Simulation Validation of Experimental Tests for Automotive System EMC Developmental Tests

Abstract ─ The development and testing of automotive (sub)systems, particularly for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), usually requires expensive test facilities. This paper describes the use of electromagnetic simulation to demonstrate the level of confidence that can be placed in measurements taken in more general laboratories, thus giving an estimate of the accuracy these facilities can provide. This is important in order to enable/allow more developments in automotive systems from research and development teams without standards compliant test facilities. This is, itself, important because of current developments in all-electric and autonomous vehicles. This paper demonstrates, through the use of full wave simulation representing a theoretically ideal environment compared with two different practical approaches, that EMC analysis can be undertaken with a reasonable estimation of accuracy and provides a framework for pre-compliance or developmental testing.