EMC considerations in spacecraft harness design

A spacecraft harness or electrical distribution system (EDS) provides a functional interface between various subsystems of the spacecraft and is a major path for interference coupling. Hence, an electromagnetic interference (EMI) distribution system may be inadvertently built into the EDS, causing inconsequential to catastrophic failures. It is therefore essential to meet the EMC requirements while designing the EDS. This paper outlines EMI coupling reduction techniques, grounding and bonding schemes adopted, proper routing, harness fabrication materials, steps involved in making a typical spacecraft harness and validation of the designed EDS using in-house software.