Implications of the high-power microwave weapon threat in electronic system design

Abstract

High-power microwave (HPM) sources have been under investigation for several years as potential weapons for a variety of combat, sabotage, and terrorist applications. Due to classification restrictions, details of this work are relatively unknown outside of the military community and its contractors. A brief, unclassified overview is provided, and introduction to HPM concepts is given. The key point to recognize is the insidious nature of HPM. Due to the gigahertz-band frequencies (4 to 20 GHz) involved, HPM has the capability to penetrate not only radio front-ends, but also the most minute shielding penetrations throughout the equipment. At sufficiently high levels, as discussed, the potential exists for significant damage to devices and circuits. For these reasons, HPM should be of interest to the broad spectrum of EMC practitioners. Some introductory concepts are presented. A range of topics. including threats, sources, and possible protective techniques are discussed.<>