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CAN CSA CEI IEC CISPR 13-09: Radio Disturbance Limits for Broadcast Receivers and Associated Equipment
Scope, Technical Requirements, and Compliance Pathways for the Canadian Adoption of CISPR 13:2009
The standard CAN CSA CEI IEC CISPR 13-09 is the Canadian adoption of the international CISPR 13:2009 standard, published by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) in both English and French (indicated by CEI for the French version). It specifies the limits and methods of measurement for radio disturbance (electromagnetic emissions) generated by sound and television broadcast receivers and associated equipment. This article provides an overview of the scope, technical requirements, implementation considerations, and compliance landscape for this standard, which has been a cornerstone for EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) certification of consumer broadcast equipment in Canada.
1. Scope and Application
CAN CSA CEI IEC CISPR 13-09 applies to the following types of equipment intended for use in residential, commercial, and light-industrial environments:
- Sound broadcast receivers (AM/FM, DAB, Internet radio tuners)
- Television broadcast receivers (analog and digital, including integrated digital TVs)
- Associated equipment such as set-top boxes, satellite receivers, video cassette recorders (VCRs), digital video recorders (DVRs), and multimedia streaming devices that include broadcast reception functionality
The standard covers conducted disturbance at the mains port in the frequency range 150 kHz to 30 MHz and radiated disturbance from the enclosure port in the frequency range 30 MHz to 1 GHz. It also addresses emissions from the antenna and other external ports. The purpose is to ensure that emissions from these devices do not exceed levels that could cause harmful interference to other radio services or equipment.
This standard harmonises with the international CISPR 13:2009 and replaces earlier Canadian editions, aligning Canada with global EMC requirements.
2. Technical Requirements and Emission Limits
The limits are defined for different receiver categories (sound receivers, TV receivers, and associated equipment) and for different ports. The most commonly referenced limits are for conducted emissions at the mains power port and radiated emissions from the enclosure.
2.1 Conducted Emission Limits (Mains Port)
Conducted disturbances are measured using a Line Impedance Stabilisation Network (LISN) and are expressed in dBµV. Limits are provided for both quasi-peak (QP) and average (AV) detectors. A general representation of the limits is shown in Table 1.
| Frequency Range | Quasi-Peak Limit (dBµV) | Average Limit (dBµV) |
|---|---|---|
| 150 kHz – 500 kHz | 66 – 56 (linear decrease) | 56 – 46 (linear decrease) |
| 500 kHz – 5 MHz | 56 | 46 |
| 5 MHz – 30 MHz | 60 | 50 |
Note: Exact limits may vary by receiver category; refer to the standard for the specific class of equipment.
2.2 Radiated Emission Limits (Enclosure Port)
Radiated emissions are measured at a specified distance (commonly 3 m or 10 m) in an open-area test site or anechoic chamber. Limits are given as electric field strength values (dBµV/m) for the frequency range 30 MHz to 1 GHz. Table 2 presents typical limit ranges for TV receivers.
| Frequency Range | Measurement Distance | Quasi-Peak Limit (dBµV/m) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 MHz – 230 MHz | 3 m | 30 – 37 (frequency-dependent) |
| 230 MHz – 1 GHz | 3 m | 37 – 43 (frequency-dependent) |
Broadcast receivers operating in different bands (e.g., VHF, UHF) have specific limit values that account for the local oscillator radiation and other spurious emissions. The standard also provides alternative limits for measurements at 10 m.
Tip: When testing for compliance, ensure that the measurement equipment (LISN, antenna, receiver) is calibrated according to CISPR 16-1-1 and that the test site fully meets the site attenuation requirements of CISPR 16-1-4.
3. Implementation and Measurement Methodology
Conducted disturbance measurements are taken at the mains power input of the device under test (DUT) while it is operating in a representative mode. Typical operating modes include standby, normal reception, and maximum audio/video output. For radiated measurements, the DUT is placed on a turntable and scanned with a polarised antenna at both horizontal and vertical orientations.
Key points for proper implementation:
- Test modes: The receiver should be tuned to a typical broadcast channel, with the antenna port terminated or connected to a matched dummy antenna.
- Port handling: For equipment with multiple external interfaces (e.g., USB, HDMI), each port must be tested for common-mode emissions if they are accessible during normal use.
- Associated equipment: Devices that are intended to be connected together (e.g., a TV and set-top box) should be tested as a combination, or the host device must provide sufficient attenuation to meet the limits.
Warning: A common non-compliance issue is high emissions from the local oscillator (typically in the 30–200 MHz range) due to insufficient filtering on the enclosure or mains cable. Proper shielding and decoupling are critical.
For radiated measurements, it is important to identify the closest emission peaks to the limits, as the quasi-peak detector has a charging time constant that emphasizes repetitive noise. Pre‑scanning with a peak detector followed by quasi-peak verification is a recommended practice.
4. Compliance Notes and Industry Impact
In Canada, compliance with CAN CSA CEI IEC CISPR 13-09 is a recognised means of demonstrating conformity with the EMC requirements of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), formerly Industry Canada. ISED’s RSS-310 and other regulatory documents reference the CISPR 13 limits for broadcast receiver equipment.
Manufacturers and importers can use test reports from accredited laboratories to support a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for equipment sold in Canada. Although the international CISPR 13:2009 has been superseded by CISPR 32 (which covers multimedia equipment), the 2009 version remains applicable for legacy product lines and is still referenced in certain regulatory contexts.
Compliance advantage: Early attention to PCB layout, clock harmonics, and power supply filtering can reduce the need for costly redesigns. Meeting the limits of CAN CSA CEI IEC CISPR 13-09 also significantly improves product compatibility with other electronic systems in the home.
Risk: Non‑compliant products can cause harmful interference to licensed radio services (e.g., FM/TV broadcast, aeronautical communications) and may be subject to market withdrawal, fines, or corrective actions by ISED.
The standard does not cover emission limits for remote control transmitters, cordless telephones, or wireless networking devices inside the broadcast receiver (those are covered by other standards such as CAN CSA CEI IEC CISPR 22 or CISPR 32).
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of equipment fall under CAN CSA CEI IEC CISPR 13-09?
A: It covers sound and television broadcast receivers (including tuners, satellite receivers, set‑top boxes) and other devices whose primary function is terrestrial or satellite broadcast reception. Products that include multimedia functions may instead be covered by CISPR 32; check the latest regulatory requirements.
A: It covers sound and television broadcast receivers (including tuners, satellite receivers, set‑top boxes) and other devices whose primary function is terrestrial or satellite broadcast reception. Products that include multimedia functions may instead be covered by CISPR 32; check the latest regulatory requirements.
Q: Are conducted emission limits the same for all broadcast receivers?
A: The standard defines different limit lines for sound receivers, TV receivers, and associated equipment. For example, TV receivers may have slightly relaxed limits at certain frequencies compared to sound-only units. Always consult the standard for the specific category of your product.
A: The standard defines different limit lines for sound receivers, TV receivers, and associated equipment. For example, TV receivers may have slightly relaxed limits at certain frequencies compared to sound-only units. Always consult the standard for the specific category of your product.
Q: Is CAN CSA CEI IEC CISPR 13-09 still valid for new products?
A: The international CISPR 13 was formally withdrawn and replaced by CISPR 32 (for multimedia equipment) and CISPR 35 (immunity). However, the Canadian adoption (2009 edition) is still accepted by ISED for products manufactured according to its requirements, subject to any transition periods. It is recommended to verify the current regulatory status with ISED or a qualified testing laboratory.
A: The international CISPR 13 was formally withdrawn and replaced by CISPR 32 (for multimedia equipment) and CISPR 35 (immunity). However, the Canadian adoption (2009 edition) is still accepted by ISED for products manufactured according to its requirements, subject to any transition periods. It is recommended to verify the current regulatory status with ISED or a qualified testing laboratory.
Q: What is the difference between the quasi-peak and average limit?
A: The quasi-peak detector weighs impulsive disturbances more heavily; the average detector provides a truer measure of continuous noise. Both limits must be satisfied. In most cases, if the quasi-peak limit is met, the average limit is automatically satisfied, but there are exceptions for certain noise patterns.
A: The quasi-peak detector weighs impulsive disturbances more heavily; the average detector provides a truer measure of continuous noise. Both limits must be satisfied. In most cases, if the quasi-peak limit is met, the average limit is automatically satisfied, but there are exceptions for certain noise patterns.
© 2026. This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute the official standard document or accredited legal advice. Always consult the latest edition of CAN CSA CEI IEC CISPR 13-09 and applicable Canadian regulations.