An introduction to generic standards

In the absence of an appropriate product or family standard, generic standards can be applied to show compliance.

With the constant development of products and devices, new and emerging technologies often outpace standards development. Generic standards are used as a stop-gap measure when no other product standards exist.

Generic standards are designed around particular EMC environments and are sometimes referred to as product environment standards. These standards take into consideration the proximity of broadcast receivers, and the expected electromagnetic phenomenon that could reasonably be expected within a particular environment. In some cases generic standards may be perfectly adequate for use with certain products, thus relieving product committees of the need to develop new standards.

The generic standard contain test limits, application and applicability of the given test, but the methods for performing a particular test are usualy found within other standards such as basic standards.