Vehicle Level EMC Performance Prediction from Component Test Results

Abstract

This thesis investigates the feasibility of predicting vehicle-level Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) performance from component-level testing and simulation. Using an automotive wiper drive system as the case study, the work aims to reduce dependence on costly and time-consuming whole- vehicle EMC tests by establishing an integrated methodology combining empirical measurement and numerical modeling. Component-level conducted and radiated emission tests were performed in accordance with Comité International Spécial des Perturbations Radioélectriques (CISPR) 25, and the measured common-mode currents were used as excitation sources in Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Studio Suite simulations. The correlation between measured and simulated electric fields in the 150 kHz–30 MHz range showed close agreement, confirming that measurement-driven source modeling can accurately reproduce radiated emission behavior. The validated component model was then extended to a full-vehicle electromagnetic simulation, where near-field coupling and grounding effects were analyzed. Results indicate that component-based models can qualitatively predict vehicle-level trends, offering engineers an early-stage diagnostic tool for identifying potential EMC risks. Although full substitution of physical vehicle testing remains challenging due to modeling and computational limitations, the proposed hybrid workflow demonstrates a practical pathway toward simulation-supported EMC development, aligning with the auto motive industry’s goals for faster, more efficient, and cost-effective design validation.