ABSTRACT
The electromagnetic environment (EME) is a form of energy that is the same type (electrical) used by electrical/ electronic equipment to process and transfer information. Electrical/electronic systems, characterized as Level A, provide functions that can affect the safe operation of an aircraft and depend upon information (i.e., guidance, control, etc.) processed by electronic equipment. Electrical/electronic system susceptibility to such an environment has been the suspected cause of nuisance disconnects, hardovers, and upsets. As such, this environment represents a fundamental threat to the proper operation of systems that depend on such equipment. In general, the propagation of external EME energy into the aircraft interior and electrical/electronic systems is a result of complex interactions of the EME with the aircraft exterior structures, interior structures, and system installations. New system architecture measures have been evolving that could complement and augment traditional schemes to provide protection against EME energy effects.
