An overview of the EMC requirements in RTCA/DO-160D

RTC/DO-160D, Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment, defines a series of minimum standard environmental test conditions (categories) and applicable test procedures for airborne equipment. The purpose of these tests is to provide a laboratory means of determining the performance characteristics of airborne equipment in environmental conditions representative of those which may be encountered in airborne operation of the equipment. This paper provides an overview of the electromagnetic compatibility requirements in RTCA/DO-160D. Future directions and changes to DO-160D is also discussed from the author's perspective as a member of RTCA/Special Committee 135, which is responsible for producing DO-160D.