How can you mitigate electromagnetic interference risks in aerospace systems?

1 Design for EMI

One of the most effective ways to mitigate EMI risks is to design the aerospace system with EMI in mind. This means choosing the right materials, components, and layout to reduce the generation, propagation, and reception of electromagnetic noise. For example, you can use shielded cables, connectors, and enclosures to block or divert unwanted signals, or use twisted pairs, coaxial cables, or optical fibers to minimize loop area and impedance mismatch. You can also avoid parallel routing of power and signal lines, or use filters, ferrites, or capacitors to suppress noise.

3 Monitor for EMI

A third way to mitigate EMI risks is to monitor the aerospace system for EMI issues and anomalies. This means using sensors, indicators, or alarms to detect and report any EMI events or effects that may occur during the operation of the system, as well as using diagnostic tools, data loggers, or analyzers to identify and locate the source and cause of EMI problems. For example, you can use voltage probes, current probes, or antennas to measure the EMI signals in the system, or use spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, or network analyzers to visualize and characterize the EMI spectrum and waveform.

4 Maintain for EMI

A fourth way to mitigate EMI risks is to maintain the aerospace system for EMI prevention and correction. This means inspecting, cleaning, and repairing the system regularly to avoid any EMI degradation or damage, as well as updating, upgrading, or replacing the system components or software to improve the EMI performance or compatibility. For example, you can check the integrity and continuity of the shielded cables, connectors, and enclosures, or clean the dust, dirt, or corrosion that may affect the EMI resistance or conductivity. You can also install new filters, ferrites, or capacitors, or update the firmware, drivers, or protocols to enhance the EMI protection or mitigation.

5 Train for EMI

A fifth way to mitigate EMI risks is to train the aerospace system users and operators for EMI awareness and response. This means educating and informing them about the EMI sources, effects, and risks, as well as instructing and guiding them on how to avoid, reduce, or eliminate EMI issues and incidents. For example, you can provide them with manuals, brochures, or videos that explain the EMI principles and practices, or conduct workshops, simulations, or drills that demonstrate the EMI scenarios and solutions.

6 Learn from EMI

A sixth way to mitigate EMI risks is to learn from the aerospace system EMI experience and feedback. This means collecting and analyzing the EMI data, records, and reports, as well as soliciting and implementing the EMI suggestions, recommendations, and improvements. For example, you can use statistical, graphical, or numerical methods to evaluate the EMI performance and reliability of the system, or use surveys, interviews, or reviews to assess the EMI satisfaction and perception of the system users and operators. You can also use the EMI lessons learned and best practices to refine and optimize the system design, test, monitor, maintain, and train processes.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?