1. Basic Understanding of Equipment

1.1 Product Overview

1.1.1 Scope Of Application Of the Product

The EMI-9KC EMI Receiver Test System is a fully automated EMI pre-test device primarily used for conducted disturbance voltage testing and radiated disturbance alternative method/pre-testing of electrical and electronic products. The system features a fully enclosed, highly conductive chassis design with excellent shielding performance and low intrinsic interference levels. Test results are presented in an internationally recognized report format, with frequency coverage spanning the entire 9 kHz to 1000 MHz band. It is widely used for EMI R& D, debugging, and compliance pre-testing of products such as lighting fixtures, household appliances, power tools, switching power supplies, information technology equipment, and multimedia devices, and can meet full-band testing requirements ranging from low-frequency conducted emissions to high-frequency radiated emissions.

1.1.2 Main Components of the System

Number	Note
① EMI-9KC Receiver	The core test unit of the system, responsible for receiving, detecting, and processing interference signals, covers a frequency range of 9 kHz to 1000 MHz. It supports three detection modes—peak (PK), quasi-peak (QP), and average (AV)—and enables fully automated testing via host computer software.
② LISN-C Artificial Mains Network	Used for conducted emission voltage testing in the 9 kHz to 30 MHz frequency range. It provides high-frequency isolation between the equipment under test (EUT) and the power supply, simulates the mains impedance specified in the standard, standardizes test conditions, and simultaneously couples and extracts interference signals from the power cord.
③CDNE-M316 Coupling Decoupling Network	Used for radiated disturbance testing via the substitution method in the 30 MHz to 300 MHz frequency range; extracts the equivalent radiated disturbance signal of the EUT through common-mode coupling.
④ Isolation Transformer	There are two in total. Isolation Transformer supplies power to the LISN/CDNE and the device under test, providing electrical isolation between the power grid and the test circuit and reducing background interference from the power grid; Isolation Transformer low-capacity Isolation Transformer supplies power to the EMI-9KC receiver, computer, and printer, preventing peripheral devices from interfering with the test circuit.

1.3 Equipment Configuration Verification

1.3.1 Unpacking

When unpacking the device, handle it gently to avoid scratching the casing with sharp tools. After unpacking, first inspect the exterior of the device to ensure there is no visible deformation or dents, and that the buttons are not damaged or loose. If you notice any abnormalities with the device or its accessories, do not turn it on. Please contact us immediately.

1.3.2 Host and Accessories

Main units: 1 each of EMI-9KC, LISN-C, and CDNE-M316; 2 Isolation Transformer.

See Figure 1-1 for other components.

Number	Note
①	Power cord for the EMI-9KC
②③	RS-232 communication cable and RS-232-to-USB adapter cable, used to connect the EMI-9KC to a computer
④	Aviation connector cable, used to connect the EMI-9KC to the LISN-C
⑤⑥	Coaxial cable, used to connect the EMI-9KC to the LISN-C (dual N-type connectors) or the CDNE (N-type and BNC connectors)
⑦	10A-to-16A and 16A-to-10A adapters, compatible with LISN-C
⑧	AE and EUT connection cables, used to connect to the CDNE. Packaged with the CDNE at the factory.
⑨	Copper grounding plate, used to connect to the LISN-C grounding terminal. Packaged with the LISN at the factory.

2. Safety Precautions

2.1 Electrical Safety

2.1.1 Power Supply Safety

All equipment must be connected to Isolation Transformer via an Isolation Transformer; direct connection to the mains is strictly prohibited to prevent power surges and the risk of electric shock.

The EMI-9KC main unit must be connected to a stable single-phase AC 220 V ±10%, 50/60 Hz power supply; do not use the device if the power connections are loose or the cables are damaged.

2.1.2 Grounding Safety

A separate and reliable grounding system must be installed; the lower the grounding resistance, the more accurate the test results will be. Sharing a grounding electrode with high-power electrical equipment is strictly prohibited.

The grounding terminals and reference metal plates of all equipment must be securely connected to the grounding electrode, and the connection points must be free of corrosion and loose.

During thunderstorms, disconnect the equipment from both the power source and the ground connection to prevent damage from lightning strikes.

2.2 Operational Safety

2.2.1 Power On/Off and Connection/Disconnection Guidelines

Strictly follow the sequence: “When turning on the computer, turn on the peripherals first, then the main unit; when turning off the computer, turn off the main unit first, then the peripherals.”

Before powering on or off the EUT, you must first disconnect the coaxial cable from the receiver’s front end to prevent switching transients from damaging the receiver’s internal circuitry.

Do not connect or disconnect coaxial cables or switch the L/N phase switch on the LISN during test operation, as high-voltage pulses may damage the receiver’s RF input module.

2.2.2 Input Signal Limits

The load current for the LISN-C and CDNE-M316 must not exceed the maximum rated current of 16 A; overloading may cause the equipment to burn out.

2.3 Environmental Safety

2.3.1 Work Environment Requirements

The equipment’s operating environment temperature is 5–35°C, with a relative humidity of ≤80% and no condensation.

It is strictly prohibited to store flammable, explosive, or corrosive materials within the test area, and it is strictly prohibited to conduct powered tests in flammable or explosive environments.

Equipment that generates strong electromagnetic interference—such as variable-frequency drives, arc welders, high-power chargers, and wireless transmitters—must not be placed inside the test chamber to minimize the impact of environmental background noise on test results.

2.3.2 Storage and Transportation Environment Requirements

Equipment must be shipped in its original packaging, with proper protection against shock, moisture, and impact. Do not invert the package or subject it to heavy pressure.

The ambient temperature for long-term storage should be 5–35°C, with relative humidity ≤80%, good ventilation, and no corrosive gases in the air.

2.4 Other

For matters not covered in this manual, please proceed with caution or contact us.

3. Equipment Overview and Wiring

3.1 EMI-9KC Receiver

3.1.1 Front Panel

See Figure 3-1.

Number	Note
①	Power Switch
②	RF input port, connected to the LISN-C or CDNE via a coaxial cable
③④⑤	The touchscreen and on-screen control area function essentially the same as the desktop software; please refer to the software feature overview.
⑥	USB port: If a firmware update is available, you can use a USB flash drive to update it.

3.1.2 Rear Panel

See Figure 3-2.

Number	Note
①	Power cord jack, connected to Isolation Transformer
②	Fuse
③	RS-232 communication port: Connect to a computer using an RS-232 communication cable. If the computer does not have an RS-232 port, you can use the standard RS-232-to-USB adapter cable to connect to the computer. Note: Do not use non-standard communication cables or adapters, as this may cause communication errors.
④	Aviation cable connector; connect to the LISN-C using an aviation cable

3.2 LISN-C Artificial Mains Network

3.2.1 Front Panel

See Figure 3-3.

Number	Note
①	RF output port; connect to the EMI-9KC using an N-to-BNC adapter and coaxial cable
②	L/N switch, used to switch between test phase and neutral lines for interference signals
③	ARTIFICIAL HAND Interface, simulated hand connection terminals, used for testing handheld devices
④	16A three-wire power cord connection port; can be connected directly to the EUT or via a 16A-to-10A adapter plug
⑤	10A two-conductor power cord connection port; can be connected directly to the EUT

3.2.2 Rear Panel

See Figures 3-4.

Number	Note
①	Power cord with a 16A plug; it can be connected directly to Isolation Transformer or connected to Isolation Transformer via a 10A-to-16A adapter plug.
②	Aviation connector; connect to the EMI-9KC using an aviation cable
③	12V power connector; no connection required
④	Grounding terminal: Connect using a copper grounding plate in accordance with the standard.

3.3 CDNE Coupling Decoupling Network

See Figures 3–5.

Number	Note
①	AE PORT, connected to Isolation Transformer
②	EUT PORT, connected to the EUT
③	BNC-type RF output connector, connected to the EMI-9KC via a coaxial cable

3.4 Isolation Isolation Transformer

3.4.1 Front Panel

See Figures 3–6.

Number	Note
①	Isolation Transformer 500VA Isolation Transformer is used to connect the EMI-9KC receiver, computers, printers, and other devices.
②	Isolation Transformer is used to connect the LISN-C or CDNE and supply power to the EUT; it includes one 16 A receptacle.

3.4.2 Rear Panel

See Figure 3-7.

Number	Note
①②	Simply connect Isolation Transformer to the power grid using the power cord. Isolation Transformer, which powers the EMI-9KC, should be connected to a 220V power grid; the 1kVA Isolation Transformer Transformer, which powers the EUT, must be connected to an appropriate power grid based on the EUT’s requirements.
③④	Fuse
⑤⑥	Power Switch

4. Software Installation and Overview

4.1 Software and Driver Installation

4.1.1 System Operation Requirements

Operating System: Windows 7 / Windows 8 / Windows 10 / Windows 11; Windows 10 is recommended;

Hardware Requirements: Pentium or higher processor, ≥2 GB of RAM, ≥1 GB of free hard disk space, and at least one available USB port;

Screen resolution: 1024×768 or higher is recommended.

4.1.2 Installation

See Figure 4-1.

Number	Note
①	EMI-9KC Receiver PC Software—Double-click to install
②	RS-232-to-USB Adapter Driver: If you are using an RS-232-to-USB adapter, you must install this driver.

4.2 Introduction to Software Interface Features

4.2.1 File Menu

See Figure 4-2.

Number	Note
①	Open the EMC file
②	Save the test results as an emc file. Note: emc files can only be opened using the LISUN EMI-9KC software.
③	Test Report Options: Enter test report information here
④	Print Report
⑤	Exit the Software

4.2.2 Settings Menu

4.2.2.1 Drop-down List

See Figure 4-3.

Number	Note
①	Test Standards: Select, Add, Edit, or Delete Standards
②	For test parameters, simply use the default settings; no changes are necessary. If you have specific requirements, you may adjust them as needed.
③	Test mode; the factory default is automatic mode, so no changes are needed. If you have specific requirements, you can adjust the settings as needed.
④	Cyclic Sweep Settings
⑤	Control Artificial Mains Network. Note: This option is available only when selecting standards related to Artificial Mains Network
⑥	System Calibration: Used by professional engineers when commissioning the equipment; this feature is not required during normal operation of the equipment.
⑦	Attenuator: The EMI-9KC system does not come with an attenuator as standard equipment; please select “Disable” to proceed.
⑧	Communication port settings: Once the communication cable is properly connected and the driver is installed, the software will automatically detect the communication port.
⑨	Switch Between Chinese and English
⑩	Setting the Y-axis coordinate range

4.2.2.2 Test Standard Options

See Figure 4-4.

Number	Note
①	Selection Criteria: You can only select criteria that have been added previously; you cannot modify their parameters.
②	Add, modify, or delete standards. Note: Please proceed with caution; all standards and limit curves are added according to the standards. If you have other standard data not included in our software, please send us the relevant standards, and we will add them for you.
③	Matching networks, coaxial cable corrections. Absorbing Clamp, voltage probes, CDN networks, large-loop antennas, coaxial cables, and other corrections. Note: For use only by LISUN professional engineers when debugging software.

4.2.2.3 Cyclic Scan Settings

See Figures 4–5.

Number	Note
①	You can choose to save the latest value or the maximum value.
②	Number of repetitions
③	Once you’ve finished configuring the settings, click OK to save them.

4.2.2.4 Interface with Artificial Mains Network

See Figures 4–6.

Number	Note
①	The factory default setting is manual control, which means you must manually switch between the L and N phases on the LISN-C front panel.
After selecting “Program Control,”	② You can use the software to toggle the L/N switch on the front panel of the LISN-C.
	③ During automatic final testing, you can select the current phase or have the system automatically switch between L and N for the final test.

4.2.2.5 Setting the Y-axis Coordinate Range

See Figures 4–7. The default range is 0–130 dB, but you can adjust the setting as needed.

4.2.3 Test Menu

See Figures 4–8.

Number	Note
①	Scan Test
②	Spot Test: If you only want to view data for a specific frequency, click here to manually enter the frequency and run the test.
③	Final Test: After the scan test is complete, if you want to test the specific data for certain points again, you can perform a final test.
④	Automatic Final Test: The software automatically selects representative frequency points based on the test results for the final test.
⑤	Manual Final Test: Users manually add the frequency points to be tested based on their own needs.

4.2.4 Display Menu

See Figure 4-9.

Number	Note
①	The graph shows both the default PK and AV lines.
②	Display data that falls outside the limit curve
③	Display the data for the final test point
④	After performing two consecutive scan tests, you can click to compare the results of the two tests.

4.2.5 Introduction to Navigation Bar Shortcuts

See Figure 4-13.

Number	Note
①	Open the EMC file
②	Save as an emc file
③	Select this option, then click L/N to automatically toggle the L/N phase switch on the front panel of the LISN-C. Note: This option is available only when standards related to Artificial Mains Network are applied.
④	Scan Test
⑤	Pause Testing
⑥	Cyclic Scan Test: Click here to perform a cyclic scan test according to the settings in Section 4.2.2.3.
⑦	Stop Testing
⑧	Spot Measurement
⑨	Automated Final Testing
⑩	Manual Final Testing
⑪	Display Curves: PK, AV, PK+AV
⑫	Display data that falls outside the limit curve
⑬	Display data for the final test point
⑭	Show or hide overlapping data points (hiding overlapping data points makes the curve clearer)
⑮	Zoom In/Out: You can zoom in on the curve for easier viewing. After clicking, scroll the middle mouse button wheel in the curve display area to zoom in or out.
⑯	Test Report Settings
⑰	Print Report
⑱	Exit the Software
⑲	Displays the parameters of the device’s internal modules; intended solely for use by professional engineers during debugging.

5. Preparations Before the Test

5.1 Requirements for Setting Up the Test Environment

Standard Procedure (Shielded Chamber): Formal compliance testing must be conducted in a code-compliant Electromagnetic Shielding Cabinet, which completely isolates the test subject from external environmental interference, ensuring the most accurate test results. The LISUN SDR series of Electromagnetic Electromagnetic Shielding Cabinet may be used for this purpose.

Test Setup (Standard Room): If no anechoic chamber is available, select a separate room with an area of at least 15 square meters that contains no other equipment emitting strong electromagnetic interference; the first floor is the optimal location, as it facilitates grounding and results in lower grounding resistance.

The test area must be at least 0.8 meters away from walls and other conductive objects to prevent electromagnetic wave reflections from affecting the test results.

5.2 Layout Diagram of the Standard Test Environment

5.2.1 Test Setup for Conducted Disturbance Testing of an EUT Using a Single Cable

See Figure 5-1 (taken from CISPR-16-2-1, Figure 11).

Number	Note
①	Metal wall, 2 m × 2 m
②	EUT
③	An extra-long power cord that folds back and forth to measure 2 cm × 30 cm
④	LISN-C Artificial Mains Network (AMN)
⑤	Coaxial Cable
⑥	EMI-9KC Receiver
B	Refer to the grounding connection points and use a copper grounding plate to make the connection.
M	Connect the LISN-C and EMI-9KC using an N-BNC adapter and coaxial cable
P	Connect the EUT power cord to the LISN-C
The tolerances for cable length and distance should be as close as possible to those in actual applications.

 

Depending on the specific circumstances, you may refer to other standard test layout diagrams. The following are the key points for the layout:

Benchtop equipment: Place on an insulated test bench 0.8 m high, with the rear of the equipment 40 cm from a grounded metal plate and ≥80 cm from other conductive objects; fold any excess length of the power cord into an S-shaped bundle 30–40 cm long; do not coil the cord;

Floor-mounted equipment: Place the equipment on an insulating panel (12 mm thick) laid on the floor, with a grounded metal plate measuring at least 2 m × 2 m beneath the insulating panel; keep all sides of the equipment at least 50 cm from the edge of the metal plate and at least 80 cm from the LISN; fold any excess length of the power cord in the center;

Lighting Products: Lamps with built-in ballasts and separate ballasts shall be placed on insulated supports in accordance with standards; the power cord shall be 0.8 m long and laid out straight; the equipment grounding terminal shall be connected to the reference ground;

Handheld equipment without a ground connection: Wrap metal foil around the grip area to simulate a hand, in accordance with the standard; connect the other end of the simulated hand to the simulated hand interface on the LISN;

5.2.2 Test Setup for Radiated Disturbance Testing of a Single-Cable EUT

See Figure 5-2 (adapted from CISPR-16-2-1, Figure 23).

Note 1: The CDNE method applies only to lighting and similar electrical equipment; standards for household appliances, IT equipment, and power tools (CISPR 14/CISPR 22) do not permit the use of CDNE as a substitute for an anechoic chamber or open-field test.

Note 2: CDNE substitute radiation testing may only be used for preliminary R& D testing and may not be used for third-party compliance certification testing.

The following are the key points for the assignment:

Place an insulated wooden block 10 ± 0.2 cm high on the reference grounding metal plate, and carefully place the equipment under test on top of the block;

The device under test is connected to the CDNE’s EUT port via a power cable 20 ± 10 cm in length; the cable is supported by an insulated spacer 4 ± 0.2 cm high to keep it parallel to the metal plate;

The RGP (Reference Ground Plane) is a reference grounding metal plate on the ground; the CDNE unit is placed directly on the grounding metal plate to ensure good contact between the enclosure and the metal plate;

The CDNE’s AE port is connected to the power supply from Isolation Transformer output;

Refer to Figure 5-1 for the location of the EMI-9KC and other test environments.

5.3 Wiring Diagram

See Figure 5-3.

Note: The LSP series consists of LISUN pure sine wave regulated power supplies, designed to provide a stable, pure sine wave AC power supply to the EUT; these are available for optional purchase.

6. Conducted and Radiated Immunity Test Procedures

6.1 Preparations

Refer to Chapters 3 and 5 to set up the test environment and connect all system equipment and the EUT.

6.2 Warm-up at Startup

Refer to Section 2.2.1. Power on all equipment and the EUT in the correct sequence and following the proper procedures, ensuring that the EUT is in its normal operating state. As required by the standard, the EUT must be allowed to warm up to a stable operating state (typically 15 to 30 minutes) before testing.

6.3 Confirmation of Test Parameters

6.3.1 Selection of Standards

Select the appropriate standard. For example, if you are using the LISN-C to test for conducted emissions, select EN 55015; if you are using the CDNE-M316 to test for radiated emissions, select EN 55015 CDNE-M3.

6.3.2 Attenuator Settings

The EMI-9KC does not come with an attenuator as standard; simply select the option to disable the attenuator. If you purchase and use an external attenuator, you must select the correct attenuator parameters; see Figure 6-1 for the settings.

6.4 Scan Test

6.4.1 L/N Phase Switching in the LISN-C

Both the L phase and the N phase must undergo conducted emission testing. After testing one phase, you can switch the LISN-C’s L/N phase switch manually or via software to test the other phase. Note: Do not switch the L/N phase switch during testing.

6.4.2 The ARTIFICIAL HAND Interface of the LISN-C

When testing Class I and Class II ungrounded handheld power tools (handheld drills, angle grinders, electric saws, grinders, etc.), ungrounded handheld small household appliances (handheld hair dryers, handheld vacuum cleaners, handheld food processors, etc.), and handheld medical electrical equipment (dental handpieces, handheld physical therapy devices, in accordance with IEC 60601-1-2), this must be used.

Copper wire and 0.05 mm thick copper foil must be used to connect the LISN-CARTIFICIAL HAND interface to the EUT handle and housing in order to apply human body simulation coupling.

6.4.3 General Scan Test

Click “Scan Test” (or “Loop Scan Test”), wait for the scan to complete. If an error occurs, click “Stop Test,” make the necessary adjustments, and then restart the test. Once the scan is complete, see Figure 6-2.

Red line: Quasi-peak (QP) limit line;

Blue line: Average (AV) limit line;

Green curve: Peak (PK) test curve;

Blue curve: Average (AV) test curve.

6.5 Final Exam

If the average values (AV) of the test results are all below the limit curve, and the peak values (PK) are all below the quasi-peak (QP) limit curve, then the EUT meets the standard requirements, because the actual quasi-peak (QP) value measured during testing will not exceed the peak (PK) value. If the tested peak value (PK) exceeds the quasi-peak (QP) limit curve, the EUT is not necessarily non-compliant with the standard; a final test is required.

6.5.1 Automatic Final Testing

Enter the number of frequency points to be tested, and the software will automatically select frequency points based on the test curve to perform the final test, as shown in Figure 6-3.

6.5.2 Manual Final Testing

In the software test curve area, right-click on the point where the final test is to be performed, as shown in Figure 6-4.

Number	Note
①	Add Endpoint
②	Delete Endpoint
③	After adding all the required final test points, click “Start Final Test.”
④	If you no longer wish to participate in the final test, click “Cancel Final Test.”
⑤	The blue diamonds indicate the locations of the added final test points.

6.5.3 Interpretation of Final Test Data

See Figure 6-5. The red X marks the quasi-peak (QP) values from the final test. If all quasi-peak (QP) values from the final test fall below the quasi-peak (QP) limit curve, the EUT meets the standard requirements. Otherwise, it does not meet the standard requirements.

6.6 Point Measurement

See Figure 6-6.

Number	Note
①	Enter the frequency points you want to test
②	Test duration: You can set it according to the prompts.
③	Test range: Unless otherwise specified, simply select “Auto” mode.
④	Perform a single test
⑤	Conduct continuous testing
⑥	Stop Testing
⑦	Display test results: PK, QP, and AV values
⑧	Displays the limit value for that frequency point under the currently selected standard.
⑨	Close the Point Measurement Interface

6.6 Save and Print the Test Report

See Section 4.2.1 to save or print the test report.

6.7 Procedure for Shutting Down the System at the End of a Test

Ensure the equipment is in the “Test Stop” state → Disconnect the coaxial cable on the LISN/CDNE side → Turn off the EUT’s power → Turn off the receiver and computer → Turn off Isolation Transformer.

7. Daily Maintenance and Care of Equipment

7.1 Routine Use and Maintenance

7.1.1 Maintenance of the Exterior and Interfaces

After each use, wipe the surface of the equipment with a dry, soft cloth to remove dust. Do not use highly corrosive organic solvents such as gasoline, acetone, or thinners. To clean stubborn stains, use a lint-free cloth dipped in a small amount of anhydrous ethanol to wipe the area quickly, then dry it immediately afterward.

Inspect the BNC connectors, power connectors, and terminal blocks monthly; remove any oxidation to ensure good contact; and cover the connectors with protective caps when not in use to prevent dust from entering.

Each piece of equipment is assigned to a specific user; unauthorized personnel are prohibited from operating it. Do not disassemble the equipment casing without the manufacturer’s authorization; any hardware damage resulting from unauthorized disassembly is not covered under the free warranty.

7.1.2 Maintenance of Cables and Accessories

Avoid bending coaxial cables sharply, stepping on them, or subjecting them to pressure from heavy objects. When storing them, coil them loosely to prevent the internal conductors from breaking.

Handle precision accessories such as attenuators and connectors with care to prevent internal damage caused by dropping them.

Software settings must not be modified arbitrarily, and the built-in standards and calibration data must not be altered without authorization.

7.2 Storage Specifications

7.2.1 Storage Environment Requirements

Temperature: 5°C to 35°C; relative humidity: ≤65% RH; dry, dust-free environment free of corrosive gases.

7.2.2 Long-Term Storage Operations

Turn off the power and unplug all cables; clean the equipment and wrap it in dust-proof film; turn on the power for 30 minutes each month to prevent moisture damage to the components.

7.3 Calibration Interval Requirements

To ensure the measurement accuracy and operational reliability of the equipment, it is recommended that it be sent periodically to a qualified third-party metrology laboratory for calibration. The recommended calibration interval is 12 months. Users may determine the specific calibration interval based on frequency of use, environmental conditions, and quality system requirements.

8. Troubleshooting and Resolving Common Problems

Fault Symptoms	Procedure
Various error messages may appear while using the software, such as the software failing to open or errors occurring during scanning.	Make sure you’re logged in to your computer with an administrator account, and make sure the software is running with administrator privileges.
The software worked normally during the scan test, but froze during the final test.	The final test has stricter communication requirements than the scan test. Please ensure that you are using only our original communication cable and no other communication cables or extension cords; please ensure that you are using the communication port on the back of the desktop computer (USB ports on laptops and those on the front of desktop computers typically do not provide sufficient power, which can affect communication); if that still does not work, please try adding an RS232 communication port to your computer and use only an RS232 communication cable—do not use an RS232-to-USB adapter for communication
Test results are generally lower or higher than expected	Please verify that the software attenuator settings match the actual conditions.
Test results are always close to background noise, and the EMI receiver cannot detect any signals.	Check the coaxial cable connection; replace the coaxial cable and try again.
Excessively high background noise and significant fluctuations in test data	Verify that all equipment in the system uses Isolation Transformer; optimize the grounding system to reduce grounding resistance; turn off other electrical equipment in the laboratory or conduct testing inside a shielded room.