International Journal of Research in Advanced Electronics Engineering
2026, Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A
Development of low-cost EMI pre-compliance testing setup using software-defined radio
Author(s): Pieter J van den Berg, Marieke A de Vries, Willem F Bakker and Sophie L Jansen
Abstract: Electromagnetic interference pre-compliance testing enables product developers to identify and resolve emission problems before expensive formal certification, yet the high cost of commercial EMI receivers places this capability beyond reach for many small and medium enterprises. This research presents the development and validation of a low-cost pre-compliance testing setup utilizing software-defined radio technology as an alternative to dedicated EMI measurement equipment, achieving 95% cost reduction while maintaining measurement accuracy adequate for screening purposes. The developed system employs an RTL-SDR V3 receiver (€25) augmented with low-noise amplifier and calibrated antennas, interfaced through GNU Radio signal processing software implementing quasi-peak, average, and peak detectors specified in CISPR 16-1-1. Automated frequency scanning covers the 30 MHz to 1 GHz radiated emissions range with resolution bandwidth settings of 9 kHz and 120 kHz as required for different frequency bands, producing spectrum displays directly comparable to commercial equipment. Validation against a Rohde & Schwarz ESR7 reference receiver across fifteen device-under-test samples demonstrated measurement correlation of 0.967 with mean deviation of +0.8 dB and standard deviation of 1.4 dB. The slightly elevated noise floor of the SDR system (approximately 2-3 dB higher than the reference) does not impact pass/fail determination for devices with adequate margin to regulatory limits, with 100% agreement on compliance classification across all test samples. The total system cost of approximately €1,000 including antennas, cables, and accessories represents 95% reduction compared to entry-level commercial EMI receivers, making pre-compliance testing economically viable for startups, educational institutions, and product development teams operating under budget constraints. The open-source software platform enables customization for specific measurement requirements and integration with automated test equipment. The research establishes that software-defined radio technology provides a practical pathway to democratize EMI pre-compliance testing, enabling broader adoption of electromagnetic compatibility verification during product development phases. While the system does not replace accredited laboratory testing for formal certification, it enables early identification of emission problems when design modifications remain feasible and cost-effective, ultimately improving the electromagnetic compatibility of products entering European markets.
DOI: 10.22271/27084558.2026.v7.i1a.81
Pages: 77-82 | Views: 5 | Downloads: 3
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How to cite this article:
Pieter J van den Berg, Marieke A de Vries, Willem F Bakker, Sophie L Jansen. Development of low-cost EMI pre-compliance testing setup using software-defined radio. Int J Res Adv Electron Eng 2026;7(1):77-82. DOI: 10.22271/27084558.2026.v7.i1a.81
