Voltage Spikes and Transients

Voltage spike testing uses standardized waveforms applied to the equipment power input pins. The test verifies that the equipment's input power protection circuits (TVS diodes, MOVs, input filters) adequately clamp or attenuate transient energy. At minimum, the equipment must survive the applied spikes without permanent damage; depending on the equipment criticality, it may also be required to maintain continuous operation during spike events. The spike amplitudes and waveforms depend on the aircraft electrical system characteristics and the equipment's proximity to potential transient sources.