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.
Or for one of a variety of reasons, 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
Effect

Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

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)
- Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
- High Intensity Radiated FreqUency (HIRF)

Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

Frequency bands used in EMI measurement

Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

Electromagnetic interference (or EMI, also called radio
frequency interference or 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.
The source may be any object, artificial or natural, that
carries rapidly changing electrical currents, such as an
electrical circuit or from the Sun.

Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

The internal circuits of personal computers

generate EM fields in the RF range.
Also, cathode ray tube (CRT) displays generate
EM energy over a wide band of frequencies.
These emissions can interfere with the
performance of sensitive wireless receivers
nearby.
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.

Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

Problems with EMI can be minimized by ensuring that all

electronic equipment is operated with a good electrical
ground system.
In addition, cords and cables connecting the peripherals
in an electronic or computer system should, if possible,
be shielded to keep unwanted RF energy from entering
or leaving.
Specialized components such as line filters, 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.
This is especially important if modifications might void an
existing warranty, and it is imperative with medical
devices of any kind.

Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

ELECTROMAGNETIC
COMPATIBILITY
(EMC)

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is the studies of

unintentional generation, propagation and reception of
electromagnetic energy with reference to the unwanted
effects (Electromagnetic interference, or EMI) that such
energy may induce.
The goal of EMC is ensure the correct operation, in the
same electromagnetic environment, of different
equipment which use electromagnetic phenomena, and
the avoidance of any interference effects.
EMC problems can occur when the system which is
being adversely affected is subject to a high field
strength due to a radio transmitter. These effects are not
due to defects in the transmitter (other than poor RF
shielding), transmitter defects such as harmonics are
considered in Radio transmitter design.

Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

The sensitivity of a device, or adjacent devices, to the

entry of electromagnetic fields is described by the use of
the terms susceptibility or immunity.
Susceptibility or immunity issues, in contrast, refer to
the correct operation of electrical equipment, referred to
as the victim, in the presence of unplanned
electromagnetic disturbances.
Interference, or noise, mitigation and hence
electromagnetic compatibility is achieved primarily by
addressing both emission and susceptibility issues, i.e.,
quieting the sources of interference and hardening the
potential victims.

Example of EMC situation

Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

TV reception is garbled whenever someone

turns on the vacuum cleaner
computer crashes during a lightning storm or
power surge and valuable data is lost.
overhear a voice conversation in your stereo or
there is an annoying hum or buzz that won't go
away.
portable radio next to your computer always
sounds better when you turn off your computer.

Institute ofRadiated
Aviation TechnologyFrequency (HIRF)
HighMalaysian
Intensity

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 computerassisted 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 testing (HIRF) will play an important
role in the future of aviation.

Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

Reason why 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
- An expanded frequency range usage, especially
above the 1 gigahertz (GHz) level

Example - HIRF Generation

Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

Method to minimize HIRF effects

Protection of critical electronics system residing

the same area, the following method are carried
out
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

Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

Electronic
components
inside the LRU

LRU is protected
by Metal Box
from
Electromagnetic
field

Electromagnetic
Field

Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

1. Shielding assist in eliminating EMI by

i)Protecting the primary conductor with an
outer conductor called the shield by
grounding both ends of the shield.
ii)The braided shield carry effecting any
induced EMI directs to ground thus
preventing system inaccuracies or failure
2. Shielding is also used when one unit is
to be protected from the effects of HF
current in an adjacent unit or protection
from HIRF generated by airborne or
found equipment. (Electromagnetic
compatibility)

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 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

Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

Lightning is an atmospheric discharge of electricity

Lightning occurs as a result of a build up of static
charges within a Cumulonimbus cloud, often 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.

Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

An aircraft passing close to an area of charge can initiate

a discharge and this may occur some distance from a
thunderstorm.
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

Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

Aircraft Damage - Structural damage to aircraft from

Lightning strikes is rare and even more rarely of a nature
that threatens the safety of the aircraft. Nevertheless,
there have been many incidents of lightning strikes
leaving puncture holes in the radomes and tail fins of
aircraft (entry and exit holes) and damage to control
mechanisms and surfaces.
Crew Incapacitation - Momentary blindness from the
lightning flash, especially at night, is not uncommon.
Interference with Avionics - A lightning strike can effect
avionics systems, particularly compasses.
Engine Shutdown - Transient airflow disturbance
associated with lightning to 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

Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

The End