IEEE Std 1688-2015 PDF

Full title and description

IEEE Standard Requirements for the Control of Electromagnetic Interference Characteristics of Replaceable Electronic Modules — defines electromagnetic performance requirements, limits and test methods for removable/replaceable electronic circuit modules (REMs) that plug into equipment racks or frames and draw power from backplane sources; requirements and methods are adapted from MIL‑STD‑461E to reduce REM EMI risk prior to system integration.

Abstract

This standard specifies conducted and radiated emission and susceptibility requirements, test arrangements and documentation for replaceable electronic modules (REMs). It addresses EMI control at the module level (edge connector/backplane interfaces and backplane‑derived power) to mitigate integration risks when modules are installed into target systems. The standard adapts system/equipment‑level controls from MIL‑STD‑461E for the REM form factor.

General information

• Status: Active Standard.
• Publication date: Board approval: June 11, 2015; Published: September 30, 2016 (designation IEEE Std 1688-2015).
• Publisher: IEEE (IEEE Standards Association / Electromagnetic Compatibility Society).
• ICS / categories: 33.100 — Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
• Edition / version: IEEE Std 1688-2015 (approved 2015).
• Number of pages: Approximately 171 pages (published PDF length reported by standards distributors).

Scope

Specifies EMI performance requirements, limits and test methods for replaceable electronic modules that plug into equipment racks or frames with edge connector/backplane interconnections and backplane‑derived power. The scope is focused on module‑level controls to reduce EMI risk before modules are integrated into larger assemblies or systems; it tailors system/equipment level MIL‑STD‑461E concepts to the REM form factor.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and classification of Replaceable Electronic Modules (REMs) and typical module interfaces (edge connectors, backplanes).
• Conducted emissions and conducted susceptibility limits for module power and signal interfaces.
• Radiated emissions and radiated immunity test methods and limits appropriate to REMs (test setups adapted from system/equipment EMI practice).
• Test arrangements, measurement distances, instrumentation and reporting requirements for REM qualification.
• Application of MIL‑STD‑461E concepts and selective tailoring to module‑level testing to reduce integration risk.
• Guidance on documentation, marking and vendor test data to support system integrators and procurement.

Typical use and users

Used by EMC engineers, hardware/module designers, test laboratories, system integrators and procurement/specification teams (defense, avionics, telecom, industrial control and other sectors using modular rack systems) to qualify REMs for electromagnetic compatibility prior to system integration. It is particularly relevant where modules will be field‑replaceable and must meet predictable EMI behavior when mated to a backplane.

Related standards

Closely related to MIL‑STD‑461 (requirements for control of EMI at subsystem/equipment level) — the REM standard adapts MIL‑STD‑461E concepts; also used alongside international EMC standards such as the IEC 61000 family (emission and immunity test methods and general EMC methodology). Test labs commonly reference both IEEE 1688 and applicable IEC/MIL standards when developing test programs.

Keywords

Replaceable Electronic Module (REM), electromagnetic interference (EMI), electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), conducted emissions, radiated emissions, immunity, MIL‑STD‑461E, backplane, edge connector, module qualification, test methods.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEEE Std 1688-2015 is a standard that defines EMI/EMC requirements and test methods specifically for replaceable electronic modules (REMs) that plug into racks or frames and draw power from backplanes.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers conducted and radiated emission and susceptibility limits, recommended test arrangements and reporting for REMs, and adapts MIL‑STD‑461E system/equipment EMI controls to the module level.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: EMC engineers, module and system designers, test laboratories, system integrators and procurement/specification writers in industries that use modular rack/backplane architectures (including defense, aerospace, telecom and industrial systems).

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As published by IEEE, IEEE 1688-2015 is listed as an Active Standard (board approval in 2015; published September 30, 2016). Users should check IEEE Standards documentation for any amendments, corrigenda or revisions beyond the 2015 designation.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone IEEE standard focused on REM EMI requirements but is part of the broader ecosystem of EMC standards (MIL‑STD‑461 for defense equipment and the IEC 61000 family for international EMC test methods and guidance).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: REM, EMI, EMC, conducted emissions, radiated emissions, immunity, backplane, edge connector, MIL‑STD‑461E, module qualification.