Overview
ISO/TR 10305-2:2003 - titled "Road vehicles - Calibration of electromagnetic field strength measuring devices - Part 2" - is an ISO Technical Report that adopts IEEE Std 1309-1996 for the calibration of electromagnetic field sensors and probes (excluding antennas) over the frequency range 9 kHz to 40 GHz. It provides consensus calibration techniques, data recording/reporting requirements, and a method for determining measurement uncertainty tailored for automotive electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing.
Key topics and requirements
This Technical Report covers practical and technical elements needed for reliable calibration of field probes used in automotive EMC:
- Scope and probe types: Calibration methods for generic probe families used in vehicle and component testing (excluding antennas).
- Measurement methods: Both frequency‑domain and time‑domain calibration principles are described, including probe orientation considerations during calibration.
- Standard field generation: Procedures for producing reference electromagnetic fields used in calibration across 9 kHz–40 GHz.
- Transfer standards and working standards: Use and handling of reference probes and traceable transfer sensors for laboratory calibration chains.
- Uncertainty analysis: Definitions and procedures for standard uncertainty, combined standard uncertainty, and expanded uncertainty, plus guidance on reporting uncertainty.
- Characteristics to be measured: Key probe characteristics to document when calibrating in frequency and time domains.
- Documentation and reporting: Required test documentation, data recording formats and reporting practices to ensure traceability and repeatability.
- Grades of calibration and practical considerations for lab implementation.
Practical applications
ISO/TR 10305-2:2003 is primarily applied where accurate electromagnetic field measurements are critical in automotive EMC contexts:
- Calibration of field probes used for vehicle-level radiated immunity and emission testing specified in ISO 11451 and ISO 11452.
- Establishing traceable measurement chains in EMC test laboratories and calibration houses.
- Supporting instrument validation, laboratory accreditation, quality control and inter‑laboratory comparisons.
- Ensuring consistent probe response characterization for both frequency‑domain and transient/time‑domain tests.
Who should use this standard
- Automotive EMC engineers and test lab managers
- Calibration laboratories and metrology institutes
- Probe and sensor manufacturers
- Compliance officers and quality managers responsible for measurement traceability and reporting
Related standards
- IEEE Std 1309-1996 (adopted by this report)
- ISO 11451 (vehicle test methods - narrowband radiated energy)
- ISO 11452 (component test methods - narrowband radiated energy)
- DIN VDE 0847 (related calibration method)
- NBSIR 75‑804 (historical reference for standard EM field generation)
ISO/TR 10305-2:2003 is a practical reference for anyone responsible for accurate calibration of electromagnetic field probes in automotive EMC work, emphasizing traceability, uncertainty evaluation, and standardized documentation.