How does CISPR 32 handle equipment above 1 GHz?

CISPR 32 extends radiated emission measurements to 6 GHz for all equipment, and to higher frequencies if the highest internal clock frequency exceeds certain thresholds. Above 1 GHz, measurements use a resolution bandwidth of 1 MHz (versus 120 kHz below 1 GHz), and an average detector replaces the quasi-peak detector used at lower frequencies. The measurement distance is typically 3 m in a fully anechoic room (versus 10 m in a semi-anechoic chamber for frequencies below 1 GHz). Horn antennas are used for the 1 to 6 GHz range. These above-1-GHz requirements are particularly important for devices with WiFi, Bluetooth, 5G, and UWB radios that have internal clocks and switching at multi-GHz rates.

EMC Standards & Regulations

CISPR 32

Q: What changed from CISPR 22 to CISPR 32?

CISPR 32 merges CISPR 22 (ITE emissions) and CISPR 13 (broadcast receiver/multimedia emissions) into a single standard. The ITE emission limits are essentially unchanged from CISPR 22. The main additions are: inclusion of multimedia-specific port emission requirements, explicit coverage of equipment with built-in audio/video capabilities, updated measurement methods for frequencies above 1 GHz (extending to 6 GHz), and harmonized test procedures from both predecessor standards. The Class A/B framework and measurement methodology (LISN, semi-anechoic chamber, detector types) remain consistent with CISPR 22.

Q: Is CISPR 32 mandatory worldwide?

CISPR 32 is an international standard (IEC) that becomes mandatory when adopted into regional regulations. In the EU, EN 55032 is harmonized under the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, making it the presumption-of-conformity standard for CE marking of multimedia equipment. In the US, FCC Part 15 Subpart B remains the regulatory requirement, but its limits closely align with CISPR 32 Class B. In other markets: Japan references CISPR 32 through VCCI, South Korea through KN 32, Australia through AS/NZS CISPR 32, and China through GB/T 9254. Global products typically design to CISPR 32 Class B as the most stringent common baseline.

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The current international EMC emission standard for multimedia equipment (MME), replacing both CISPR 22 (ITE) and CISPR 13 (broadcast receivers). Harmonized in the EU as EN 55032 under the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, it covers all equipment generating, transforming, or using audio, video, or data signals: computers, networking gear, smartphones, tablets, TVs, streaming devices. Emission limits span conducted (150 kHz to 30 MHz) and radiated (30 MHz to 6 GHz) with Class A (commercial) and Class B (residential) categories.

Category: EMC Standards

Replaces: CISPR 22 + CISPR 13

EU: EN 55032

Understanding CISPR 32

The convergence of information technology, broadcast reception, and multimedia processing into single devices made the separate CISPR 22 (ITE) and CISPR 13 (broadcast receiver) standards increasingly awkward. A smartphone is simultaneously a computer (CISPR 22), a broadcast receiver (CISPR 13), and a multimedia player. CISPR 32 resolves this by defining a single set of emission requirements for all multimedia equipment. Published in 2012, it became the sole referenced standard in the EU with EN 55032 replacing EN 55022 (2019 deadline) and EN 55013 (2017 deadline).

For RF engineers, CISPR 32 maintains the familiar Class A/B framework with limits essentially unchanged from CISPR 22 for ITE functions. The significant additions include: explicit port-level emission requirements for all wired ports (telecom, network, USB, audio/video), extended frequency coverage to 6 GHz with 1 MHz resolution bandwidth and average detector above 1 GHz, and updated measurement procedures for fully anechoic rooms at higher frequencies. The companion immunity standard CISPR 35 (EN 55035) covers electromagnetic immunity requirements for the same equipment category. Together, CISPR 32 and CISPR 35 provide the complete EMC assessment framework for CE marking of multimedia products under the EU EMC Directive.

CISPR 32 Key Limits

Conducted Emissions (0.15 to 30 MHz):
Class B QP: 66 to 56 dBμV ; Class A QP: 79 to 73 dBμV

Radiated Emissions (30 MHz to 1 GHz):
Class B: 30/37 dBμV/m at 10 m ; Class A: 30/37 at 30 m

Radiated Emissions (1 to 6 GHz):
Class B: 50 to 54 dBμV/m at 3 m (AV) ; Class A: 56 to 60 at 3 m

Below 1 GHz: QP + AV detectors, 120 kHz RBW, semi-anechoic chamber. Above 1 GHz: AV detector, 1 MHz RBW, fully anechoic chamber at 3 m.

CISPR Standard Evolution

Standard	Scope	EU Harmonized	Status
CISPR 22	ITE emissions	EN 55022	Superseded 2019
CISPR 13	Broadcast receiver emissions	EN 55013	Superseded 2017
CISPR 32	Multimedia equipment emissions	EN 55032	Current
CISPR 35	Multimedia equipment immunity	EN 55035	Current
CISPR 11	ISM equipment emissions	EN 55011	Current (separate)

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What changed from CISPR 22 to CISPR 32?

CISPR 32 merges CISPR 22 (ITE) and CISPR 13 (broadcast receivers). ITE limits are essentially unchanged. Additions: multimedia-specific port requirements, explicit audio/video equipment coverage, measurements to 6 GHz with 1 MHz RBW and average detector, and harmonized test procedures from both predecessors. Class A/B framework stays the same.

How does CISPR 32 handle measurements above 1 GHz?

Above 1 GHz: 1 MHz RBW, average detector (not QP), 3 m distance in fully anechoic room, horn antennas. Critical for WiFi, Bluetooth, 5G, and UWB devices with multi-GHz internal clocks. Below 1 GHz: same as CISPR 22 (120 kHz RBW, QP+AV, 10/30 m semi-anechoic).

Is CISPR 32 mandatory worldwide?

Mandatory when adopted regionally: EU (EN 55032 under EMC Directive for CE marking), Japan (VCCI), South Korea (KN 32), Australia (AS/NZS CISPR 32). The US uses FCC Part 15 (closely aligned but not identical). Global products typically design to CISPR 32 Class B as the most stringent common baseline.

Related Terms

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