Developed by PSA, a French multinational automotive company that produces cars and motorcycles under brands such as Peugeot, Citroën and Opel, the standard “PSA B21 7110 Environmental characteristics of electrical and electronic equipment - Electrical characteristics” describes the requirements that must be met to ensure the electrical resistance and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of vehicles (passenger cars and small commercial vehicles) and associated electrical and electronic equipment.
The requirements defined in this standard serve as a reference for consultation with suppliers. Those responsible for development at PSA define the requirements applicable to the supplier. By default, this standard is applied integrally.
Equipment is considered validated when it meets the on-board and on-board testing requirements. Tests on the equipment must be conducted in an environment representative of the vehicle's functional mode (validation system).
Each vehicle project has its own, independent electrical and EMC verification. Verification obtained in one vehicle project cannot be systematically extended to another vehicle project.
General requirements for environmental testing for electrical and electronic vehicle equipment are listed in the PSA B21 7100 standard. Equipment connected to the high-voltage network or grid must meet the specific requirements defined in the PSA B21 7112 standard, in addition to the requirements applicable in this document.
Equipment connected to the 48 Volt network must meet the specific requirements defined in the standard “02016-11-08687 Electrical and electronic components in motor vehicles - 48 Volt power supply - Requirements and tests” in addition to the requirements applicable to the standard in this document.
This standard does not address the EMC approval aspects of equipment defined in the standard “ECE-R10 Uniform limitations for the approval of vehicles for electromagnetic compatibility”.
The verification procedure given in PSA B21 7100 applies to the requirements of this standard. In addition, the requirements for the preparation of the environmental test plan specified in PSA B21 7100 and PSA B35 0010 standards apply in line with the requirements of this standard.
The tests are subject to the general test environment requirements specified in the PSA B21 7100 standard. In line with the requirements of this standard, temperature-related requirements are also included in the PSA B21 7100 standard. These requirements, at a minimum, relate to critical measuring equipment. Critical measuring equipment is equipment that is essential for the performance of a test and has a significant impact on the accuracy of the test results (assessing measurement uncertainties is one way to identify critical equipment). Critical equipment includes, at a minimum, all measuring equipment subject to calibration.
No requirements for humidity apply unless otherwise specified in the relevant test section (electrostatic discharges). For voltage, the voltage requirements given in PSA B21 7100 apply in accordance with the requirements of this standard. For pressure, no requirements apply unless otherwise specified. The tolerance requirements given in PSA B21 7100 apply in accordance with the requirements of this standard, except for the following tests:
In terms of the specific test environment, the configuration of the equipment under test and its surroundings should be representative of the actual procedure. The equipment under test should be installed under conditions as close as possible to normal use, in particular:
Preferably, the actual environment of the equipment under test should be used. However, if this is not feasible, it is possible to use an environmental simulator for sensors and actuators: they must be adequately shielded from interference during or after the test and will not cause distortions. The wiring harness used in the tests must be at least representative of the wiring harness used in the vehicle in terms of the number and cross-section of wires. The length must comply with the specifications for the relevant test.
The equipment under test is mounted on a ground plane connected to earth with the following minimum specifications: Length must be minimum 2000 mm or 500 mm more than the length of the test bench (the maximum value is taken from the two values), width must be 200 mm more than the width of the test bench on each side, thickness must be at least 0,5 mm and the material must be copper or brass.
The PSA B21 7110 standard is a critical standard focused on ensuring the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of electrical and electronic equipment in vehicles. This standard includes requirements for the electrical performance and electromagnetic compatibility of passenger and light commercial vehicles, as well as related electrical, electronic, and pyrotechnic systems. As automotive electronics have grown from a mere 1 percent contribution to a vehicle's value to nearly 30 percent, PSA B21 7110 and similar standards have become essential for ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of modern vehicles.
The primary purpose of this standard is to define the requirements that ensure the electrical behavior and electromagnetic compatibility of vehicles and their components. This standard applies to:
This standard serves as a reference for suppliers during consulting, and the requirements are determined by PSA in collaboration with the Electronics and Interconnect Management and Electrical Validations division. Equipment is validated to meet the test requirements by simulating real-world operating conditions, either standalone or integrated into a vehicle.
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) ensures that electronic systems operate without interference in electromagnetic environments. The PSA B21 7110 standard addresses both emissions (unwanted electromagnetic energy generated by a device) and immunity (the ability of a device to operate in the presence of electromagnetic disturbances). The key aspects of this standard are:
With the rise of autonomous driving, fully electric vehicles, and advanced infotainment systems, automotive electronics are becoming increasingly complex. Features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and pedestrian detection rely on advanced electronic systems, making electromagnetic compatibility critical to functional safety. The PSA B21 7110 standard ensures the reliable operation of these systems under electromagnetic disturbances, protecting both vehicle performance and occupant safety.
Testing under the PSA B21 7110 standard involves rigorous processes to identify and resolve EMC issues early in the design phase. Sophisticated laboratories use sophisticated tools to conduct preliminary compliance testing, troubleshoot issues, and validate solutions. Sequential testing ensures that design limits are met and compliance is verified through detailed reporting.
As a result, the PSA B21 7110 standard is the cornerstone of automotive EMC testing, ensuring that electrical and electronic components in vehicles meet stringent performance and safety requirements. Its focus on real-world simulation, rigorous validation, and advanced testing methods such as echo chambers make it a vital tool for manufacturers striving to overcome the complexities of modern automotive electronics. This standard is increasingly important as electronics in modern vehicles become increasingly complex and reliant on them.
Our organization, which has been operating for many years and meticulously follows global developments in science and technology, employs a skilled team and extensive infrastructure to conduct testing, measurement, and analysis in a wide range of areas for businesses across all sectors. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the "PSA B21 7110 Environmental Characteristics of Electrical and Electronic Equipment - Electrical Characteristics" standard.
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