UNECE
UNECE Regulation No. 10
UN Regulation No. 10 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
UNECE R10.06 establishes electromagnetic compatibility requirements for complete vehicles and automotive electrical/electronic sub-assemblies. It covers radiated emissions, radiated immunity, conducted transients, and additional conducted emission and immunity tests for vehicles and ESAs connected to the power grid for rechargeable energy storage system (REESS) charging.
Scope
UNECE Regulation No. 10, 06 Series of Amendments (R10.06) establishes electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for vehicles and electrical/electronic sub-assemblies (ESAs) intended for installation in vehicles.
The regulation addresses two fundamental EMC objectives: limiting unwanted electromagnetic emissions that may interfere with nearby equipment and ensuring immunity of vehicle functions to electromagnetic disturbances.
Vehicle Categories
The regulation covers vehicles in categories L, M, N, O, T, R and S, including applicable motorcycles, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, trailers, agricultural vehicles and related equipment.
EMC Requirements Covered
Radiated Emissions: Control of broadband and narrowband electromagnetic disturbances generated by complete vehicles and ESAs.
Radiated Immunity: Verification that immunity-related vehicle functions operate correctly when exposed to specified radio-frequency electromagnetic fields.
Conducted Transients: Evaluation of transient emissions and immunity on 12 V and 24 V ESA supply lines using ISO 7637-2 methods.
Electric Vehicle Charging: Additional requirements for radiated and conducted emissions, harmonics, voltage fluctuations, and immunity when the rechargeable energy storage system (REESS) is charged through a connection to the power grid.
Type Approval: Requirements for approval applications, representative samples, approval markings, conformity of production and modifications to approved vehicles or ESAs.
Important: The applicable test program depends on whether the equipment is a complete vehicle or an ESA, whether it performs immunity-related functions, and whether it operates in REESS charging mode coupled to the power grid.
Reference: UNECE R10.06, Clauses 1, 2, 6 and 7.
Applicable Products and Devices
UNECE R10.06 applies to complete vehicles and qualifying electrical/electronic sub-assemblies (ESAs). An ESA is an electrical or electronic device, or combination of devices, intended to form part of a vehicle and perform one or more specialized functions.
Complete Vehicles
Passenger and Commercial Vehicles: Passenger cars, trucks, buses and other applicable vehicles containing electronic control, communication, safety and propulsion systems.
Motorcycles and Other L-Category Vehicles: Applicable motorcycles, mopeds and other vehicles within the relevant L categories.
Agricultural and Related Vehicles: Tractors, trailers and interchangeable towed equipment within the applicable vehicle categories.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Vehicles containing electric propulsion systems, traction batteries, inverters, onboard chargers and associated control electronics.
Electrical/Electronic Sub-Assemblies
Electronic Control Units: Engine controllers, body controllers, transmission controllers and other automotive electronic modules.
Safety-Related Electronics: Electronic braking, steering, restraint, driver assistance and vehicle safety systems.
Communication and Display Systems: Instrument clusters, vehicle network modules, electronic displays, telematics and communication equipment.
Electric Propulsion Electronics: Inverters, motor controllers, battery management electronics and charging-related ESAs.
Lighting and Accessories: Electronic lighting controllers and other vehicle accessories, subject to the regulation’s ESA applicability criteria.
When Is Separate ESA Approval Required?
Not every electronic component requires separate type approval. Paragraph 3.2.1 provides a classification procedure considering whether the device is passive, its intended installation, whether operation is restricted to an immobilized vehicle, its connection to the vehicle wiring harness and whether it provides an REESS charging coupling system.
OEM Spare Parts: An identical replacement part from the same manufacturer, identified as the corresponding OEM spare part for an approved vehicle, may qualify for the exemption specified in paragraph 3.2.8.
Aftermarket Equipment: Certain aftermarket ESAs not associated with immunity-related functions may be exempt from separate type approval, provided the manufacturer’s declaration and applicable EMC requirements are satisfied under paragraph 3.2.9.
Important: A product’s installation and intended function must be evaluated against the ESA classification procedure before determining whether independent UNECE R10 approval is necessary.
Reference: UNECE R10.06, Clauses 2.8, 2.12 and 3.2.
Markets and Regulatory Context
UNECE R10 establishes requirements for vehicle and ESA electromagnetic compatibility type approval under the United Nations 1958 Agreement framework. Approval is granted by the relevant Type Approval Authority based on the applicable technical requirements and approval documentation.
Vehicle Type Approval
Complete Vehicle Testing: A representative vehicle may be tested directly against the applicable requirements in Clauses 6 and 7. Under this approval route, separate testing of every installed ESA is not required.
Approval Using Individual ESAs: The manufacturer may demonstrate that relevant electrical/electronic systems or ESAs have been approved and installed according to their approval conditions.
Representative Vehicle Selection: The manufacturer must document relevant electrical systems, wiring arrangements, body materials, engine variants and other configurations. The representative vehicle is selected in agreement with the Type Approval Authority.
ESA Type Approval
An ESA may receive component approval for installation in applicable vehicle types or separate technical unit approval for specified vehicle types.
The approval application must identify the manufacturer, ESA type, intended function, relevant electrical characteristics and any installation restrictions.
E-Mark Approval
Approved vehicles and ESAs receive an approval number and the applicable E-mark, consisting of the letter E within a circle, the country identifier, the regulation number and the approval number.
06 Series Identification: The first two digits of the approval number identify the applicable series of amendments.
Important: An EMC test report is not itself an E-mark type approval. Approval is issued through the designated Type Approval Authority, using the applicable approval procedure and supporting documentation.
Production and Design Changes
Conformity of Production: Manufactured vehicles and ESAs must remain consistent with the approved type and applicable EMC requirements.
Approval Extensions: Changes to wiring, electronic systems, enclosure construction, operating functions or installation conditions may require review and extension of the existing approval.
Reference: UNECE R10.06, Clauses 3–5 and 8–13; Annexes 1–3.
Principal Tests and Requirements
The required UNECE R10.06 test program depends on the product category and operating configuration. The regulation distinguishes between complete vehicles, electrical/electronic sub-assemblies (ESAs), and equipment operating in REESS charging mode coupled to the power grid.
Complete Vehicle EMC Testing
Broadband Radiated Emissions – Annex 4: Measurement of broadband disturbances from the complete vehicle over 30–1,000 MHz.
Narrowband Radiated Emissions – Annex 5: Measurement of narrowband disturbances generated by vehicle electronic systems over 30–1,000 MHz.
Radiated RF Immunity – Annex 6: Exposure of the vehicle to electromagnetic fields over 20–2,000 MHz while monitoring immunity-related functions.
Important: Under Clause 6.1.1.1, complete vehicles tested outside grid-connected REESS charging mode do not require conducted emission or conducted immunity tests for vehicle type approval.
ESA EMC Testing
Broadband Radiated Emissions – Annex 7: Measurement of broadband disturbances generated by the ESA over 30–1,000 MHz.
Narrowband Radiated Emissions – Annex 8: Measurement of narrowband disturbances from ESA electronic circuitry over 30–1,000 MHz.
Radiated RF Immunity – Annex 9: Evaluation using an applicable stripline, TEM cell, bulk current injection (BCI), or free-field method.
Transient Conducted Emissions – Annex 10: Measurement of switching-related transients generated by ESAs on 12 V and 24 V supply lines according to ISO 7637-2.
Transient Conducted Immunity – Annex 10: Application of ISO 7637-2 test pulses to evaluate ESA functional performance during electrical transients.
Additional Tests for Grid-Connected REESS Charging
Radiated Emissions and Immunity: Applicable vehicle or ESA radiated EMC assessments during the charging configuration.
AC Harmonic Current Emissions – Annexes 11 and 17: Evaluation using the applicable IEC 61000-3-2 or IEC 61000-3-12 requirements.
Voltage Fluctuations and Flicker – Annexes 12 and 18: Assessment using IEC 61000-3-3 or IEC 61000-3-11 requirements.
Conducted RF Emissions – Annexes 13 and 19: Measurements on AC and DC charging power connections from 150 kHz to 30 MHz.
Wired Network Conducted Emissions – Annexes 14 and 20: Measurements on applicable wired network connections from 150 kHz to 30 MHz.
Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Immunity – Annexes 15 and 21: Immunity assessment of AC and DC power connections.
Surge Immunity – Annexes 16 and 22: Immunity assessment against specified surge disturbances on AC and DC power connections.
Test Planning: Before testing, the Technical Service and manufacturer must establish the operating modes, stimulated functions, monitored functions, acceptance criteria and intended emissions.
Reference: UNECE R10.06, Clauses 6 and 7; Annexes 4–22.
Frequency Ranges and Test Levels
UNECE R10.06 specifies different measurement ranges and test levels for complete vehicles and ESAs. Radiated emission limits, RF immunity levels, and conducted transient requirements must be evaluated separately.
Principal Test Parameters
| Test | Frequency or Test Level | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle radiated emissions | 30–1,000 MHz | Annexes 4, 5 |
| ESA radiated emissions | 30–1,000 MHz | Annexes 7, 8 |
| Vehicle RF immunity | 20–2,000 MHz; 30 V/m rms in over 90% of band, minimum 25 V/m rms throughout | Annex 6 |
| ESA free-field immunity | 30 V/m rms in over 90% of band, minimum 25 V/m rms throughout | Annex 9 |
| ESA BCI immunity | 60 mA rms in over 90% of band, minimum 50 mA rms throughout | Annex 9 |
| 12/24 V transient testing | ISO 7637-2 pulses | Annex 10 |
| Charging conducted RF emissions | 0.15–30 MHz | Annexes 13, 14, 19, 20 |
ESA Radiated Immunity Methods
Paragraph 6.8.2.1 specifies the following test levels for the available ESA immunity methods:
| Method | Level Over More Than 90% of Band | Minimum Throughout Band |
|---|---|---|
| 150 mm stripline | 60 V/m rms | 50 V/m rms |
| 800 mm stripline | 15 V/m rms | 12.5 V/m rms |
| TEM cell | 75 V/m rms | 62.5 V/m rms |
| Bulk current injection | 60 mA rms | 50 mA rms |
| Free-field | 30 V/m rms | 25 V/m rms |
Frequency Range: The applicable RF immunity requirements cover 20–2,000 MHz, with the detailed application of each method governed by Annex 9.
Important: The 90% provision does not permit testing only 90% of the frequency range. It defines the required field or current level across the tested band, including the specified minimum level throughout.
ESA Transient Immunity – ISO 7637-2
| Pulse | Immunity Level | Functional Status: Immunity-Related | Other Functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | III | C | D |
| 2a | III | B | D |
| 2b | III | C | D |
| 3a / 3b | III | A | D |
| 4 | III | B, or C under the specified engine-start exception | D |
Functional Status A: The function performs as designed during and after exposure.
Functional Status B: The function operates during exposure but may temporarily deviate within the applicable functional performance definition; normal operation returns after exposure.
Functional Status C: Temporary loss or degradation may occur during exposure, with automatic recovery after exposure.
Functional Status D: Temporary loss or degradation may occur, with recovery requiring a simple operator action or system reset.
Note: The status descriptions summarize the ISO 7637-2 functional classification concept. The binding pulse-specific requirements are those stated in UNECE R10.06 Table 2 and the referenced test method.
Transient Emission Limits
For ESA transient emissions on 12 V and 24 V supply lines, paragraph 6.7 specifies the following maximum pulse amplitudes:
| Pulse Polarity | 12 V System | 24 V System |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | +75 V | +150 V |
| Negative | -100 V | -450 V |
Reference: UNECE R10.06, paragraphs 6.4, 6.7–6.9, Tables 1 and 2, and Annexes 6, 9 and 10.
Limit Overview
UNECE R10.06 specifies separate broadband and narrowband radiated emission limits for complete vehicles and ESAs. Additional limits apply to conducted disturbances, harmonic currents and voltage fluctuations when a vehicle or ESA operates in REESS charging mode coupled to the power grid.
Complete Vehicle Broadband Radiated Emission Limits
| Frequency | 10 m Limit | 3 m Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 30–75 MHz | 32 dB(uV/m) | 42 dB(uV/m) |
| 75–400 MHz | 32–43 dB(uV/m), logarithmically increasing | 42–53 dB(uV/m), logarithmically increasing |
| 400–1,000 MHz | 43 dB(uV/m) | 53 dB(uV/m) |
Measurement Distances: 10.0 m with a tolerance of +0.2 / -0.2 m, or 3.0 m with a tolerance of +0.05 / -0.05 m.
Reference: Paragraph 6.2.2 and Appendices 2–3.
Complete Vehicle Narrowband Radiated Emission Limits
| Frequency | 10 m Limit | 3 m Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 30–230 MHz | 28 dB(uV/m) | 38 dB(uV/m) |
| 230–1,000 MHz | 35 dB(uV/m) | 45 dB(uV/m) |
Alternative Compliance Provision: Under paragraph 6.3.2.4, a vehicle may be deemed to comply with the narrowband requirements if the specified initial measurement at the vehicle broadcast radio antenna is below 20 dB(uV) from 76–108 MHz, using an average detector.
ESA Radiated Emission Limits
| Frequency | Broadband Limit | Narrowband Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 30–75 MHz | 62–52 dB(uV/m), logarithmically decreasing | 52–42 dB(uV/m), logarithmically decreasing |
| 75–400 MHz | 52–63 dB(uV/m), logarithmically increasing | 42–53 dB(uV/m), logarithmically increasing |
| 400–1,000 MHz | 63 dB(uV/m) | 53 dB(uV/m) |
Reference: Paragraphs 6.5 and 6.6, Appendices 6 and 7. ESA limits apply to the specified Annex 7 and Annex 8 measurement configurations, not to complete-vehicle antenna distances.
Conducted RF Emissions During REESS Charging
The following limits apply to the specified charging configurations of vehicles and ESAs.
AC Power Connections – 150 kHz to 30 MHz:
| Frequency | Quasi-Peak | Average |
|---|---|---|
| 0.15–0.5 MHz | 66–56 dB(uV) | 56–46 dB(uV) |
| 0.5–5 MHz | 56 dB(uV) | 46 dB(uV) |
| 5–30 MHz | 60 dB(uV) | 50 dB(uV) |
DC Charging Connections – 150 kHz to 30 MHz:
| Frequency | Quasi-Peak | Average |
|---|---|---|
| 0.15–0.5 MHz | 79 dB(uV) | 66 dB(uV) |
| 0.5–30 MHz | 73 dB(uV) | 60 dB(uV) |
Wired Network Connections: From 0.15–0.5 MHz, the quasi-peak voltage limit decreases from 84 to 74 dB(uV), and the average voltage limit decreases from 74 to 64 dB(uV). From 0.5–30 MHz, the limits are 74 dB(uV) quasi-peak and 64 dB(uV) average. Corresponding current limits are also specified.
Reference: Clauses 7.5, 7.6, 7.13 and 7.14; Tables 7–9 and 14–16.
AC Harmonic Current Emissions
For AC charging input current up to 16 A per phase, the regulation specifies harmonic current limits based on IEC 61000-3-2. Selected numerical limits are:
| Harmonic Order | Maximum Current |
|---|---|
| 3rd | 2.30 A |
| 5th | 1.14 A |
| 7th | 0.77 A |
| 9th | 0.40 A |
| 11th | 0.33 A |
| 13th | 0.21 A |
For input current greater than 16 A and up to 75 A per phase, the regulation applies IEC 61000-3-12 limits, including harmonic current ratios, total harmonic distortion and partial weighted harmonic distortion according to the applicable equipment configuration and short-circuit ratio.
Voltage Fluctuations and Flicker
For the applicable AC charging configurations, the regulation specifies:
Short-Term Flicker (Pst): Maximum 1.0.
Long-Term Flicker (Plt): Maximum 0.65.
Steady-State Relative Voltage Change: Maximum 3.3%.
Maximum Relative Voltage Change: 6%.
Voltage Change Duration: A relative voltage change exceeding 3.3% must not persist for more than 500 ms.
Reference: Clauses 7.3, 7.4, 7.11 and 7.12.
Equipment Configuration and Operating Modes
UNECE R10.06 requires representative test configurations and clearly defined operating conditions. Test setup, cable routing, grounding, power supply, functional monitoring and charging configuration directly affect EMC results and the validity of type approval testing.
Vehicle Test Configuration
Representative Vehicle: The selected vehicle must represent the electrical/electronic systems and configurations intended for production.
Operating Conditions: Vehicle systems must be operated according to the relevant annex and approved test plan, including the specified propulsion and electrical operating conditions.
Radiated Emissions: Broadband and narrowband disturbances are measured according to Annexes 4 and 5, including the applicable vehicle orientation, antenna arrangement, measurement distance and detector settings.
Radiated Immunity: Immunity-related functions are monitored during exposure according to Annex 6. The test must establish whether electromagnetic disturbances cause unacceptable changes in vehicle behavior.
ESA Test Configuration
Harness and Power Supply: The ESA must be connected to representative wiring, supply arrangements and associated equipment according to the applicable annex.
Grounding and Bonding: The installation must reproduce the required grounding and electrical connections, including the specified test ground plane and associated networks where applicable.
Operating Modes: The test plan must identify the functions activated during testing and the functions monitored for degradation.
Radiated Immunity: The applicable method is selected from Annex 9, taking account of the ESA configuration and test requirements.
Transient Immunity: ISO 7637-2 pulses are applied using the relevant Annex 10 configuration. Functional status is evaluated against the specified acceptance criteria.
EV Charging Test Configuration
Charging Modes: UNECE R10.06 identifies charging Modes 1, 2, 3 and 4. The applicable configuration depends on the vehicle charging interface and connection to the power grid.
AC Charging: AC mains connections use the specified 50 uH / 50 ohm artificial mains network (AMN).
DC Charging: DC charging connections use the specified 5 uH / 50 ohm DC charging artificial network.
High-Voltage ESA Supply: The specified 5 uH / 50 ohm high-voltage artificial network is used for the applicable ESA power connection.
Charging Harness: The vehicle should be tested using the charging harness supplied by the manufacturer, with the associated approval conditions addressed.
Communication Connections: Applicable signal/control and wired network ports must be configured using the required networks and ancillary equipment.
Charging-Mode Immunity Requirements
Electrical Fast Transient/Burst: AC and DC charging power connections are tested at +2 / -2 kV, with 5 ns rise time, 50 ns pulse duration, 5 kHz repetition frequency and at least 1 minute of exposure, as specified in Clause 7.8.
AC Surge: +2 / -2 kV line-to-earth and +1 / -1 kV line-to-line using the specified 1.2/50 us surge waveform. The required applications include phase angles of 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees.
DC Surge: +0.5 / -0.5 kV line-to-earth and +0.5 / -0.5 kV line-to-line using the specified 1.2/50 us surge waveform.
Important: Charging-related immunity testing must verify that immunity-related functions are not degraded. The regulation identifies unexpected vehicle motion and incorrect charging conditions among the relevant functional risks.
Acceptance Criteria and Exceptions
Emission Compliance: Measured emission levels must remain below the applicable type approval limits.
Immunity Compliance: Immunity-related functions must not exhibit unacceptable degradation during the specified tests.
No Immunity-Related Functions: Under the exceptions in Clause 6.10, qualifying vehicles or ESAs without immunity-related functions may be deemed compliant with the corresponding radiated immunity requirements without testing.
Narrowband Emission Exception: Equipment without an electronic oscillator operating above 9 kHz may qualify for the narrowband emission exemption specified in paragraph 6.10.1.
ESD: Paragraph 6.10.4 does not require a separate vehicle electrostatic discharge type approval test under the conditions described in the regulation.
RF Transmitters: Intentional transmitters are evaluated in transmit mode. The regulation distinguishes wanted emissions, out-of-band emissions and spurious emissions when determining applicable EMC requirements.
Reference: UNECE R10.06, Clauses 6.10 and 7; Annexes 4–22.
Engineering and Pre-Compliance Guidance
UNECE R10 compliance can be affected by the interaction of electronic modules, vehicle wiring, grounding, propulsion systems and charging interfaces. Understanding the physical source of electromagnetic disturbances is essential for efficient troubleshooting and corrective action.
Radiated Emission Failures
Switching Power Supplies: DC/DC converters and electronic power supplies can generate switching harmonics that propagate through supply cables and vehicle wiring.
Motor Drives and Inverters: High-speed semiconductor switching can generate common-mode currents on power cables, motor connections and shielding structures.
Digital Electronics: Microcontrollers, communication interfaces, clock circuits and high-speed digital signals can generate narrowband emissions and harmonics.
Wiring Harness Radiation: Common-mode currents can turn vehicle wiring into an effective radiating structure, particularly when grounding and shielding are inadequate.
Radiated Immunity Failures
Control System Susceptibility: RF disturbances can affect control electronics, sensor inputs and actuator commands.
Communication Errors: Electromagnetic coupling into vehicle communication wiring can cause data errors, loss of communication or interruption of monitored functions.
Sensor and Signal Integrity: High-impedance sensor circuits and insufficiently filtered interfaces can be sensitive to RF-induced voltages.
Shielding and Grounding: Inadequate enclosure bonding, cable shielding or connector termination can reduce immunity performance.
Conducted Transient Failures
Inductive Load Switching: Relays, solenoids and motors can generate voltage transients on 12 V and 24 V power lines.
Supply Voltage Disturbances: Transient events can cause unintended resets, communication interruptions and temporary loss of electronic functions.
Insufficient Protection: Inadequate transient suppression, filtering or power supply design can lead to ISO 7637-2 immunity failures.
EV Charging EMC Challenges
Onboard Charger Emissions: Switching converters and power-factor correction circuits can produce conducted RF disturbances and harmonic currents.
Charging Cable Coupling: Charging cables can provide a path for common-mode currents and electromagnetic interference.
Communication Interface Susceptibility: Control pilot, charging communication and wired network interfaces may be affected by RF disturbances or electrical transients.
Surge and EFT Immunity: Charging interfaces must withstand the applicable electrical disturbances while maintaining the required vehicle and charging functions.
Recommended EMC Troubleshooting Approach
1. Identify the Failure: Determine the affected frequency, emission type, operating mode or immunity-related function.
2. Isolate the Source: Use controlled operating conditions, near-field measurements, current probes and subsystem investigation to identify the dominant coupling path.
3. Evaluate Corrective Actions: Investigate filtering, grounding, cable routing, shielding, transient suppression and enclosure bonding.
4. Verify Performance: Repeat the applicable measurements using the required test configuration and operating conditions.
5. Document Changes: Record design modifications and evaluate whether they affect the approved vehicle or ESA type.
Engineering Consideration: Component-level EMC performance does not automatically guarantee complete-vehicle EMC performance. Installation conditions, wiring arrangements and interaction between vehicle systems can change the measured emission and immunity characteristics.
Reference: UNECE R10.06, Clauses 2, 6–9 and Annexes 4–22.
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