New insight into understanding the susceptibility of digital avionics to high energy RF (HERF)

Military programs contributed to the understanding of the susceptibility of avionics to the high-energy radio frequency (HERF) threat. It is now possible to calculate the penetration of electromagnetic energy into sensitive electronic circuits, to design protective means into these circuits, and to verify the design protection through analysis and low-level tests followed by a limited number of high-level verification tests. It is suggested that what is needed is to make available to the aircraft industry the following: a comprehensive susceptibility assessment methodology; an assessment tool set; an increased awareness of RF susceptibility of electronic/electrical systems and methods of protection; and a comprehensive application methodology for HERF protection for commercial aircraft and their avionics based on the tools, techniques, and experience developed for the US Department of Defense (DOD). It is further recommended that the transfer of the DOD HERF technology directly to industry for its use and, where necessary, as a service for assessing, correcting, and demonstrating compliance of these systems is needed