A systematic approach for electromagnetic interference risk management

The safety and reliability of electrical and electronic systems are questioned by exposure to electromagnetic environments, as they can suffer from errors, malfunctions and even permanent damage due to caused electromagnetic interference. In particular, cases in which the electromagnetic environment is originated with the intention to cause malfunctions or destructions in key electronic systems, like critical infrastructures, are in the focus of increasing public concern. The technological development of last decades resulted in a situation in which it became necessary to protect critical systems and infrastructure against intentional electromagnetic interference threats. In fact not all critical infrastructures might be vulnerable to such environments, but without a systematic risk assessment the current situation is unknown. The required level of confidence in the protection of electrical and electronic systems against electromagnetic interference can only be achieved by applying a systematic risk management process in all phases of the system lifecycle. This article provides an introduction to the electromagnetic interference risk management process as well as to the Threat Scenario, Effect and Criticality Analysis, a novel electromagnetic interference risk analysis methodology. In the second part of the article particular aspects of the electromagnetic interference risk analysis concerning the data structure of the electromagnetic interference threat scenario and resources available to a potential offender are discussed in detail.