Philips opens in-house test laboratory in Best
BEST- October 10 2023- Philips opened a new in-house state-of-the-art test laboratory today, dedicated to measuring electromagnetic radiation emitted by medical devices. The lab marks a significant step in accelerating the development of medical technology and enhancing electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing. Given the growing presence of electronic equipment in hospitals, it is essential that equipment neither interferes with other sensitive devices nor becomes susceptible to interference itself. The establishment of this lab follows rigorous testing and certification by CSA and The Dutch Accreditation Council.
With the opening of this lab in Best, Philips is expanding its testing capabilities. The lab is part of a global network of Philips facilities committed to ensuring that medical equipment is tested faster and better for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC). Recently, Philips opened a similar test laboratory in Suzhou, China. Compliance with EMC guidelines is mandatory for marketing medical equipment, and these tests are subject to independent oversight by external certifying bodies.
Mitigating interferences
Electromagnetic radiation is a collective term used for a broad spectrum of radiation, including natural radiation. Electronics can be sensitive to radiation. It is imperative that radiation from other devices does not affect the imaging quality of, for example, an X-ray system or MRI scan. Previously Philips performed these tests through external partners. “We were reliant on the availability of external parties to perform these tests,” says Bert van Meurs, Chief Business Leader Image Guided Therapy and Precision Diagnosis at Philips. “With the establishment of this lab, we now have both testing and development in-house, enabling us to ensure our equipment is elevated to the highest standards faster. This is important for patient safety and innovation. In doing so, we not only test according to current standards, but also take future developments into account.”
State-of-the-art lab
Spanning 1,300 square meters, the new test lab in Best consists of four parts. There are two so-called “Semi Anechoic Chambers” (SAC). These are fully sealed test rooms safeguarding measurements from external interference. The larger SAC room of the two is equipped with the cutting edge technology, such as high-speed fiber optic infrastructure, lead shielding in the walls and an automatic rotation platform. It also includes an air-driven “hoover” transport system preventing damage to large heavy equipment during transport.
Faraday chambers
Opposite the SAC, are two ‘Faraday chambers’ lined on the outside with lead shielding. These chambers facilitate the measurement of the effect pieces of equipment have on each other and on adjacent rooms. The measurements in the adjacent room will show how the quality of the medical imaging is affected. When necessary, product designs are adjusted accordingly. The Faraday test chambers form the foundation for further knowledge building within Philips. “This investment aligns with our commitment to quality and patient safety. The lab will be the foundation for EMC knowledge development within Philips. We are proud to take a leading role in these commitment from the Best Campus and offer an inspiring place to work for our experts,” says Sofie van den Brandt, Site Leader of the Best Campus.
Investing in innovation
This investment in testing capacity in Best demonstrates our commitment to being at the forefront of patient safety, quality and innovation. The Best Campus is Philips’ largest manufacturing and innovation site worldwide. Together with the High Tech Campus, the campus forms Philips’ largest innovation hub. Around 40 percent of Philips’ global research and development investments are deployed here to further develop medical technology.