Susceptibility of IT network systems to interferences by HPEM

Intentional electromagnetic interferences (IEMI) have become a threat to various kinds of technical applications. Different high power electromagnetic (HPEM) sources may cause a disruption or destruction of complex electronic systems like communications systems. Even a temporary breakdown of the data transfer is very critical in some applications. In this contribution a COTS IT network system is investigated under HPEM conditions. The susceptibility of the system to interferences by ultra wideband (UWB), damped sinusoid (DS) and high power microwave (HPM) sources is tested and the interference signals on the critical coupling paths are measured. The performance of the system with additional COTS protection devices is also taken into account. The results are to allow first statements about the potential of protecting complex electronic systems against HPEM interferences.