EMI/EMC
Contents
Introduction
EMI/EMC (Electromagnetic Interference/Electromagnetic Compatibility) is crucial for designing spaceflight hardware to ensure the reliable operation of electronic systems, prevent interference that could compromise mission-critical communications, and safeguard against potential malfunctions caused by electromagnetic disturbances in the harsh and complex environment of space. NASA’s Johnson Space Center houses essential facilities and expertise to facilitate EMI/EMC engineering development, simulation, evaluation, and certification testing for crew, flight, and ground support equipment. This encompasses a wide array of systems, including communication, instrumentation, biomedical tools, guidance and navigation devices, as well as computation and robotics. Explore the EMI/EMC capabilities below, as we invite you to join us in the exciting journey of space exploration at the forefront of discovery.
Capabilities
Conducted and Radiated Emissions and Susceptibility Testing
Overview | The JSC EMI Test Facility (JETF) is comprised of two independent shielded test facilities. The JSC EMI Test Facility (JETF) performs testing of systems and subsystems according to MIL-STD 461G requirements. Consultation services can also be arranged for developing a suitable test plan to meet imposed test requirements.
Details |
- The two independent shielded test facilities have dimensions: 23 feet x 18 feet x 10 feet and 10 feet x 16 feet x 8.5 feet
- Larger Equipment Under Test (EUT) assessments can be accommodated but require additional coordination
EMC Design Consultation
Overview | The JSC EMI Test Facility (JETF) staff can provide consultation services to assist with the development of test plans to meet NASA and MIL-STD requirements.
Details | The staff will assess design of apparatus and make suggestions for design modifications if necessary.
Engineering Support and Evaluation in Shielded Chambers for Conducted and Radiated Emissions and Susceptibility
Overview | The JSC EMI Test Facility (JETF) supports engineering development and provides EMI/EMC evaluation and qualification.
Details | Testing of crew, flight, and ground support equipment, including but not limited to communication, instrumentation, biomedical, guidance and navigation, computation and robotics systems is available. Complete EMC testing of systems and subsystems per MIL-STD 461G requirements is performed.
General Three-Dimensional (3D) Frequency Domain Electromagnetic Analysis
Overview | NASA JSC develops functional models for simulation of electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC) effects of crew, flight, and ground support equipment.
Details |
- Communication, instrumentation, biomedical, guidance and navigation, computation, and robotics
- Simulation analysis of EMC performance
Lightning Indirect Effects and Electrostatic Discharge Assessment
Overview | The JSC EMI Test Facility (JETF) staff have expertise to support lightning indirect effects and electrostatic discharge assessment on test apparatus, up to level 3.
Details | JSC EMI Test Facility (JETF) staff perform indirect effects lightning testing per RTCA DO-160 Section 22 up to level 3 for pin injection and cable bundles. Consultation services can also be arranged for developing a suitable test plan to meet imposed test requirements. A note that the rental or purchase of lightning test apparatus is the responsibility of the customer.
Reverberation Testing
Overview | Reverberation is a special type of radiated Electromagnetic Interference (EMC) testing which is sometimes required.
Details | The JETF can provide reverberation testing in accordance with MIL-STD 461G requirements.
NOTE: This facility requires longer time to coordinate.
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Test Plan Development
Overview | Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Staff can provide guidance for customers who are unfamiliar with how to write suitable test plans for meeting-imposed requirements.
Details | Consultation services may be arranged for developing a suitable test plan to meet imposed test requirements for meeting NASA or MIL-STD 461G requirements.
