Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

TOPIC 5

ELECTROMAGNETIC
ENVIRONMENT
 Introduction
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

Any electrical or electronic device creates what is called an

electromagnetic (EM) environment as electrons are moved around
to make the device work.

In addition, there may be natural phenomena such as lightning

occurring in the same location.

An electrostatic discharge may take place even when a device or

system is not in its normal functioning mode.

When engineers first became aware of the effects of such

phenomena, in the earliest days of radio, they usually referred to
radio frequency interference (RFI).
 Electromagnetic Environment
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

Effect

Today, the term electromagnetic interference

(EMI) better reflects the fact that electrical and
electronic systems may cause disturbances
at any frequency between 0 Hz and the GHz
(microwave) range.

Electromagnetic effect :
• Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
• High Intensity Radiated Frequency (HIRF)
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The Electromagnetic Spectrum

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Frequency bands used in EMI measurement

 Electromagnetic Interference
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(EMI)
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) also called radio frequency
interference (RFI) is a (usually undesirable) disturbance that
affects an electrical circuit due to electromagnetic radiation
emitted from an external source

The disturbance may interrupt, obstruct, or otherwise degrade or

limit the effective performance of the circuit.

For example: Error in instrument indications, false indications in

radar and distance measuring equipment and unwanted triggering of
alarms

Source of EMI: flourescent light, radio and radar transmitter. The

energy source can be conducted or radiated as an electromagnetic
field
 Electromagnetic Interference
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

(EMI)
Conduction: Energy is transmitted through electrically conductive
paths such as wiring or aircraft metallic structure.
Radiation: Energy is transmitted through non-conductive path such as
air, plastic material or fiber glasss

Example: If you have a wireless receiver of any kind and use it at the
same time as you operate your personal computer, you will probably
hear RF noise in the receiver that originates in the PC system.

Problems with EMI can be minimized - electronic equipment is operated

with a good electrical ground system
 Electromagnetic Interference
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

(EMI)

In addition, cords and cables are shielded to keep unwanted

RF energy from entering or leaving.

Specialized components such as capacitors and inductors can

be installed in power cords and interconnecting cables to
reduce the EMI susceptibility of some systems.

Before performing any modifications to equipment, contact the

manufacturer for technical assistance – prevent from void an
existing warranty, and it is imperative with medical devices of
any kind
 ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
(EMC)

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is the studies of unintentional

generation, propagation and reception of electromagnetic energy
with reference to the unwanted effects (EMI) that such energy may
induce.

It has become essential for designers to consider the effects of

unwanted signals generated by avionics equipment as well as the
susceptibility of the equipment to interfere from outside.

EMC problems can occur when the system which is being adversely
affected is subject to a high field strength due to a radio transmitter.
 MEASURING AND MONITORING
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

EMC

Emissions testing requires the use of EMI measurement

equipment such as receiving antennas, amplifiers and spectrum
analyzers.

These tools provide an accurate measurement of the amount and

type of noise generated by a device. This can be done in
a) open area test site or in a shielded
b) anechoic(or semi-anechoic)
c) test chamber.
EMC testing equipment may be used to
a) subject a device to electromagnetic noise at various frequencies,
b) to simulate a power surge
c) to assess the effectiveness of a device's power supply.
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Testing headphones in an anechoic chamber

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An RF anechoic chamber
 ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
(EMC)

The sensitivity of a device to the entry of electromagnetic fields is

described by the use of the terms susceptibility or immunity

The threshold of susceptibility is the minimum interference level

(conduction or radiated) that results in equipment performance that is
indistinguishable from the normal response.

If the threshold level is low, the device is easily effected by the EMI.

If the threshold level is high, the device is not easily effected by the
EMI and are said to be electromagnetically compatible.
 Example of EMC situation
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

a) TV reception is garbled whenever someone turns

on the vacuum cleaner

b) Computer crashes during a lightning storm or power

surge and valuable data is lost.

c) Overhear a voice conversation in your stereo or

there is an annoying hum or buzz that won't go away.

d) Portable radio next to your computer always sounds

better when you turn off your computer
 High Intensity Radiated Frequency
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

(HIRF)

External disturbance caused by powerful radio transmitter or

lightning

In modern aircraft equipment, system controls that once were operated

manually via cables and hydraulics are becoming replaced by digital
electronics

In the future, commercial aircraft will have primarily electronic systems

that stabilize the aircraft and will have computer-assisted controls for all
functions that allow the plane to stay in the air

The susceptibility of flight-critical systems to external radio frequency

interference is a real concern and as a result, High Intensity Radiated
Fields (HIRF) testing will play an important role in the future of aviation.
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Why we need to protect the electrical and

electronic systems in aircraft from HIRF :

• A greater dependence on electrical and electronic systems to

perform functions required for continued safe flight and
landing of aircraft
• The reduced electromagnetic shielding afforded by some
composite materials used in various applications and designs
• An increased susceptibility of electrical and electronic systems
to HIRF due to increased data BUS or processor operating
speeds, higher-density integrated circuits and cards, and
a general greater sensitivity of electronic equipment
 Example - HIRF Generation
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 Method to minimize HIRF
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effects

Protection of critical electronics

system residing the same area by:
• Metal boxes – can prevent entry of EMI
waves to interface with systems components.
• Proper shielding of wiring systems to
prevent interference caused by stray
electromagnetic energy
• Use fiber optic data buses which are not
subjected to interference such as EMI
 Metal boxes
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

Electronic
components
inside the LRU
LRU is protected
by metal box Electromagnetic
from Field
electromagnetic
field
 Shielding
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

Shielding assist in
eliminating EMI by
• Protecting the primary conductor with
an outer conductor - by grounding both
ends of the shield.
• The braided shield carry effecting any
induced EMI directs to ground thus
preventing system inaccuracies or
failure
 Maintenance Practices
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

All wiring, plugs, sockets, and screening

on the aircraft should be inspected as laid
down in the maintenance schedule and the
aircraft maintenance manual (AMM)

The inspections are normally visual but

will require bonding testing where
necessary and the use of specialist test
equipment where specified in the AMM
 Visual Inspections
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

To check for damage, deterioration, contamination, sign

of burning, security, open circuits, correct assembly,
correct torque of plugs/sockets, locking, chafing,
corrosion, broken strands, broken screening, etc.

All wires shields, ground leads, screen jumpers are to

be intacted.
 LIGHTNING
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Lightning is an atmospheric discharge of electricity

Lightning occurs as a result of a build up of static charges within a

cumulonimbus cloud, associated with the vertical movement and collision of ice
particles, which result in a negative charge at the base of the cloud and a positive
charge at the top of the cloud.

Beneath the cloud, a "shadow" positive charge is created on the ground and, as
the charge builds, eventually a circuit is created and discharges takes place
between the cloud and the ground, or between the cloud and another cloud

An aircraft passing close to an area of charge can initiate a discharge and this
may occur some distance from a thunderstorm
 LIGHTNING
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

Lightning strikes on aircraft commonly occur within 5,000 feet of

the freezing level.

Lightning is accompanied by a brilliant flash of light and often by

the smell of burning, as well as noise.

A lightning strike can be very distressing to passengers but

physical damage to an aircraft is rare and is not likely to threaten
the safety of the aircraft.

Damage is usually confined to aerials, compasses, avionics, and

the burning of small holes in the fuselage
 EFFECT OF LIGHTNING
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

• Structural damage to aircraft from lightning strikes is rare.

• Many incidents of lightning strikes leaving puncture
Aircraft Damage holes in the radomes and tail fins of aircraft (entry and
exit holes) and damage to control mechanisms and
surfaces.

Crew • Momentary blindness from the lightning flash,

Incapacitation especially at night, is not uncommon

Interference • A lightning strike can effect avionics systems,

with Avionics particularly compasses.

• Transient airflow disturbance associated with lightning to

Engine
Shutdown cause engine shutdown on both FADEC and non-FADEC
engines with close-spaced engine pairs.
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

METAL PROTECTED AREAS B777