PMM SHC-Series CISPR-16 Compliant Voltage Probes

Overview

The PMM SHC-Series Voltage Probes are precision-calibrated, passive RF voltage measurement devices engineered for standardized conducted electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing in accordance with CISPR 16-1-2:2023. Designed as part of the standardized measurement chain between the Equipment Under Test (EUT) and the measuring receiver or spectrum analyzer, these probes operate on the principle of high-impedance voltage sampling across a defined 1500 Ω reference impedance — the standard LISN (Line Impedance Stabilization Network) termination specified in CISPR, IEC, and EN standards for mains port emission measurements. Unlike current probes or clamp-on sensors, the SHC-Series provides direct, low-load voltage sensing at the line-to-ground or line-to-line interface, ensuring minimal circuit perturbation while maintaining traceable amplitude accuracy across the 9 kHz–30 MHz frequency range. Their passive architecture eliminates power requirements and thermal drift concerns, supporting long-term stability required for repeatable pre-compliance and full compliance validation in accredited EMC laboratories.

Key Features

• CISPR 16-1-2:2023 certified design with factory calibration data traceable to national metrology institutes (e.g., INRIM, Italy)
• Fixed 1500 Ω input impedance matching the standardized LISN termination condition for accurate voltage-to-dBµV conversion
• Three model variants optimized for distinct test scenarios: SHC-1 (general-purpose), SHC-1/1000 (high-voltage robustness up to 1 kV_DC/ACrms), and SHC-2 (reduced attenuation for improved dynamic range at lower signal levels)
• Stainless-steel housing with gold-plated RF connectors (Type N female input, BNC male output) for corrosion resistance and consistent VSWR performance
• Thermal and mechanical stability verified over −10 °C to +50 °C operating temperature range; calibrated at 23 ± 2 °C per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines
• No internal active components — zero insertion loss beyond specified attenuation, no battery dependency, and immunity to RF desensitization

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SHC-Series is intended for use with single-phase AC/DC power lines, telecom ports, and control signal lines where conducted emissions must be quantified relative to the 1500 Ω reference impedance. It is compatible with all major EMI receivers (e.g., Rohde & Schwarz ESR, Keysight N9048B, Tektronix RSA5000) and spectrum analyzers equipped with 50 Ω input impedance when used with appropriate 1500 Ω to 50 Ω impedance-matching adapters (e.g., PMM 7002 or equivalent). The probes comply fully with the physical construction, electrical characteristics, and calibration requirements outlined in CISPR 16-1-2 Annex D. They support testing to EN 55032 (multimedia equipment), EN 55022 (ITE), FCC Part 15 Subpart B, and MIL-STD-461G CS114 and CS115 conducted susceptibility/emission limits. Each unit ships with a certificate of calibration including amplitude deviation data (±0.5 dB typical from 150 kHz to 30 MHz), phase linearity verification, and uncertainty budget per ISO/IEC 17025.

Software & Data Management

While the SHC-Series operates as a hardware-only component in the measurement chain, its calibration coefficients are directly integrated into automated EMC test software platforms including EMQuest (by PMM), Teseq EMC Studio, and Keysight PathWave EMI. These systems apply real-time correction factors for probe attenuation, frequency-dependent amplitude error, and cable loss compensation when generating final dBµV plots. All calibration reports are provided in PDF and CSV formats, with metadata compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements. For laboratories operating under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or EU Annex 11, the digital calibration records support audit-ready electronic signatures and version-controlled archiving when hosted on validated LIMS or document management systems.

Applications

• Pre-compliance and full compliance conducted emission testing on power supply inputs, DC bias rails, and auxiliary ports of industrial electronics, medical devices, and automotive ECUs
• Verification of filter effectiveness and common-mode choke performance during EMI debug and mitigation
• Calibration and verification of LISN transfer impedance in accredited test labs (per ANSI C63.4 and CISPR 16-1-4)
• Transient voltage monitoring during surge immunity tests (IEC 61000-4-5) when paired with high-bandwidth digitizers
• Reference-level voltage monitoring in RF immunity setups (IEC 61000-4-3) to validate field uniformity via line injection methods

FAQ

What is the difference between SHC-1 and SHC-1/1000?
The SHC-1/1000 features reinforced internal insulation and enhanced creepage/clearance design to withstand continuous 1 kV_DC/ACrms input voltage, whereas the SHC-1 is rated for standard mains-level voltages (≤ 250 V_ACrms) and optimized for general lab use.
Can the SHC-Series be used with a 50 Ω spectrum analyzer without an adapter?
No — direct connection to a 50 Ω instrument will cause severe impedance mismatch and measurement error. A 1500 Ω to 50 Ω resistive matching network (e.g., PMM 7002 or custom-built attenuator) must be inserted between probe output and analyzer input.
Is periodic recalibration required?
Yes — CISPR 16-1-2 recommends annual calibration or after any mechanical shock, exposure to overvoltage events, or changes in environmental storage conditions that may affect internal component stability.
Does the probe require warm-up time before measurement?
No — as a purely passive device with no active circuitry or temperature-sensitive semiconductors, the SHC-Series delivers stable readings immediately upon connection.
Are NIST-traceable calibration certificates available?
Yes — PMM provides optional ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration with traceability to INRIM (Italy); NIST-traceable equivalents can be arranged through authorized third-party calibration providers upon request.