Empirical Electromagnetic Pulse Response Predictions Using Stepped Continuous Wave Measurement System

Determining be susceptibiIity of an electronic system to an electromangetic-pulse has often been found many times more expensive than the actual protection of the equipment once vulnerabilities are known, whether the susceptibility assessment is performed by engineering analysis or by pulse test. This paper describes utilization of a specialized measurement system developed for the Defense Nuclear Agency to empirically predict response of a complex electronic communications installation to an electromagnetic pulse after illuminating the installation with nondisruptive low level continuous wave radiation. Effect of varying antenna design on pulse response is discussed, and comparisons of predicted and actual pulse response waveforms of several points within the installation are provided. A method of transforming the continuous wave data to pulse response is presented. The method shows promise for lightning analysis as well as its obvious cost effectivity as an EMP assessment tool. The paper discusses utilization of the measurement system in assurance testing of electromagnetic pulse protected installations.