Conducted Emissions
Section 10: Environmental Qualification (DO-160)
Definition
Electromagnetic energy generated by the equipment that is conducted back onto the aircraft wiring (power lines, signal lines) and may cause interference with other equipment connected to the same wiring. DO-160 Section 21 (Emission of Radio Frequency Energy) defines conducted emission limits measured on power input lines using a Line Impedance Stabilization Network (LISN).
Where This Shows Up
Conducted emissions testing measures the RF energy (typically from 150 kHz to 152 MHz) that the equipment injects onto its power supply wiring. Switching power supplies, digital clock circuits, and PWM motor drives are common sources of conducted emissions. The limits vary by DO-160 category and are specified as maximum allowable current or voltage levels across the frequency range. Exceeding conducted emission limits can cause interference with communication radios, navigation receivers, and other sensitive avionics sharing the same power bus.
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Primary Sources
Section 21 (Emission of Radio Frequency Energy), defines conducted emission test methods, limits, and measurement configurations.
Related Terms
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