Reference Sources are used to validate test setups. For EMC (ElectroMagnetic Compatibility) testing, references sources are signal sources for emission tests.
EMC labs calibrate their radiated emissions test sites, instrumentation and accessories annually or once two years. These calibration procedures are elaborate and time-consuming and may require other specialised test equipment. To improve the measurement accuracy and reliability, you have to check these items at closer intervals. It could be a daily procedure. Performing a full calibration each time might be costly. Reference sources will help you to check your test setups daily, just before starting the tests.
The problems with your measuring equipments may not be noticed during EMC testing and incorrect measurement data may result. A quick test using a Comb Generator can avoid this situation. Monitoring a few frequencies regularly on the Comb Generator’s broadband radiated output can verify the entire setup quickly and efficiently. Any potential problems with the test setup can be detected. In addition, Comb Generator data gathered over a period of time will provide information about the measurement consistency of the site. This will increase your overall confidence in the measurements made on the site. You can also use comb generators or noise sources as a reference source if you want to make Inter Laboratory Comparisons (ILC) which is required by IEC/EN 17025.
How to choose reference source?
If you need a comb generator or noise source to validate your EMC test setups, you can choose your reference source by following these steps:
1. Choose the tests to be validated: Test setups can be either for conducted emission or radiated emission EMC tests. Type of emission testing defines the technical parameters of the reference sources.
2. Choose the test setups to be validated: Determine the items of your test setups that you want to validate. If you want to a use reference source for Conducted Emission test setups with LISN, you have to choose LISN-compatible reference source. On the other hand, if you want to use a reference source for Radiated Emission test setup, you have to choose it to be placed in the test chamber and to radiate with its antenna.
3. Choose measurement frequency range: Reference sources can be used for measurements in a broad range: 9kHz to 40kHz. Each reference source has a limited frequency range. If you define your start and stop frequencies, this will make easier to choose your reference source.
4. Optimize your requirements: After choosing test types, test setups and frequency range, optimize your requirements to choose a reference source that will fulfil your requirements. For instance, you can choose a reference source which can be used both for conducted emissions and radiated emissions. Or you can narrow the frequency range of reference source if you do not measure some frequencies.
Comb Generator Models
Do you need a reference source (comb generator or noise source) for your EMC test laboratory? Send us your frequency and application details. We will offer you the models that fit your requirements.
Testups offers Reference Sources for EMC testing laboratories
Do you have an EMC testing laboratory? Time to validate your conducted emissions and radiated emissions test setups. Validation of your test setups will ensure your measurement accuracy. As stated in ISO / EN 17025 standard, comparisons and validation measurements are required for accuracy of measurements.
For EMC testing, every test needs specific type of reference source depending on the test applied. For emission measurements, reference sources are generally noise sources and comb generators. They are generating signals and you can compare these results with typical or previous measurement data of the reference sources. In this video YRS02 and CGE01 Reference Sources are presented. YRS02 is a combination of noise source and comb generator.It is a broadband noise and comb source that is capable of producing a continuous noise output from 9 kHz to 1 GHz, or a comb of frequencies within the 5 kHz to 1 GHz range, with step size being selected by the user. The noise generator enables observation of details over the full spectral range, while the comb generator allows for the reference signal output and noise floor to be viewed simultaneously, and the frequency accuracy of measurement equipment to be checked.
The Eurofins York CGE06 is a broadband reference comb source producing frequencies within the 915 MHz to 40 GHz range, with two step sizes selectable by the
user. It is the ideal reference source for carrying out checks on fully- or semianechoic chambers and other E-field test environments.
The Com-Power CGO-51000 Comb Generator is a radiated reference signal source for the frequency range of 1 GHz to 40 GHz, at 1 GHz intervals. It is compact, lightweight, selfcontained and easy to operate. The integral stub antenna is located at the center-point of the CGO-51000 Comb Generator’s circular chassis, which serves as its counterpoise. The CGO-51000 Comb Generator will operate while powered by its internal battery pack or the supplied AC/DC adapter (battery charger). However, stand-alone, battery-powered operation is recommended during field strength measurements, with the battery charger and its cable removed from the test setup, along with all any other unnecessary objects which are not normally present within the test volume. This will reduce unwanted reflections which could potentially impact your measurements.

Typical output of a Comb Generator (0-18GHz)

Reference sources we offer
We are offering comb/noise sources manufactured by Com-Power and Eurofins York. Recent models are shown below:
YRS04 Comb/Noise Source (1 kHz to 1 GHz)
YRS05 Comb/Noise Source (25 Hz to 6 GHz)
CGE01_100 Comb Source (100 MHz to 18 GHz)
CGE05 Comb Source (434 MHz to 26 GHz)
CGE06 Comb Source (915 MHz to 40 GHz)
CG-515 Comb Generator (1 MHz to 1.5 GHz, 1 MHz / 5 MHz step switchable)
CGC-255E Conducted Comb Generator (50 kHz to 400 MHz, 50 kHz / 250 kHz step switchable)
CGC-510E Conducted Comb Generator (100 kHz to 400 MHz, 100 kHz / 500 kHz step switchable)
CGO-501 Comb Generator (1 MHz to 1 GHz, 1 MHz Step)
CGO-505 Comb Generator (5 MHz to 1 GHz, 5 MHz Step)
CGO-51000 Comb Generator (1 GHz to 40 GHz, 1 GHz Step)
CGO-5100B Comb Generator (1 GHz to 18 GHz, 100 MHz Step)
CGO-515 Comb Generator (1 MHz to 1.5 GHz, 1 MHz / 5 MHz step switchable)
CGO-520 Comb Generator (20 MHz to 4.5 GHz, 20 MHz Step)
If you are interested in any model listed below contact us, ask its datasheet and quote.

Validate your emissions test setups with reference sources
Choose any model listed on this page or send us your requirements. Then contact us and get your quote for reference sources. We are delivering references sources in 6-8 weeks to your address.
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