EMC Verification of Ultra-Low Emission Radio-Astronomy Systems for SKA

RISE has developed advanced, instrument-specific processing software to test electromagnetic emissions (EMC) from the highly sensitive radio receivers and other electronic systems used in the SKAO project. The goal has been to create traceable test methods capable of detecting extremely weak emissions from electronic equipment, emissions that potentially might interfere with the very low-level signals captured by radio astronomy.

Being recognized as an SKAO-approved test facility marks a significant milestone for RISE. This status enables the institute to support a wide range of suppliers in meeting the strict emission requirements set by the SKAO. To further strengthen this relationship, RISE has also signed a formal collaboration agreement with the SKA Observatory. Through this partnership, RISE contributes to pioneering scientific and technical efforts driving the future of radio astronomy and advancing our understanding of the Universe.

The test methods were developed in close collaboration with SKAO and the Onsala Space Observatory at Chalmers University of Technology. Meeting the SKAO’s exceptionally stringent emission thresholds posed significant challenges, requiring the detection and verification of emissions at extremely low levels. Despite these demands, RISE’s research team has succeeded in developing a robust and effective methodology that meets the observatory's exacting standards.