EMI Susceptibility / Immunity
Section 10: Environmental Qualification (DO-160)
Definition
The ability of equipment to operate correctly in the presence of electromagnetic interference from external sources, including RF fields from aircraft radios, portable electronic devices, radar, and other installed equipment. DO-160 Sections 18 (Audio Frequency Conducted Susceptibility), 19 (Induced Signal Susceptibility), 20 (Radio Frequency Susceptibility — Conducted), and 20 (Radio Frequency Susceptibility — Radiated) define susceptibility test methods and severity levels.
Where This Shows Up
Susceptibility testing applies RF energy to the equipment through its wiring (conducted susceptibility) and through radiated fields (radiated susceptibility) to verify that the equipment maintains correct operation. Conducted susceptibility tests inject RF energy onto power and signal lines from 10 kHz to 400 MHz. Radiated susceptibility tests expose the equipment to calibrated RF fields from 100 MHz to 18 GHz or higher. The test levels represent the electromagnetic environment expected at the equipment's installation location, with margins to account for field variations. Equipment must show no upset, degradation, or malfunction during susceptibility testing.
Primary Sources
Sections 18, 19, and 20 — define audio frequency, induced signal, and radio frequency susceptibility test methods and severity levels.
Related Terms
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