IEC 62153-4-15:2021

Overview

IEC 62153-4-15:2021 is an IEC test method for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) that defines how to measure transfer impedance, screening attenuation, and coupling attenuation of connectors, cable assemblies and other passive components using a triaxial cell. The standard applies to accessories for analogue and digital transmission systems and equipment for communication networks and cabling. The second edition updates measurement options and introduces procedural additions such as test adapters, a moveable shorting plane, an absorber cell, and corrections when the receiver input impedance exceeds the outer circuit impedance.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Test methods with triaxial cell: Procedures to measure transfer impedance (short‑matched), screening attenuation (matched and mismatch conditions) and coupling attenuation.
• Measurement variants:
  • Coupling attenuation with balun and balunless arrangements.
  • Tube‑in‑tube and triaxial cell configurations for different DUT geometries.
• Test equipment and calibration: Requirements for calibration, test leads, connecting cables and handling of cut‑off frequencies and higher‑order modes.
• Sample preparation: Specific instructions for coaxial, balanced/multipin connectors, cable assemblies and other screened devices.
• Advanced options introduced in this edition:
  • Use of a test adapter.
  • Use of a moveable shorting plane to characterise transfer function versus length.
  • Use of a triaxial absorber cell to reduce cavity effects.
  • Correction procedures when receiver input impedance R is higher than the outer circuit characteristic impedance Z2.
• Data expression and reporting: Evaluation of test results, conversion to scattering/mixed‑mode parameters, and standardised test report content.

Applications

• Qualification and acceptance testing of shielded connectors, cable assemblies and passive components for telecom, data centre and industrial networks.
• Verification of screening effectiveness for EMC compliance and shielding performance.
• Research and development measurement during product design to optimize connector and cable shielding.
• Production and independent laboratory testing for certification and quality control.

Who should use this standard

• EMC test laboratories and certification bodies
• Cable and connector manufacturers
• R&D and test engineers working on communication systems and cabling infrastructure
• System integrators and compliance managers responsible for shielding and EMC performance

Related standards

• Other parts of the IEC 62153-4 series (e.g., IEC 62153-4-7, IEC 62153-4-3, IEC 62153-4-9) are referenced for tube and triaxial procedures and related test setups.
• Useful keywords for search and discovery: IEC 62153-4-15, triaxial cell, transfer impedance, screening attenuation, coupling attenuation, EMC test method, balun, triaxial absorber.