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TBL5016-2

TBL5016-2 50µH AC-LISN

The TBL5016-2 is a Line Impedance Stabilization Network for the measurement of line-conducted
interference within the range of 9kHz to 30MHz, according to the CISPR 16-1-2 standard. The
device is designed for testing single phase, AC-powered equipment with supply voltages up to
maximum 240V and 16A. Conducted noise can be measured on the phase and on the neutral
conductor. The TBL5016-2 is equipped with a switchable limiter/attenuator and an artificial hand
connection.
The device is available with country-specific DUT connectors

TBL5016-2 , variant with Schuko connector (CEE 7/3)

socket

Features Application
 Frequency range: 9 kHz to 30 MHz  EMC conducted noise measurements
 Impedance: 50 Ω ║ (50 µH + 5 Ω)
 Artificial hand: 220 pF + 511 Ω
 Switchable PE: 50 Ω ║ 50 µH
 Limiter / attenuator: 150 kHz to 30 MHz;
10 dB
 Air core inductors
 Line voltage: max. 240V / 50 – 60 Hz,
CAT ‖
 Max. current: 16A @ 23°C
 DUT socket: country specific
 Measurement connector: 50 Ω BNC
 Power connector: IEC 60320 C19
 Operating Temperature Range:
+5°C … + 40°C; 5% to 80% RH
 Safety: Safety Class I, IEC 1010-01

© 2020 Tekbox Digital Solutions

Factory 4, F5, Lot I-3B-1 | Saigon Hi-Tech Park | Tan Phu Ward, District 9 | Ho Chi Minh City
Tel : +84 287 1099865 | E-mail [email protected]| www.tekbox.net
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Contents
SAFETY 3
1 INTRODUCTION 4
1.1 PRE-COMPLIANCE TESTING OF CONDUCTED EMISSIONS 4
1.2 LINE IMPEDANCE STABILIZATION NETWORKS 4
1.3 RF OUTPUT 5
1.4 INFORMATIVE SCHEMATIC 5
1.5 LABORATORY SET UP 6
1.6 GROUND PLANE 6

2 TBL5016-2 SPECIFICATIONS 7
2.1 CONFORMITY 7
2.2 SAFETY 7
2.3 SPECIFICATIONS 7
2.4 SUPPLY VOLTAGE 7
2.5 FRONT PANEL 8
2.6 REAR PANEL 9
2.7 IMPEDANCE 10
2.8 PHASE 10
2.9 FREQUENCY RESPONSE, S21 FROM DUT PORT TO RF PORT 11
2.10 CALIBRATION DATA ACCORDING TO CISPR 16 -1-2 ANNEX A8 12
2.11 ISOLATION 13
2.12 THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS 14
2.13 PROTECTION 14
2.14 ARTIFICIAL HAND 15

3 OPERATION CHECKLIST 15
4 ORDERING INFORMATION 16
5 HISTORY 16
Tables
Table 1 – Frequency response 9kHz to 30MHz, DUT connector Phase/Neutral to RF connector* 11
Table 2, TBL5016-2 LISN voltage division ratio, calibration data* 13
Table 3– Ordering Information 16
Table 4– History 16
Figures
Figure 1 – Basic AC LISN set up: impedance levels 4
Figure 2 – AC LISN, informative schematic 5
Figure 3 – Conducted noise pre-compliance measurement setup 6
Figure 4 – Front panel layout 8
Figure 5 – DUT connector, pin assignment with reference to the rear power connector *) 8
Figure 6 – Rear panel layout 9
Figure 7 – Mains connector, pin assignment *) 9
Figure 8 – Impedance vs. frequency at DUT terminals* 10
Figure 9– Phase angle vs. frequency at DUT terminals* 10
Figure 10– Frequency response 9kHz to 300MHz, DUT connector Phase/Neutral to RF connector 11
Figure 11 – Calibration set up according to CISPR 16-1-2 Annex A.8. 12
Figure 12 – Voltage Division Ratio versus frequency 12
Figure 13: LISN Isolation, Source to RF out 13
Figure 14: Coil and housing temperature at 16 A DUT current @ 22 °C ambient temperature 14
Figure 15 – Example from CISPR 16, portable electric saw with artificial hand 15

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SAFETY

Operating an AC LISN involves dealing with potentially lethal voltages and high
ground leakage currents. The LISN shall only be operated by qualified

Read this manual carefully and be sure to understand the operation of an AC

LISN. Make sure that the conducted noise pre – compliance test equipment is
set up correctly and that the necessary earth connections are reliably bonded to
avoid the risk of lethal electric shocks.

Make sure to understand the operation of the attenuator / limiter to avoid any
damage to your test receiver or spectrum analyzer.

Do not carry out any modifications or manipulations of the TBL5016-2. User

maintenance of the TBL5016-2 is strictly limited to the replacement of the fuses.

Avoid touching the housing, when operating the LISN at maximum current over
extended time. The housing temperature may rise up to 50°C. Turn off the DUT
after measurements to avoid unnecessary dissipation.

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1 Introduction

1.1 Pre-compliance testing of conducted emissions

Full compliance measurement of AC mains supplied products requires a high end set up consisting of an
anechoic or screened chamber, a measurement receiver that complies with the requirements of CISPR 16, a
50µH LISN and a suitable table for the measurement setup. Great effort and cost ensures optimum accuracy
and repeatability.
Pre-compliance measurements target to give an approximation of the EMC performance of the Device Under
Test at a fraction of the cost of full compliance testing. The measurement receiver can be replaced by a
spectrum analyzer with suitable sensitivity, bandwidth and detectors. The advent of affordable spectrum
analyzers with EMI IF filters and Quasi-Peak detectors made EMC pre-compliance testing affordable for any
company which develops electronic products. Together with test accessories from Tekbox, EMC pre-compliance
set-ups cost hardly more than a standard oscilloscope a few years ago.
Eliminate uncertainty before going to the test house for compliance testing. There is hardly anything that can
give you a return on invest as quickly as EMC pre compliance test equipment.

1.2 Line Impedance Stabilization Networks

Any LISN (line impedance stabilization network) is basically a kind of filter. A LISN is always inserted between
the supply input terminals of the DUT (Device Under Test) and the supply which is used to power the DUT. It
presents a defined impedance for the noise which is produced by the DUT and emitted via the supply cables of
the Device Under Test. The impedance seen by the RF emissions is 50 Ohms║ 50µH which results in 50 Ohms
for the most part of the specified frequency range. Only at the lower edge of its bandwidth, the impedance
decreases. This impedance curve is specified in the corresponding test standards such as CISPR 16-1-2.
Having a defined impedance for the emissions at the DUT terminals eliminates any influence of the power
source impedance. Consequently, the measured amplitudes of the noise spectrum become independent of the
power source characteristics:

Figure 1 – Basic AC LISN set up: impedance levels

Furthermore, the AC LISN attenuates noise originating from the incoming mains supply towards the
Receiver/Analyzer and DUT.

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1.3 RF output

The RF output section is AC coupled to either the phase or neutral line. The path can be selected by a rotary
switch at the front panel. The RF section also contains an attenuator/limiter and a high pass filter.
Purpose of the high pass filter is the attenuation of harmonics originating from the mains supply. The
attenuator/limiter protects the measurement receiver / spectrum analyzer input from high amplitude pulse
transients. The phase and neutral line can be the source of such transients, in particular those produced on
turning off the DUT. Consequently it is highly advised to disconnect the spectrum analyzer via cable or line
selector switch in OFF position while turning on/off the DUT. Use external attenuators and the built in
attenuator/limiter to check the lower frequency range for spurious with high power until you are sure, that the
spurious levels are not exceeding the maximum input level range of the spectrum analyzer. For pre-compliance
measurements the Attenuator/Limiter should be turned off then, as the limiter is a non-linear component which
can create intermodulation and falsify the measurement result. Use external attenuators instead, if ncessary
WARNING: Ensure that the spectrum analyzer RF input is disconnected when powering on or powering off the
DUT. Leave the attenuator always turned on, if the DUT switches inductive loads during operation or in case of
any uncertainty concerning the DUT characteristics. After ensuring that the spectrum analyzer is not over
loaded, turn the Attenuator/Limiter Off or use external attenuators to avoid potential intermodulation products
creating a measurement error.

1.4 Informative schematic

The picture below shows the basic topology and the values of the main components of the TBL5016-2 AC LISN.
A rotary line selector switch connects the RF output to either Line, Ground or Neutral. A combined 10dB
attenuator / 150 kHz highpass filter / limiter can be inserted into the RF path with another rotary switch.

Figure 2 – AC LISN, informative schematic

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NOTE the high capacitor values, which cause considerable blind current at 50Hz/60Hz line voltages. Direct
connection to the mains outlet would cause tripping of the ground fault switch. Refer to the next chapter on how
to set up the AC LISN in a standard laboratory environment.

1.5 Laboratory set up

The DUT shall be isolated and elevated from the ground plane. The spectrum analyzer shall measure the
conducted emissions on both line and neutral.
The value of the parallel combination of the capacitors is 12µF from line and neutral to ground. This causes
around 0.75A flowing into the earth connection and would trip the ground fault switch. Hence, an insulation
transformer is required for any mains supply which is protected by a residual current device or ground fault
(earth leakage) circuit breaker and good grounding is essential for safety.
For the exact details of the set up and for the limits of conducted emissions refer to the CISPR 16 and other
relevant applicable standards.

Figure 3 – Conducted noise pre-compliance measurement setup

SAFETY: Ensure that all required earth connections are reliably bonded and that the isolation transformer can
supply the required load current.

1.6 Ground plane

Any voltage measurement must be made against a common circuit node which can be referred to as the “zero
volt” reference. In order to provide a low impedance zero volt reference for RF measurements, a metal sheet
must be provided as ground plane. All ground straps between equipment and ground plane shall be as short as
possible and fastened with screws. Exact details on the size of the ground plane and the arrangement of the
equipment and interconnecting cables are described in the applicable standards.
In a pre-compliance test set up, as a rule of thumb, the size of the ground plane shall be large enough to
accommodate all involved equipment and exceed at least 10cm each side.

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2 TBL5016-2 specifications

2.1 Conformity

The TBL5016-2 is compliant with Safety Class I according IEC 1010-1.

(EN 61010-1: 1993 / IEC (CEI) 1010-1: 1990 A 1: 1992, EN 61010-1/A2: 1995 / IEC 1010-1/A2: 1995 /)
Rated Pollution degree: 2
Overvoltage category: II
EMC: EN61326-1/A1

2.2 Safety

In order to ensure safe operations, the user must follow all safety relevant information of this manual. All housing
parts are connected with the earth conductor of the power cable, DUT socket, yellow banana receptacle and
with the ground angles at the front and rear panel of the housing. It is not allowed to carry out any modifications
or manipulations of the TBL5016-2. The TBL5016-2 shall be operated by qualified laboratory staff only.

2.3 Specifications

 Frequency range: 9 kHz to 30 MHz

 Impedance: 50 Ω ║ (50 µH + 5 Ω)
 Artificial hand: 220 pF + 511 Ω
 Switchable PE: 50 Ω ║ 50 µH
 Limiter / attenuator: 150 kHz to 30 MHz; 10 dB
 Line voltage: max. 240V / 50 – 60 Hz, CAT ‖
 Max. current: 16A @ 23°C; Fuses: 16A, slow
 DUT socket: country specific
 Measurement connector: 50 Ω BNC
 Power connector: IEC 60320 C19
 Operating Temperature Range:
 +5°C … + 40°C; 5% to 80% RH
 Safety: Safety Class I, IEC 1010-01

2.4 Supply voltage

The TBL5016-2 does not require any particular voltage settings. It can be operated with any supply voltage
which does not exceed 240V, 50Hz/60Hz.

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2.5 Front Panel

Figure 4 – Front panel layout

1) Mains switch
2) Protective Earth switch to connect DUT earth either directly to case earth, or via 50µH ║ 50 Ohm
3) DUT socket, country specific
4) RF path selection, N (neutral), OFF, L (phase)
5) Limiter + 10 dB attenuator + 150kHz high pass filter switch
6) Auxiliary case earth connector, safety banana jack
7) Artificial hand connector, safety banana jack
8) Ground plane bracket
9) 50 Ω RF output, BNC jack

Figure 5 – DUT connector, pin assignment with reference to the rear power connector *)

*) Provided that the TBL5016-2 is correctly connected to the mains power outlet

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2.6 Rear Panel

Figure 6 – Rear panel layout

10) Power socket: IEC 60320 C19

11) Fuses, 16A, slow
12) Ground plane bracket

Figure 7 – Mains connector, pin assignment *)

*) Requires correct connection of the TBL5016-2 to the mains power outlet (-> Schuko orientation)

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2.7 Impedance
Ω

MHz

Figure 8 – Impedance vs. frequency at DUT terminals*

*) Impedance measured at PCB edge. The wiring from DUT connector to the PCB can be considered as an
additional 11 cm of DUT supply cable length.

2.8 Phase

MHz

Figure 9– Phase angle vs. frequency at DUT terminals*

*) Phase angle measured at PCB edge. The wiring from DUT connector to the PCB can be considered as an
additional 11 cm of DUT supply cable length

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2.9 Frequency response, S21 from DUT port to RF port

dB

MHz

Figure 10– Frequency response 9kHz to 300MHz, DUT connector Phase/Neutral to RF connector

Transmission Neutral / Transmission Neutral / Transmission Phase / Transmission Phase /

Frequency [MHz] ATT_OFF [dB] ATT_ON [dB] ATT_OFF [dB] ATT_ON [dB]
0.009 -18.53 -66.12 -18.74 -66.31
0.015 -14.87 -51.43 -15.01 -51.59
0.02 -12.81 -43.21 -12.95 -43.42
0.03 -9.93 -32.95 -9.91 -33.14
0.05 -6.87 -22.12 -6.87 -22.21
0.07 -4.95 -17.72 -4.97 -17.76
0.1 -3.28 -14.39 -3.28 -14.41
0.15 -1.96 -12.27 -1.96 -12.26
0.2 -1.37 -11.55 -1.38 -11.55
0.3 -0.91 -11.09 -0.91 -11.1
0.5 -0.65 -10.88 -0.65 -10.89
0.75 -0.57 -10.83 -0.57 -10.82
1 -0.54 -10.81 -0.53 -10.8
1.25 -0.52 -10.78 -0.52 -10.79
2.5 -0.52 -10.79 -0.52 -10.81
5 -0.51 -10.78 -0.51 -10.79
7.5 -0.51 -10.77 -0.51 -10.78
10 -0.49 -10.75 -0.49 -10.75
20 -0.46 -10.73 -0.44 -10.71
30 -0.52 -10.82 -0.49 -10.79
Table 1 – Frequency response 9kHz to 30MHz, DUT connector Phase/Neutral to RF connector*
*) measured from PCB edge (RF board terminals) to BNC

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2.10 Calibration data according to CISPR 16 -1-2 Annex A8

Figure 11 – Calibration set up according to CISPR 16-1-2 Annex A.8.

dB

MHz

Figure 12 – Voltage Division Ratio versus frequency

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VDR Neutral / VDR Neutral / ATT_ON VDR Phase / ATT_OFF VDR Phase / ATT_ON
Frequency[MHz] ATT_OFF [dB] [dB] [dB] [dB]
0.009 -2.81 -50.54 -2.67 -50.25
0.015 -1.93 -38.69 -1.79 -38.42
0.02 -1.53 -32.15 -1.41 -31.97
0.03 -1.02 -23.55 -0.83 -23.29
0.05 -0.84 -16.53 -0.77 -16.29
0.1 -0.63 -12.98 -0.65 -12.74
0.15 -0.59 -11.8 -0.61 -11.67
0.2 -0.59 -11.27 -0.58 -11.13
0.3 -0.58 -10.79 -0.53 -10.62
0.5 -0.57 -10.51 -0.53 -10.34
0.75 -0.57 -10.44 -0.54 -10.2
1 -0.56 -10.42 -0.53 -10.17
2.5 -0.58 -10.41 -0.51 -10.16
5 -0.59 -10.48 -0.43 -10.24
7.5 -0.47 -10.52 -0.33 -10.31
10 -0.34 -10.53 -0.21 -10.36
20 -0.21 -10.62 -0.07 -10.65
30 -0.71 -10.97 -0.69 -11.04

Table 2, TBL5016-2 LISN voltage division ratio, calibration data*

*) measured from PCB edge (RF board terminals) to BNC

2.11 Isolation

Limit according
CISPR 16-1-2

Neutral
Phase

Figure 13: LISN Isolation, Source to RF out

The isolation is measured between the mains (source) connector and RF port, with the DUT port terminated with
50 Ohm.

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2.12 Thermal characteristics

Avoid touching the housing, when operating the LISN at maximum current over extended time. Typical
conducted noise measurements take less than 10 minutes per line. Turn off the DUT after measurements to
avoid unnecessary dissipation.

Figure 14: Coil and housing temperature at 16 A DUT current @ 22 °C ambient temperature

2.13 Protection

The TBL5016-2 offers several levels of protection to prevent surges appearing at the input of the measurement
receiver or analyzer.
Both the neutral line and phase line are equipped with a 275V varistor to ground. The RF path is always
protected by a 50V gas discharge tube.
When the attenuator/limiter switch is in “ON” position, a 10dB attenuator and a Schottky diode limiter offer
additional protection. Furthermore, the attenuator/limiter path contains a 150kHz high pass filter.

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2.14 Artificial hand

When performing conducted noise measurements with devices which are held in hand, the artificial hand
network mimics the influence of the human hand. Examples for such devices are power tools, hair driers, kitchen
tools and similar equipment.
Insulated housing sections that are touched by the hand when operating the equipment are covered with metal
foil and connected to the artificial hand jack.

Figure 15 – Example from CISPR 16, portable electric saw with artificial hand

3 Operation checklist

 Setup the isolation transformer, TBL5016-2 , DUT and spectrum analyzer according to Figure 3.
 Before powering the isolation transformer, measure the connectivity between each equipment chassis
and ground plane.
 Ensure that the supply cable of the isolation transformer, the supply cable of the LISN, the supply cable
of the spectrum analyzer and if applicable the supply cable of the DUT contain a ground conductor.
 Ensure that the line selection switch of the TBL5016-2 is set to “OFF”.
 Ensure that the Protective Earth switch is set to direct ground position
 Ensure that the Limiter/Attenuator switch of the TBL5016-2 is in “ON” position.
 Ensure that the power switch of the TBL5016-2 is in “OFF” position.
 Ensure that the DUT power switch is in “OFF” position.
 Power on the isolation transformer
 Power on the spectrum analyzer, set frequency, bandwidth, amplitude etc.
 Power on the TBL5016-2
 Power on the DUT
 Set the line selection switch to “L” or “N” to carry out the conducted noise measurements. Disengage the
Limiter/Attenuator for better sensitivity and in order to avoid potential intermodulation.

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 After finishing the measurement, proceed in reverse order. Take special care to set the limiter/attenuator
to “ON” and the line selection switch to “OFF” before powering off the DUT.

4 Ordering Information

Part Number Description

50µH LISN with Schuko socket (CE7/3), Power supply cable, 75 cm coaxial cable
TBL5016-2 -EU
BNC-male / N-male
50µH LISN with US socket (NEMA 5-15, grounded, type B), Power supply cable, 75
TBL5016-2 -US
cm coaxial cable BNC-male / N-male
50µH LISN with Australian socket (AS/NZS 3112:201), Power supply cable, 75 cm
TBL5016-2 -AU
coaxial cable BNC-male / N-male
50µH LISN with English socket (BS1363), Power supply cable, 75 cm coaxial cable
TBL5016-2 -GB
BNC-male / N-male
TBL5016-2 -xx Any other socket requirements upon customer request will have 2-3 weeks lead time

Table 3– Ordering Information

5 History

Version Date Author Changes

V1.0 18.06.2020 Mayerhofer Creation of the document

Table 4– History

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