Overview
ISO/TR 10305-1:2003 provides guidance for the calibration of electromagnetic field strength measuring devices used in the automotive sector. It covers techniques for devices that measure magnetic and electric fields at frequencies greater than 0 Hz, addressing both electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing and human protection (exposure) measurements. The Technical Report documents calibration set-ups developed by German experts, including capacitor and coil arrangements, TEM/GTEM cells, and antenna methods in absorber-lined shielded enclosures.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and terminology: Defines key terms such as field strength measuring device, field probe, anisotropy, linearity and calibration field to ensure consistent calibration language.
- Device layout & properties: Describes field probe architectures (sensors, transducers, data transmission, display) and detector types (diode, thermocouple, bolometer), with their advantages and limitations.
- Response characteristics: Addresses isotropic versus directional probe responses and the importance of preferred axis marking and orientation.
- General calibration requirements:
- Calibration must produce results traceable to national standards via a calculable field (standard field/antenna method) or a traceably calibrated transfer sensor.
- Procedures should simulate real use (sensor exposure, frequency sweeps to detect resonances, anisotropy checks with at least three orthogonal polarizations, linearity tests, and assessment under multiple-frequency or pulsed conditions).
- Specific calibration procedures: Detailed methods for:
- Plate capacitor arrangements
- Coil arrangements
- TEM cells and GTEM cells
- Antennas in absorber-lined shielded enclosures
- Reporting and uncertainty: Guidance on calibration reports and on separating uncertainty contributions from the established field and the device under test.
- Informative annexes: Physical considerations for coils/antennas and example calibration procedure descriptions.
Applications and who uses it
ISO/TR 10305-1:2003 is intended for:
- Calibration laboratories performing traceable calibrations of field probes and sensors.
- Automotive OEMs and component suppliers conducting EMC and human exposure testing.
- EMC test engineers validating measuring equipment used in ISO 11451 (vehicle immunity) and ISO 11452 (component immunity) measurements.
- Regulatory and quality assurance teams requiring documented, traceable calibration for compliance and audit purposes.
Practical benefits include improved measurement accuracy for EMC compliance, reliable human exposure assessments, and consistent probe performance across test facilities.
Related standards
- ISO/TR 10305-2 (IEEE standard adoption for 9 kHz to 40 GHz transfer sensor calibration)
- ISO 11451 and ISO 11452 (automotive immunity testing standards)
- National measurement institute traceability standards
Keywords: ISO/TR 10305-1:2003, calibration, electromagnetic field strength measuring devices, field probe, TEM cell, GTEM cell, absorber-lined chamber, automotive EMC, ISO 11451, ISO 11452.