IEC 61851-21-1:2017

Overview

IEC 61851-21-1:2017 is an International Electrotechnical Commission standard that defines electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for electric vehicle (EV) on‑board chargers when conductively connected to an AC or DC supply. Used together with IEC 61851‑1:2010, this part applies to on‑board charging units tested either on the complete vehicle or at the electronic sub‑assembly (ESA) level. The edition focuses exclusively on EMC tests for all charging modes while connected to the mains and replaces IEC 61851‑21:2001 with a technical revision.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Scope & applicability: Covers conductive connection to AC or DC mains, and applies to complete vehicles and ESAs involved in charging (on‑board chargers).
• Immunity tests: Defines immunity requirements and test severity levels for disturbances such as electrical fast transient/burst (EFT), surge events, radiated RF fields, and pulse disturbances on supply lines.
• Emission limits: Specifies allowed emissions - harmonics, voltage fluctuations and flicker, high‑frequency conducted disturbances on AC/DC lines, network/telecommunication interfaces, and radiated high‑frequency disturbances.
• Test setups: More precise, standardized test arrangements for single‑phase and three‑phase chargers, inlets located at vehicle side or front/rear, and configurations with or without communication links.
• Artificial networks: Annex A (normative) introduces artificial networks (AN/AMN) and asymmetric artificial networks (AAN) and guidance for integrating charging stations into EMC test setups - including interfaces like PLC, CAN and control pilot lines.
• Performance criteria: Defines functional performance levels to judge whether the vehicle or ESA maintains safe charging operation under EMC stress.
• Tables & figures: Includes harmonics tables, RF conducted and radiated disturbance limits, and illustrative test configurations to support laboratory testing and compliance assessment.

Applications and Who Uses This Standard

• EV OEMs and power electronics designers use IEC 61851‑21‑1 for design validation of on‑board chargers and to mitigate EMI/EMC issues.
• EMC test laboratories apply the test methods and setups when performing conformity and type‑approval testing.
• Certification bodies and regulators rely on the standard to assess grid compatibility and safety of EV charging equipment.
• Charging station integrators and ESA suppliers use the standard when coordinating vehicle–infrastructure interfaces and communication protocols (e.g., PLC, control pilot).

Related Standards

• IEC 61851‑1:2010 (general requirements for EV conductive charging)
• IEC 61851‑21‑2 (complementary guidance for off‑board charger EMC)
• Other parts of the IEC 61851 series and relevant EMC/CISPR documents for measurement methods and limits

Keywords: IEC 61851‑21‑1, EV on‑board charger EMC, electric vehicle conductive charging, AC DC supply, on‑board charger testing, artificial networks, harmonics, radiated emissions.