Test drive Opel Astra in the center of electromagnetic compatibility
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Test drive Opel Astra in the center of electromagnetic compatibility

Test drive Opel Astra in the center of electromagnetic compatibility

EMC is an abbreviation of the English phrase "electromagnetic compatibility" or "electromagnetic compatibility".

New Opel Astra in the recording studio? At first glance, this is exactly what it looks like. Opel's latest compact model sits in a room with bluish light and eggshell-like wall paneling. A lot of the latest technical devices are aimed at the car. The room, which looks like a huge studio recording the latest hits, is in fact the center of EMC Opel in Rüsselsheim. EMC is an abbreviation for the English phrase "electromagnetic compatibility" or "electromagnetic compatibility". Each vehicle passes through these purpose-built facilities on its way to series production certification, and engineers from EMC CEO Martin Wagner's team test all systems, from infotainment to safety and assistance systems, to ensure they are immune to interference.

In fact, there are many such systems in the new Astra. For example, state-of-the-art IntelliLux LED® adaptive matrix lights that enable high beam control without the risk of glare outside urban areas, Opel's new OnStar personal connection and service assistant, and new IntelliLink infotainment systems compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new Astra is equipped with electronic systems that provide never-before-seen valuable services. “In order to keep components running smoothly throughout their entire lifecycle, Astra is delivered to an EMC facility where we test all features before going into series production,” says Martin Wagner.

According to the German Accreditation Service, the EMC Opel Center in Rüsselsheim complies with the ISO 17025 quality standard for professional testing laboratories. It is here that various electronic systems are tested for mutual influence during the entire development process. To ensure protection against interference, all systems must be designed accordingly. This requires intelligent circuit design and the use of shielding and protection technologies. EMC engineers check to see if this was successful during development and production. “With equipment and systems such as IntelliLux LED® matrix lights, ribbon matching technology and Opel OnStar, as well as IntelliLink systems with smartphone integration, the demands are at a much higher level than they were 30 years ago,” explains Wagner. . At that time, in practice, the task was to suppress various unpleasant emissions from the generator and ignition on the radio. Nowadays, the parameters to be shielded have grown exponentially with the advent of a huge number of technologies and connection options.

First requirement: testing laboratory with perfect protection

The eggshell-shaped elements that cover all the walls are the basis of all dimensions. They stop the reflection of electromagnetic waves in the room. “We can achieve reliable measurements and analysis because these materials absorb scattering waves,” says Wagner. Thanks to them, the actual test can be performed during the “immunity” and response test of systems such as the Opel OnStar, in which the EMC team controls an Astra that is purposefully exposed to a high energy electromagnetic field. This is done by a special control laboratory, since the camera systems transmit video images of the car interior via fiber optic cables. “In this way, we can check that the various displays and controls work without failure in this electromagnetic storm,” says Wagner.

However, when testing a car from EMC, this is only one of the criteria. In addition to optical checks, all vehicle components and controls connected to CAN bus systems are monitored. “Special software packages make specially selected signals visible on the monitor,” says Wagner, explaining how the data is converted into images, scales and tables. This makes CAN bus communication clear and understandable for engineers. They only approve a product if all the data confirms flawless and non-interfering on-board electronics: “Our guinea pig – in this case the new Astra – is now EMC tested and ready for customers in all aspects of electronics.”

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