DO-160, EWIS, and EMI

August 6, 2018 Michael Traskos

Designing a circuit diagram for a system comprised of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) is usually a straightforward process: identify the inputs and outputs of the system and connect them with wires and cables. Taking that simple high-level circuit diagram and implementing the physical design into an application can be quite difficult. This requires the proper connectors, optimized the physical routing, and ensuring negligible impact from electromagnetic interference (EMI). From an implementation perspective, it cannot be understated how much EMI can impact system performance ranging from degraded performance to make a system completely inoperable. Thankfully, there are test methods to evaluate the susceptibility of electromagnetic interference of a wire harness design. Read more

Shield Grounding and EMI Protection – Part 2

March 20, 2018 Michael Traskos

EMI, the concept of electromagnetic interference, is a relatively simple one to convey: radiated energy from other sources induces a voltage in another circuit. But like many things, the simplicity of its description belies the true complexity of mitigating it. Shielding of signal wires, wire harness shielding, shielding of power wires, induced noise studies are […] Read more

Shield Grounding and EMI Protection

March 5, 2018 Michael Traskos

The push for more electric aircraft is driven by weight savings and the availability of reliable electrical components. This is made possible with greater power generating capacity, however, this comes with an increased challenge of ensuring reliable data transmission. More power flowing through the aircraft means higher levels of electromagnetic interference (EMI). Aerospace environmental test […] Read more

How you can protect aircraft electrical systems from EMI

December 7, 2015 John Gilroy

Today’s interview is with Dan Schettler, Product Specialist at Micro-Coax. He talks about how to protect aircraft electrical systems from electronic magnetic interference (EMI). Dan’s company, Micro-Coax, has been in business for over fifty years. They have earned a solid reputation for providing custom technical solutions for wires and cable in challenging environments. The environment […] Read more

Dealing with EMI and EMV on radio frequency (RF) cables for aerospace applications

November 5, 2014 Omid Orfany

The aerospace industry has been dealing with Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Vulnerability (EMV) since the early 1900s. EMI can cause interruptions ranging from poor signal quality to an overall system malfunction, which can result in devastating outcomes for any type of plane. EMI is generated by natural phenomena like lightning and static electricity (called […] Read more

Chemical formulas and structures for wire systems

December 18, 2006 Lectromec Team

Elemental abbreviations that may be used for wire systems C = carbon H = hydrogen Cl = chlorine N = nitrogen F = fluorine O = oxygen Structure I Structure II Structure III Structure IV Structure V […] Read more

Testing and Qualification of Fuses

August 20, 2024 Michael Traskos

Aircraft electrical fuse testing includes electrical, mechanical, chemical, and thermal conditions that are representative of the aircraft in question. This article discusses the basics of electrical fuses and how they are qualified for aerospace use. Read more

High Voltage, Low Current Material Arc Resistance Testing

July 26, 2024 Megan Chambellan

Long-term exposure to high-voltage can cause an insulating material to break down and, over time, even form conductive paths along its surface. The ASTM D495 test method is a preliminary assessment of an insulating or dielectric materials’ resistance to carbon arc tracking. In this article, we discuss this test method as well as the impact and limitations of the provided results. Read more

Understanding Filter line Cables: Purpose, Construction, and Key Concepts

July 15, 2024 Michael Traskos

The primary purpose of filter line cables is to minimize EMI and RFI, which are prevalent in environments with high levels of electromagnetic noise. In this article we discuss the unique construction and application of filter line cable to better understand how these cables can be utilized in high-interference environments to protect electrical signals. Read more

To Shield or Not to Shield – A Question on High Voltage DC Cables

June 21, 2024 Michael Traskos

Shielding on aerospace cables offers several benefits but can introduce some drawbacks that must be considered. In this article, we explore the pros and cons of using shielded cables on aircraft. Read more

Search