IEEE 187-2003

IEEE 187-2003 is a measurement standard for emissions from FM and television broadcast receivers in the 9 kHz to 40 GHz frequency range. It provides a technical basis for evaluating unwanted emissions from receiver equipment, which is important when assessing electromagnetic compatibility and interference risk. For organizations working with broadcast receiver design, testing, or compliance review, this document helps define a repeatable approach to emission measurements across a very wide spectrum.

About IEEE 187-2003

This standard focuses on how to measure emissions produced by FM and television broadcast receivers, rather than on broadcast transmission itself. The scope across 9 kHz to 40 GHz indicates attention to both low-frequency and microwave-related emission behavior, which can be relevant in EMC engineering work. IEEE 187-2003 is useful where consistent test methods are needed to compare products, document performance, or support technical evaluation of receiver designs under controlled laboratory conditions.

Where is IEEE 187-2003 used?

IEEE 187-2003 is typically used in engineering and test environments involving broadcast receiver equipment, including FM and television receiver development, emissions verification, and compliance-focused laboratory testing. It is relevant to teams measuring radiated or conducted emission behavior with instrumentation suited to a broad frequency span. The standard may also support product qualification workflows, especially where receiver designs must be checked for compatibility with other electronic systems and for potential interference concerns.

Importance in practice

In practice, IEEE 187-2003 helps create consistency in emission measurement so results are more repeatable and easier to compare across tests, products, and facilities. That matters when a receiver must meet technical requirements, support procurement decisions, or reduce the risk of interference complaints. Using a defined method can also improve design control by showing how changes in circuitry, shielding, or layout affect emission behavior. For IEEE 187-2003, the value lies in clearer, more defensible measurement data.

• FM and television broadcast receivers
• Emission measurement methods
• 9 kHz to 40 GHz frequency range
• EMC-oriented testing and evaluation
• Superseded IEEE standard