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Testing for Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) in Aerospace Equipment

Testing for Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) in Aerospace Equipment

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a significant concern in aerospace equipment due to its potential to cause malfunctions or even catastrophic failures. EMI can be generated by various sources, including other electronic systems on the same aircraft or nearby radio frequency transmitters. As a result, its crucial for manufacturers and operators of aerospace equipment to test their products for EMI to ensure they function correctly in the intended environment.

What is Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)?

EMI refers to any electromagnetic energy that causes unwanted effects on other electronic systems. This type of interference can be caused by a variety of sources, including:

  • Radio frequency transmitters

  • Electronic devices such as computers and televisions

  • Power lines and electrical wiring

  • Lightning strikes


  • The effects of EMI can range from minor malfunctions to complete system failures. In aerospace equipment, even small amounts of EMI can have significant consequences.

    How is Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Testing Performed?

    Testing for EMI typically involves several steps:

    1. Pre-testing preparation: Before testing begins, the equipment must be properly configured and prepared to minimize any potential errors.
    2. Radiated susceptibility testing: This involves exposing the equipment to various sources of electromagnetic energy to determine if it is susceptible to interference.
    3. Conducted susceptibility testing: In this step, a signal generator is used to simulate EMI on the internal wiring of the device to test its susceptibility.
    4. HAR (Hand-Arm-Radiation) testing: This involves using specialized equipment to measure the electromagnetic radiation that is emitted by the device.

    Types of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Testing

    There are several types of EMI testing, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a systems susceptibility:

  • CE (Compliance) testing: This type of testing evaluates if a device complies with specific regulatory requirements.

  • System-level testing: In this step, the entire system is tested for EMI rather than individual components.


  • How Can Aerospace Equipment be Protected from Electromagnetic Interference?

    To mitigate the effects of EMI on aerospace equipment, manufacturers and operators can take several steps:

  • Design the device with EMI in mind: Incorporating shielding materials and using filtered power supplies are effective measures.

  • Use electromagnetic shielding techniques: Grounding systems and bonding cables together can help protect against electrical currents generated by other devices.


  • Conclusion

    Electromagnetic interference is a significant concern for aerospace equipment, as it can cause malfunctions or even catastrophic failures. Manufacturers and operators must take steps to ensure their products function correctly in the intended environment.

    QA Section

  • What are the primary sources of electromagnetic interference?

  • Radio frequency transmitters

    Electronic devices such as computers and televisions

    Power lines and electrical wiring

    Lightning strikes

  • What is the difference between radiated susceptibility testing and conducted susceptibility testing?

  • Radiated susceptibility testing evaluates how a device responds to external electromagnetic energy, while conducted susceptibility testing simulates EMI on internal wiring.

  • What types of equipment are used in EMI testing?

  • Signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and power supplies are commonly used in EMI testing.

  • How can aerospace equipment be protected from EMI?

  • Shielding materials, filtered power supplies, grounding systems, and bonding cables together are effective measures.

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