-
Transient Immunity
Test standard: ISO7637-2, ISO7637-3Evaluates the effects of powering on and powering off automotive electronics
-
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Test standard: ISO10605Evaluates the immunity of automotive electronics to static electricity charged on the human body
-
Radiated Emissions
Test standard: CISPR 32Measures the strength of radio waves emitted from electronic devices
-
Radiated Immunity
Test standard: IEC61000-4-3Evaluates the immunity of electronic devices to radio waves emitted by televisions, radios, smartphones, and other devices
Facilities and Test Environments for EMC Evaluation
Alps Alpine has facilities and test environments for conducting various EMC tests.
EMC Test Lab
Alps Alpine conducts EMC evaluation at two facilities: Sendai R&D Center (Furukawa) and Iwaki R&D Center. The Furukawa test lab is fully equipped to support EMC evaluation of products using electrostatic, radio-wave, and high-frequency technologies. Meanwhile, the Iwaki test lab is equipped with testing environments for large-scale products such as large displays and sound systems. Both locations allow for a division of roles that leverage each respective strength.
The new Iwaki building, completed in 2025, features a structure designed for scalability to meet evolving testing requirements. It incorporates the latest energy-efficient climate control and lighting systems for environmental consideration. In addition, the facility has been designed with sufficient roof strength to allow the installation of solar panels and is operating as a next-generation testing facility. Both sites are accredited testing laboratories under ISO/IEC 17025 and provide internationally recognized, high-quality EMC testing services.
Testing Facilities
The equipment required for EMC evaluation testing varies depending on the type of the test and the applicable standards. Accordingly, Alps Alpine maintains a range of testing facilities to meet the standards it supports.
EMC testing requires specialized facilities known as anechoic chambers, which absorb electromagnetic waves inside the chamber while shielding against external electromagnetic waves. Alps Alpine operates a 3-meter anechoic chamber designed to evaluate automotive devices and a 10-meter anechoic chamber designed to evaluate consumer devices.
Systematic and Continuous Human Resource Development
Alps Alpine has a large number of employees certified by iNARTE, an internationally recognized qualification in the EMC field. As of 2026, approximately 60% of employees engaged in EMC evaluation testing hold this certification, with a target of increasing this figure to 70% in the future.
In addition, the company provides EMC training, including practical training, for electrical engineers. Through a structured, step-by-step education framework, continuous skill development for engineers at all levels, from new hires to mid-career and senior professionals, is ensured.
Alps Alpine is one of the few manufacturers that conducts all EMC evaluation testing entirely in-house. This integrated approach enables faster and more cost-effective testing, while allowing for smooth feedback delivery to personnel designing the product. Leveraging state-of-the-art facilities and highly specialized expertise, Alps Alpine remains committed to delivering highly reliable, EMC-compliant electronic products to the world.