Modicon M580 dPAC Immunity to Radio Frequency

[Eyanto]

Hi all, need clarification on M580 dPAC immunity to radio frequency.

We are working on a project using M580 dPAC components as listed: -

• BMED581020 - M580 CPU Level 1
• BMEXBP1200 - PLC 12 slots Ethernet backplane
• BMXCPS3500 - X80 AC Power Supply Module, 100…240 V AC, 36W
• BMXDDI3202K - X80 Digital Input Module, 32 channels, 24 V DC, Positive (sink)
• BMXDDO3202K - X80 Digital Output Module, 32 channels, 24 V DC, Positive

During the radio frequency interference (RFI) test conducted with a walkie-talkie in close proximity and the panel door open, the controller unexpectedly rebooted when the walkie-talkie was transmitting. In contrast, no abnormal behavior was observed during radio reception.

We are using Mototrbo XiR P6600i, NKP model. It supports bands and frequencies as listed: -

• Band: VHF, Freq: 136 - 174 MHz
• Band: 350, Freq: 350 - 400 MHz
• Band: UHF, Freq: 403 - 527 MHz

With reference Modicon M580, M340 and X80 I/O Platforms Standards and Certifications document no. EIO0000002726.05 11/2023, stated on radio frequency electromagnetic field tests, the standards and levels. Kindly refer to the extracted relevant pages from the document. 

Could it be due to insufficient shielding or grounding? Kindly share your experience on how to overcome this situation. Thanks a lot.

[YONGHO-KIM]

1. Refer to the datasheet of Mototrbo XiR P6600i, NKP model.
This radio operates in VHF (136–174 MHz) and UHF (350–400 MHz, 403–527 MHz) bands with a maximum transmit power of 5 W.

2. The estimated electric field (E-field) for Mototrbo XiR P6600i, NKP model was calculated using the free-space approximation formula:
E = √(30 × P) / r.

Output power (W)	Distance (m)	Estimated E-field (V/m)
5	0.5	24.5
1	0.5	10.95

3. Modicon M580 guarantees immunity up to 10 V/m according to IEC 61000-4-3.
Therefore, the E-field generated by a 5 W transmitter at close range significantly exceeds the guaranteed immunity level, which explains the observed controller reboot during the test.

Item	Modicon M580 Guaranteed Immunity (IEC 61000-4-3)	Actual Test Conditions	Estimated E-field (V/m)
Frequency Range	80 MHz ~ 1 GHz	136–174 MHz (VHF), 350–400 MHz, 403–527 MHz (UHF)	-
Immunity Level	10 V/m (Level 3)	Walkie-talkie transmitting, panel door open	24.5 (5 W, 0.5 m); 10.95 (1 W, 0.5 m)

[Eyanto]

Hi @YONGHO-KIM, 

Thank you for your response.

We would like to clarify further on the radiated radio frequency electromagnetic field immunity comparison between M580 controllers.

Controller	M580 dPAC (IEC 61000-4-3)	M580 ePAC	M580 Safety
Frequency Range	80 MHz ~ 1 GHz	80 MHz ~ 1 GHz	80 MHz ~ 1 GHz
Immunity Level	10 V/m (Level 3)	10/15 V/m (20 V/m DS criteria)	10/15 V/m (20 V/m DS criteria)
Reference	Modicon M580, M340 and X80 I/O Platforms Standards and Certifications document no. EIO0000002726.05 11/2023	Modicon M580 Catalog July 2025	Modicon M580 Catalog July 2025

Why there are differences in term of immunity level? It is because M580 dPAC is only designed for general industry segment?

For your information, we conducted similar radio frequency interference (RFI) test and the findings were both M580 ePAC and M580 Safety controllers did not rebooted.

Thanking in advance.