EN 55013 CISPR 13

EN 55013 / CISPR 13

EN 55013 (CISPR 13) sets radio disturbance limits and measurement methods for sound and television broadcast receivers and associated equipment. This article explains its scope, measurement procedures, and Compatible Electronics' accredited testing services. Part of the Compatible Electronics Learning Center.

ⓘ Withdrawal notice: On March 5, 2017, the IEC officially withdrew CISPR 13 (along with CISPR 22). CISPR 32 (EN 55032) has replaced both standards. New product compliance submissions should be made against CISPR 32. Compatible Electronics maintains accreditation for legacy CISPR 13 versions to support re-testing of existing products and markets where the transition is still in progress.

What is EN 55013 / CISPR 13?

EN 55013 is the European harmonized edition of CISPR 13, published by CISPR (International Special Committee on Radio Interference). It specifies the radio disturbance limits and measurement methods for sound and television broadcast receivers and associated equipment — the audio/video products that receive broadcast signals in the frequency ranges used for AM, FM, DAB, and television broadcasting.

The standard is relevant because broadcast receivers and associated equipment (amplifiers, tuners, set-top boxes) contain local oscillators and other signal processing circuitry that can generate emissions, which may interfere with radio services if not adequately controlled. EN 55013 ensures that the product receiving broadcasts does not itself cause interference to those same services or others nearby.

Compatible Electronics is NVLAP-accredited for broadcast receiver testing and provides dedicated broadcast receiver (EN 55013) testing services.

Equipment Covered

CISPR 13 applies to equipment that receives broadcast transmissions, including:

AM and FM radio receivers (including internet radios and clock radios)
DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast) receivers
Analogue and digital television receivers (including integrated digital TVs)
Satellite receivers and set-top boxes
Cable receivers and set-top boxes
Associated equipment such as amplifiers, tuners, and AV receivers when used in broadcast reception systems

Note that multimedia equipment incorporating broadcast reception capabilities may fall under both CISPR 13 and CISPR 32 (EN 55032), which supersedes CISPR 13 for multimedia equipment.

Key Emission Parameters

Local Oscillator Radiation

Broadcast receivers use local oscillators (LOs) to tune to the desired channel. These oscillators can radiate directly from the antenna port or through the case. CISPR 13 sets strict limits on LO radiation, particularly at the antenna terminal, to prevent receivers from acting as unintentional transmitters and causing interference to nearby receivers.

Conducted Emissions — Mains Port

Disturbances injected back onto the mains supply from internal power supplies and signal processing circuitry are measured from 150 kHz to 30 MHz using a LISN. Limits align with those in other CISPR standards for the applicable product class.

Radiated Emissions

Broadband and narrowband radiated emissions are measured in a semi-anechoic chamber or on an OATS from 30 MHz upward. The limits protect adjacent channel radio services from interference caused by harmonics and spurious signals from the receiver's circuitry.

Standard Version	Locations Accredited
EN 55013 (2013)	Newbury Park
EN 55013 (2001) + A1 (2003) + A2 (2006)	Lake Forest/Silverado, Brea

Related Resources

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