Avionics HIRF certification for the 21st century

Abstract

The FAA and industry EMC leaders have periodically met to define the adequacy of protection requirements for civil avionics from outside interference since 1980. In 1986 the FAA Technical Center contracted for a definition of the electromagnetic environment for civil aviation. This study was performed by the Electromagnetic Compatibility Analysis Center (ECAC). The study has shown levels of exposure to this threat as high as 4 orders of magnitude (10,000 times) higher than the then current civil aircraft EMC susceptibility test certification standards of 1 volt/meter (DO-160). This environment was also 2 orders of magnitude higher (100 times) than the then prevailing military avionics systems test standards (Mil Std 461/462).