ECSS-E-ST-20-07C Rev. 2 - Electromagnetic Compatibility

ECSS-E-ST-20-07C is a European EMC testing standard that ensures space systems or equipment can function properly in their electromagnetic environment while also not emitting electromagnetic disturbances that could harm other equipment in that environment, i.e. electrostatic discharge. To prevent this from happening, general system requirements are set to ensure that equipment that pass this standard do not succumb to electrostatic discharge. Operational avoidance of lightning environments and electrical overstress design techniques are combined to help protect space systems against both direct and indirect lightning effects.
 

Equipment and Subsystem Level Test Procedures

Section Title	Specification Limits	Description	Subcategories
5.4.2 Conducted Emissions, Power Leads, Differential Mode	30Hz – 100kHz	Measures 30 Hz - 100 kHz conducted emissions on all input power leads, which includes returns.	Measurement receiver Current probe RF signal generator RF power amplifier DC-Current supply Data recording device Oscilloscope Coaxial “T” connector Coaxial to bifilar transition Power metal film resistors LISN
5.4.3 Conducted Emissions, Power and Signal Leads	50kHz – 100MHz	Ensures the EUT’s electromagnetic emissions are lower than the power input leads’ indicated levels, which includes returns and common mode emission.	Measurement receiver Current probe RF signal generator Data recording device Oscilloscope Power divider  Coaxial load Calibration fixture LISNs
5.4.4 Conducted Emissions, Inrush Current		Ensures the EUT’s inrush current stays below the  power input lead’s specified requirements.	Two-channel oscilloscope Current probe Spike generator Data recording device Coaxial “T” connector Coaxial to bifilar transition Power metal film resistor  LISN Switching device
5.4.5 DC Magnetic Field Emission, Magnetic Moment		Defines obtaining a rough estimate of the EUT’s magnetic moment.	Magnetometers Right-handed orthogonal coordinate system Turntable
5.4.6 Radiated Emissions, Electric field	30MHz – 18GHz	Ensures that the EUT’s electric field emissions and associated cabling remain below indicated requirements.	Measurement receiver Data recording device Linearly polarized antennas: Biconical Double ridge horn RF signal generator Stub radiator LISN
5.4.7 Conducted Susceptibility, Power Leads	30Hz – 100kHz	Verifies the EUTs ability to handle signals coupled on input power leads.	RF signal generator RF power amplifier Power metal film resistor Oscilloscope Current probe Differential high-voltage probe Injection transformer LISN
5.4.8 Conducted Susceptibility, Bulk Cable Injection	50kHz – 100MHz	Verifies how the EUT withstands sinusoidal waves coupled on the EUT associated cables and power leads.	RF signal generator  Pulse generator RF power amplifier Current injection probe Current measurement probe Calibration fixture(s) Measurement receivers Spectrum analyzers Waveform recording device Coaxial load LISN Directional coupler Power meter (optional)
5.4.9 Conducted Susceptibility, Power Leads, transients		Verifies the EUT’s ability to handle short transients coupled on EUT power leads.	Transient generator Oscilloscope Differential high-voltage probe Isolation transformer Resistor power metal film resistor LISN Current injection probe Capacitor
5.4.10 Radiated Susceptibility, Magnetic Field	30Hz – 100kHz	Verifies how well the EUT handles radiated magnetic fields.	Signal source RF power amplifier Radiating loop Loop sensor Measurement receiver Calibration fixture Current probe LISN
5.4.11 Radiated Susceptibility, Electric Field	30MHz – 18GHz	Ensures that the EUT and associated cabling can withstand electric fields from 30 MHz - 18 GHz.	RF signal generators RF power amplifiers Linearly polarized transmit antennas Three-axis isotropic electric field sensors Measurement receiver Power meter Directional coupler Attenuator Data recording device LISN
5.4.12 Susceptibility to wire-coupled electrostatic discharges (legacy method)		By simulating electrostatic discharges coupled through wires to cable bundles, this procedure determines whether the EUT is immune to the resulting electromagnetic effects.	DC high voltage supply or ESD generator Discharge primary circuit Monitoring devices
5.4.13 Susceptibility to wire-coupled electrostatic discharges (current injection probe method)		Discusses ESD test methods for coupling to cable bundles. This test ensures the immunity to wire-coupled electrostatic discharges’ electromagnetic effects.	ESD pulse generator Coaxial cable BCI current probe Calibration fixture Digital oscilloscope Attenuators Coaxial loads Current probe
5.4.14 Susceptibility to electrostatic discharges into the chassis		Verifies immunity to electromagnetic effects of electrostatic discharges when directly injected into the chassis.	ESD generator ESD current target Attenuator Coaxial cable Digital oscilloscope
5.4.15 Conducted Emissions, Power Leads, Time Domain		Measures continuous and operational transients, as well as the conducted emission on the power leads in the time domain.	Differential voltage probe Active current probe Low-pass filter Two-channel digital oscilloscope Data recording device LISN

 

Key Equipment Used for ECSS-E-ST-20-07C

1. EMI Receivers & Spectrum Analyzers
   • Measures conducted and radiated emissions.
2. Line Impedance Stabilization Networks (LISNs)
   • For the ECSS standard, LISNs with 50Ω // 2μH characteristics are required for conducted emission testing.
3. RF Power Amplifiers
   • For radiated susceptibility (electric field immunity).
4. Antennas & Field Probes
   • Generates and measures electromagnetic fields during radiated immunity testing.
5. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Generators
   • ECSS includes immunity tests for wire-coupled ESD and spacecraft charging effects.
6. Transient Generators
   • Shorts transients on power leads for conducted susceptibility testing.
7. Environmental Chambers (Optional)
   • Space hardware requires EMC and thermal vacuum tests, but only when combined.