Continental invests in electromagnetic compatibility testing laboratory in Sibiu
Continental, a company with over 20,000 employees in Romania, is investing in testing the electromagnetic compatibility of products inside vehicles. The company has equipped a state-of-the-art electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) laboratory in Sibiu with advanced equipment. With the help of this new capability, such as the reverberation chamber, products developed by Continental are tested and validated in the Qualifications Laboratories department in Sibiu, making it the only location in Romania with this capacity.
Whether it’s radiation, inductive and capacitive couplings, or even supply voltage instability, electronic devices are tested from two perspectives: immunity – to ensure they withstand external electromagnetic disturbances, and emissions – to make sure they do not interfere with other electronic devices. This investment in the EMC laboratory demonstrates Continental’s commitment to producing high-quality and reliable products for the automotive industry.
The Importance of Electromagnetic Compatibility Testing in Automotive Industry
At a certain level of disturbances, established in testing and emissions standards (in anechoic and semi-anechoic chambers – spaces designed to stop reflections or echoes of either sound waves or electromagnetic waves) – to ensure that the level of disturbances generated by the device under test does not exceed the limits established in testing standards,” explains Cornel Tănase, Head of Qualifications Laboratories Sibiu.
A Complex Electromagnetic Environment
Most cars, as well as other categories of vehicles nowadays, are built according to certain standards that require them to be equipped with electronic safety systems, as well as optional ones, such as multimedia systems. All these electronic components, along with their wiring, make up an electromagnetic environment in which it is strictly necessary for them to function without influencing each other.
The reverberation chamber is composed of both.
Testing Electromagnetic Equipment in a Faraday Cage
A Faraday cage is an enclosed space designed to protect from external electric and electromagnetic waves. It is equipped with a signal generator, amplifiers, antennas, and a reflector to help achieve a radiation volume. This setup differs from testing in anechoic and semi-anechoic chambers, where the device under test is only attacked from one direction on a single plane, requiring reorientation relative to the antenna. This significantly reduces testing time while maintaining the test severity.
Importance of Efficient Testing in Automotive Industry
The rapid integration of new technologies in the automotive industry into a single vehicle requires a comprehensive approach to ensure its proper functioning in terms of safety, driver comfort, and passenger comfort. Efficient testing of electromagnetic equipment means more time to ensure that the vehicle meets all standards and requirements.
Advancing the Future of Mobility
Ciprian Bleoju, the head of the Qualifications Laboratories department in Romania, stated that they are constantly working towards the future of mobility. In a specially designed room, electronic modules are tested for immunity to radiation, isolating them from external electromagnetic interference to ensure accurate results. This simulation creates a real-life environment to guarantee the quality and safety of the developed products.
Investments of Over 2.3 Billion Euros
From 1999 to 2023, Continental has invested over 2.3 billion euros in its activities in Romania. All three domains of the company’s operations are represented in the country, with five production units and four engineering centers in Timisoara, Sibiu, Carei, and Iasi. Additionally, Continental operates a tire distribution center in Bucharest. By the end of 2023, Continental employed over 20,300 people, with over a third of them being engineers and IT specialists, and the company plans to continue hiring in the future.
Expanding to Constanța
ROTSA, a leading organization representing the interests of technology startups in Romania, is excited to announce its expansion to Constanța. This move comes as part of the organization’s strategic plan to support and promote the growth of the tech startup ecosystem across the country.
The decision to expand to Constanța was made in response to the growing number of innovative tech startups in the city, as well as the increasing demand for support and resources in the region. By establishing a presence in Constanța, ROTSA aims to provide local startups with access to mentorship, networking opportunities, funding, and other resources needed to thrive and succeed in the competitive tech industry.
With its expansion to Constanța, ROTSA is committed to fostering collaboration and innovation within the local tech startup community, as well as strengthening the region’s position as a hub for technological advancement. The organization looks forward to working closely with startups, investors, and other stakeholders in Constanța to create a vibrant and successful tech ecosystem.
