Ring wave transients are a non-repeating damped oscillatory waveform simulated in conducted immunity testing. Conducted immunity, also known as conducted susceptibility, is a facet of EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) testing. Generating a ring wave replicates a type of electrical transient a device or system may experience, especially on low-voltage cables in residential or industrial environments.
In the field, a ring wave transient is induced by one of various electrical faults. One common source of conducted EMI is indirect lighting, transient energy that travels from the site of a lightning strike through an electrical grid. Electrical network switching is another potential cause of ring waves, occurring when abrupt circuit changes take place and resulting in short-circuits and other electrical disturbances to devices connected to the same grid. Insulation deterioration is also a factor that can lead to transients if insulative lining damages or decays over time.
Ring Wave Test Standards