Keeping Your Sanity When Using SAE J-1113

This paper tries to bring some semblance of sanity to the understanding and setting of test levels for testing EMI/RFI susceptibility of components used in heavy duty and Off-Road applications of Mobile Equipment Electronics. The most often used specification in the United States is the SAE J-1113 Surface Vehicle Standard for “ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATABILITY MEASUREMENT PROCEEDURES AND LIMITS FOR VEHICLE COMPONENTS (EXCEPT AIRCRAFT) (60 HZ TO 18 GHZ)”.

While some parts of the various SAE J-1113-* specification have suggested levels for acceptance, most sub parts leave the setting of the test levels to the equipment designer or customer. Once the level is agreed to, there must be agreement on the “Functional Status Classification” as well as the Region of performance required.